learn to ride a bike

I haven’t tried this again since I had to return the rental bike three months ago. But I stole my roommate’s bike tonight and took it out. It’s a better bike than the rental was, which basically just means that I don’t have to worry about parts flying off. There’s a slight downward slope in my alley and I can coast down it just fine. Where the ground is level, I can manage a few rotations of the pedals, but I fishtail all over the place and the alley’s not wide enough to accommodate my zigzag without crashing into walls. I think I need to scope out someplace a little roomier to practice until I can go straight.

Why do I seem to be the only asshat on the PLANET that just can’t manage this? I know there’s nothing wrong with my balance, why can’t I just do it already? I know I did it as a kid? And you’re supposed to never forget. What the hell??

I was doing quite well with this, but the bikes got to go back to the rental place tomorrow. Sigh… so close. Well, one of my roommates has been talking about switching out her motorbike for a bicycle. AND… now that I’m reacquainted with balancing on two wheels again, even if I am still not comfortable, I think I’m ready to brave the motorbike again.

But I’m still not comfortable enough on two wheels to check this off my list.

I did learn at one point… but I’ve only ridden a bike about five times ever and not in nearly 20 years. I gave it a try just last night and, while they say you never forget, it was pretty hopeless. I was all wobbly and kept having to put my feet down. My goal is to take it out for an hour a night when there’s not so many people around to laugh at me. And then to learn to ride a motorbike.

It’s so good to learn that there are other people like me who somehow lack this basic childhood skill.