Bike Riding

This week my son’s class had their bikewise session. It’s a program that most schools do these days - kids learn about road safety by riding bikes around and completing set exercises where they have to put road signs and signals into practice. As my son excitedly recollected his experience my mind turned to my own bike riding experiences.

I road my bike a lot on my mission as a young adult in my early 20’s. Especially around the Elizabeth/Paralowie area. Some of my companions couldn’t ride a bike and had to learn on the mission but as far back as I can remember, I always had a bike. And like they say it’s a skill you never forget. Once you can ride a bike you’ll always be able to ride one.

 I started with a trike that had a tray so I could take passengers for a ride. I then graduated to a “grown up bike” when I was about 6. I never had training wheels. My parents bought the bike with training wheels but my Dad took them off saying that if I used the training wheels I’d always rely on them and it would take me longer to ride independently. So I would ride while he held on gently to the metal at the back of my seat, striding along with me. I’d get a little faster and him being in his fit 30 year old body he’d jog along with me.  Reassuring me and coaching me along the way. Don’t look back focus on your riding I will always be here. I found confidence and did as he said until suddenly I heard his voice was meters behind me and I panicked and lost balance. “Don’t look back he called! NEVER look back! Look straight ahead and focus and you’ll be alright!” I never knew all those years ago now that I was learning more than just bike riding.

Who would have thought that 36 years later I would see valuable lessons in it…

Lesson 1:

The truth is, when we do have training wheels it is harder to let them go and balance without them. So much so that most kids can probably ride long before they are removed. But we become reliant. This is the same in life. Sometimes we can’t let go of things that we don’t really need anymore and sadly we hold on to them not realising how much better it is without them.

Lesson2:

My Dad may not be able to keep up in his now aged and tired body but he is always there for me when I need him.  To date with all of us siblings when we’ve needed him he’s never faltered or shirked his responsibilities and has always been our number one supporter (alongside Mum of course).

And just because he isn’t holding my bike physically doesn’t mean he isn’t holding my wants and my desires in his heart. Cheering me on and wanting me to succeed. I just have to keep looking ahead and focusing on the goal.  

Lesson 3:

It isn’t easy as a parent to let go (not completely but enough to let them grow)….What if they fall over? Or Hurt themselves? What if they never get on a bike again?  But as a parent we need to know how much rope to give. My Dad knew how to teach whilst allowing growth. A lesson I now need to learn as my son prepares for high school and I fear what will become of him. I guess I have to believe that our experiences together will continue to sustain and teach him continually and long after the lessons have been taught. Like my Dad's lessons continue to sustain and guide me. 

Thanks Dad xx