Week 1 Task 1 - Learn To Ride A Bike Day

[Lex Green]

Let’s start at the very beginning (a very good place to start), with one of the events celebrated on the very first day of May, Learn To Ride A Bike Day. This is a day to celebrate the connection formed by teaching someone, often a younger person, to ride, the inclusivity of cycling together, and generally all things bike-related!

Despite being one of the most common skills - to the point that we use ‘easy as riding a bike’ as a colloquial phrase to show how simple another task is - this day is not widely known about, or celebrated. Communities that do celebrate the day may do so by using the opportunity to teach someone how to ride a bike, or host group cycling sessions to connect with others.

Task:
In at least 100 words, share a story about learning to ride a bike. This could be a real account of how you learnt to ride a bike, either IRL or for your HOL character (but if you choose to use an IRL story, make sure you don’t include any identifying details), or a completely made up story. It could be super simple, or very complicated - maybe you learnt straight away, or maybe you took a few tumbles along the way…

Post your story below to earn 10 beans/sapphires, plus a potential 10 beans/sapphires for completing all the Week 1 tasks by the end of the activity. All submissions are due at 11:59pm on May 31st.

[River Fenwick]

I vaguely remember learning how to ride a bike. For me, it took place in multiple locations, which I guess was so I could learn how to ride a bike on different textures. It was primarily at my childhood house when I was around 5 or 6. We were fortunate to have a larger yard to ride around in, which is the primary area (and also ideal) to learn because it would somewhat cushion the inevitable falls. Occasionally, after hours, I would be brought to a park or a local church to ride on their pathways and grovel/asphalt. The most vivid memory was in the yard, telling my parents they could let go of the bike, only to look back and realize they already did.

[Luna Ravenlong]

I have issues with balance and coordination, so was told when I was 4 or 5 that it was unlikely I’d ever be able to ride a bike without stabilisers. It took a few years, but the summer I was 8 I decided it was time to try and learn (mainly because my then 5 year old sister had just mastered it!) We were staying at a chalet in in holiday park, and my dad and granddad spent a couple of hours a day trying to teach me on a rented bike. The place we were staying had wooded paths, which was good as it was softer than falling on concrete-and I fell a lot. But after a lot of effort, frustration and falls, I managed to get the hang of balancing on two wheels, and cycle unassisted. Cycling back to the bike rental shop without falling or having to stop was a very proud moment.

[Ellie Vernez]

When learning to ride a bike, I'm not sure how old i was but I was taught by my mum or dad holding the back of the bike as I peddled and they ran along with me. Once I got my balance they would let go and I would try and peddle myself.
And let's just saw it took a very long time for me to get it. First time they let go I panicked and crashed. And then because I knew what was coming I panicked every time.
One time they let go and I actually did peddle for a good while when I lost my balance and crashed into a parked car.

And then finally they did it one time and I didn't even know they let go. I just carried on peddling away