If you’re following along in my Genius Hour project, I’ve been trying to fulfill a dream of mine and learn how to ride a bike! Because of the pandemic, my bicycle has been back-ordered for awhile. Although I got a chance to practice with a bicycle at the store for at least an hour, I was not successful in riding the bike with comfort and ease. I did make progress with balancing on the bike and I will take that small win for now.
My next idea was to borrow my sister’s bike. I lugged that archaic white bicycle from my sister’s in my small Prius with a renewed sense of purpose. I’m not going to wait for the perfect bicycle, I’m going to make do with what I have. Getting on and pushing off seemed like a good idea for a few seconds until I took the biggest tumble, scraped my elbow and leg. The bruises came a few hours later. I definitely needed more practice balancing before I jumped into trying to pedal.
As I’m sitting here nursing my sore muscles and my bruised ego, I at least know how it feels to fall. I didn’t break a leg or an arm which was my biggest fear. I fell, it hurt but it wasn’t unbearable. I’m going to try again this weekend. The weather is supposed to be sunny and in the 70s. I’ll be less sore by then and ready to go with a helmet, knee pads, and arm pads. Yes, I quickly Amazon primed that. If I fall again, I’ll be better prepared!
My biggest fear right now is not learning how to ride a bike before this course finishes. Trying to keep positive thoughts and motivation. Adults can learn how to ride a bike, I hope it’s never too late. Let’s do this!
Hello,
I admire you taking on a new challenge! It is very difficult to learn a new skill as an adult. Like you said, take balancing as a win. Every time you get on a bike take it as a win. I think you’ll find riding a bike a very rewarding way to relax once you learn how to do it. Tomorrow is supposed to be a nice day. Best of luck to you!
Keep it up! That’s good that you got more safety items. When younger people fall and learn things it seems like they recover quicker than we do, but that’s wise to be prepared. You are problem-solving your way through this new process which is commendable.