My Almost 30 Bucket List
By apostrophe
@apostrophe (10)
Philippines
June 10, 2012 11:03pm CST
Last year, mid-December, I learned how to ride a bike. Mind you, I did not say I re-learned bike riding. I learned, for the first time. I had a very sheltered childhood and I was not allowed to do so many things. Riding a bike was one of those no-nos when I was growing up.
But, I decided that the only way to learn how was to buy one. Good thing I found a previously owned bike. It served its purpose, and it did it well. It was a big challenge to learn because aside from being overweight, I have this big fear of falling and breaking my bones. My boyfriend had to be firm with me to push me into learning riding a bike before I end my session.
I managed to learn in what felt like forever, but it was roughly 2 hours. The next challenge was to remember that I needed to keep pedaling. That was when my 9-year old son stepped in. He ran beside my bike shouting "left, right, left". That night, my 9-year old son became my staff sergeant and personal trainer...plus, life coach.
It took me a few days to learn how to turn and ride in circles. But, now, I am proud to say that I have been able to overcome my fears and I am even able to ride on highways. Whether it is to do errands or to simply enjoy the ride, I am thankful for my bike trainers.
Next up, I need to gain some speed. What about you? What pleasant riding experiences do you have? And, around what age did you learn?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@sid556 (30959)
• United States
11 Jun 12
Hi Apostrophe,
Welcome to Mylot!
Great job!! I imagine that it is so much harder to learn something like that as an adult rather than when you were a child. As an adult, you tend to develop fears that as a child you wouldn't have, I think. I honestly don't remember for sure when I learned to ride a bike. I know that I was really young. I'm thinking like 5 or 6 maybe without training wheels. I used to ride a lot but it has been so long since I have. It's like swimming....just one of those things that you never forget how to do. I just know that if I had a bike right now that I could jump right on it and ride. It used to be my main form of transportation for the longest time. Reading this discussion, you have me missing it. I'm tempted to go out and buy one. It would sure save on gas. Anyway, good for you for learning that! And good for your personal trainers! You should be proud of yourself! 
@apostrophe (10)
• Philippines
11 Jun 12
Thanks for the warm welcome Sid!
*blushes thank you, thank you. I feel like bowing now. And,I feel like giving a medal to each of my personal trainers. Their presence sure has made it easier for me to get over my fears. What you say is true, though. Certain things are more difficult to learn when you are an adult because you have fears that prevent you from doing what needs to be done.
It is very different as when you are a kid because you are more carefree. Oh, speaking of swimming, I need to learn that, too. I plan on using my bicycle my main form of transportation, well, it is my only form of transportation aside from walking. Yes, yes, yes! Go and get yourself another one. Save gas, save Mother Earth.
@rane247 (78)
• Philippines
11 Jun 12
Good for you! It is indeed a great achievement learning new things. Life is so beautiful, there were a lot of awesome things to learn about it.
Fortunately, I learned how to ride a bike when I was around 7-10 yrs old. My Uncle bought us bike. I remember, there were alot of wounds, scratches I encountered before I could master how to ride a bike. I think that would be my striving-hard moment at that time.
Right now, I'm planning to drive a car. Definitely hard but like when I was a child I strive to learn. :)
@apostrophe (10)
• Philippines
11 Jun 12
Fortunately for me, I did not have scratches and wounds to worry about. I was too scared during the first few minutes that I was not even moving that much.
I, too, do not know how to drive a car. I wish you luck and safety then! You can do it!
