Small Sunday Successes

After yesterday's leap into the bushes and unceremonious fwap on the asphalt, it was time to take the dragon out once more.

I had very simple aspirations for today - walk the bike down to the end of our street and ride it back to our driveway without falling down or running into the path of a car, THEN falling down.

A very nice couple with a small barky dog was on my side of the street; two young bicycle riders were weaving figure 8s in the street from the other side. I didn't know which of the two unnerved me more - the kids weaving in their confidence, or the couple whose dog I was pretty sure to run over in the next five seconds.

I told myself to start easy, then stepped on the left pedal, pushed down, missed the right pedal with my right foot, stumbled for a moment until the pedal made it around again, found it and started up the street. I pedaled until I felt the speed, and stayed with it as long as I could. I left the couple, the dog and the kids behind. Not far behind, since I was moving rather slowly at first, but behind nonetheless.

I had to stop, but only twice; once about halfway through when I had begun to take up more speed than I was ready for. The other stop was when I reached the driveway. I tested the brakes, press, release, ride, press, release. The first stop was a little clumsy but I stayed upright, breathing normally. I looked down - no ground zooming up towards my face this time!

And the second stop -- oh, the second stop was worthy of a Tour de Francer. It was seamless, it was steady, and when I stepped off the saddle and put both feet on the ground, it was balanced.

I looked and felt like an adult.

And since I know that it is always best to stop a lesson on a positive note, I thought it a great time to celebrate by taking the dog for a walk. On my own two feet.