The decision that paved my way to Bliss and Magic
That very instance when I decided I would learn how to ride a bike that was the day when I took the first step to experience what it feels like to be free. Little did I know then that the small decision will create such amazing memories that I will cherish forever.
I got the opportunity to spend time with my family and my partner who used to go for long cycle rides. That kind of inspired me and I went along with him to get my first bike. It was a white gear-less mountain bike.
Now, that sets us on a challenge. Getting the balance and to have control over the bike seemed to be a daunting task. For 2–3 days I just took my bike and tried to balance myself by lifting my legs up and taking the bike forward. My dad used to accompany me for the practice sessions. Needless to say we were not getting the balance quite right and yes you do feel the frustration…..
During that time due to improper seat alignment of my bike, I hurt my pelvic region and it was painful. The pain intensified in the course of our subsequent practice sessions. But I just kept shut and moved on as I feared if I expressed the same, dad would call off the sessions.
On the fourth day, my dad said “Barsha I will support you from back (by holding the saddle), just lift your legs up and move”. Yes I was scared of falling down but just went ahead. I was swaying left and right, seemed like a toggle button which is malfunctioning but somehow we were able to get a better grip and traveled a certain distance with my dad’s support.
Something magical happened on the 5th day. As usual we came down in the evening for practice session and got on the bike. Dad gave a slight push and then he took his hands off the saddle and guess what?? We did it!! I was able to balance myself on the bike and took a complete round.
My dad was elated. He recorded few seconds of the ride. He was really happy. We used to practice in a specific lane behind our house. There was a couple who used to watch our practice session at times. That day they congratulated us on achieving the feat. That was a lovely gesture.
From the next week on wards we set-off on a journey of exploration. We used to take our bike early morning and covered places where I lived my entire childhood-teenage life and went beyond. The only difference was, this time we had our bike.
I just fell in love with the place. These memories are really precious. Sharing some of the stills of our journey here. From 5 km we increased the distance to 10kms and more. And yes for me this experience was MAGICAL.
One thing I realized that you need to go through the pain to experience the bliss. And that’s what exactly riding my bike taught me.
