It’s just like riding a bike (apparently)
OPINION: This year I turn 40 – and I’ve never owned a bicycle. As a result, I don’t know if I can ride one. I certainly can’t ride one confidently. The last time I rode a bike I was at a school camp aged about 15. Steering was a problem, I didn’t know how to brake properly, and I skidded in loose gravel many times while I brought up the rear of the pack with someone’s grandfather who was visiting camp for the day. Since then, I’ve just never had the opportunity or desire to get back on the horse.
(Ironically, riding a spin bike at the gym is one of my favourite workouts. The best bit? Aside from the burnt calories, the bike doesn’t fall over and I’ll never get flung over the handlebars – touch wood.)
My kids are now at the age when bikes and other twowheeled engine-less vehicles are becoming increasingly cool to use. My 7-year-old picked up his bike one day during a lockdown a few years back and just started riding it. My 3-year-old is a dab hand at scootering (until one leg gets tired and she needs to sit on it while I push her home). And my husband has a massive mountainbike that he rides up the Hutt River Trail some weekends – and quite honestly, I feel equal parts of intimidation and left-out-ness.
Being this close to 40 and for all intents and purposes ‘‘not being able to ride a bike’’, I feel like this should be my year to finally sort it out. If I can, great – harness that budding skill and do more with it. If not, learn. Embrace the wobbles and probable-falling-over, until I’ve done what my 7-year-old did when he was 5 and pushed through the fear.
I don’t know about you but as an adult, the fear of falling over and hurting myself is very real. I’m much bigger, heavier, and higher from the ground than I was as a kid, so the impact of falling out of a tree or landing on my butt while ice skating will be significantly harder. I quite happily jump on the trampoline with the kids, but getting off again is another story. The kids
just jump off the edge and absorb that ground impact like it ain’t no thang, while my achy knees creak and groan as I turn to inch my way down the ladder.
I’m not worried about turning 40 but the milestone does make me want to achieve a few things this year – starting with riding a bike. It also makes me more aware of my ability to physically do everyday activities with my kids like jumping on the trampoline or playing ‘‘chase’’ around the backyard. I don’t want to get to 50 and wish I’d spent more time being active instead of having to sit down and watch the kids play because my joints are too sore. I want to be the mum who still does all the things with my kids.
Be right back – just adding ‘‘bicycle’’ to my birthday list.