I have something to confess. It is a little funny, a lot embarrassing and totally me. I learned how to ride a bike at the age of 32. My husband taught me, and my oldest when she was learning. Thats right folks! I still wiggle back and forth on a bike like a 3 or 4 year old the first time out with out the training wheels.
How did this happen you might wonder. As a child when everyone was learning to ride a bike, I was too. I would always fall down the hill and into the briar patches. I grew up in Colorado and our bike paths were in hills. After a while I decided it wasn't fun and told my parents never to ask again. I would stay in and draw while my parents and brother would go on bike outings. Growing up it made me unique, but as a mom it was a setback. So I learned with my daughter in the parking lot by our house. After we learned it was Winter. The Winter I discovered I was pregnant with our son, since then I have either been pregnant or had a young baby. So here we are....My babies are old enough to ride on the back of a bike. We finally have the chance to go on family bike rides. My oldest has been riding all of these years with her dad whenever possible. She is actually in the process of getting her bike license so she can legally ride on the streets with cars.
A month ago we got a seat for baby girl to go on my bike. We wanted to go on a family ride. Then it hit me. It has been 4 years can I still ride?!?! They always say "It's like riding a bike"
All I could do was hope. We bought her a helmet, dusted off all the bikes and got the children excited about the new family adventure.
There was just one thing...Mommy needed to practice a little first. You know just to be sure.
I am a determined individual and when I put my mind to something I accomplish it. I also have a strong sense of survival so I knew I wouldn't fall. I never have. I think to myself sometimes Where was all of this as a kid? Then I could have been normal an learned like everyone else. I guess I really was a little princess back then.
My oldest volunteered to take me out on a test ride. Have you seen the
episode of Frasier where Frasier and Niles learn to ride bikes? Well I am pretty much like that but instead of the trees it is me and cars. I have to concentrate and block everything out, fear, reality of my age and the fact my daughter is taking me out to practice! I only had a few months to practice earlier in life so I need to now. We want to be responsible and make sure that we are having safe fun as a family.
I remember my husband's face when we were leaving the first time. He came out on the balcony to see us off. I remember his face when he saw me wobbling down the sidewalk. He said "Oh maybe we won't be able to go today!" Ha!
I made it to the store on our test ride. I bought some drinks and bread and we headed back. Then we strapped the little ones on and went out again all 5 of us. Riding bikes as a whole family! Baby girl had fun on her first bike ride. My husband said her head was rocking back and forth. I thought oh no!
Since that day we have been out again. On longer rides. As long as no one talks to me or stops to wait/help me I am fine. Her head doesn't wobble anymore and my training continues. I don't go out to ride unless my husband is there, but soon enough she and I will be riding my bike to run errands during the day!
Anyone else have a secret they would like to share?
