We learn Something Everyday

But few of them have a major impact!

It was a Saturday morning and I went along with my trainer to one of the alleys in Mukundapur which is a neighborhood in East Kolkata to practice scooter riding. This was the second week of my learning.

The Obstacles and the Challenges

One of the biggest obstacles that I faced was taking U-turns and the tendency of leaning my body sideways while taking them. My trainer used to Hammer these words: “Madame focus! No matter what keep your posture straight.”

He further guided me that before taking a turn , let’s say towards the right, one needs to make a slight tilt towards the left. This further increases the coverage area while making the turn. The other thing to be kept in mind is that the turn needs to be completed under a constant acceleration.

My Initial attempts failed!! Again I was leaning sideways which was throwing me off balance and maintaining the scooter under constant acceleration proved to be the next to impossible task.

The Impact and the Aftershock

My trainer sat on the road pavement and he was watching me taking the turn. I took a slight turn towards right and the acceleration dropped. That was not the problem. But then I tried to kick start the acceleration again and then BANG!!!.

I dashed on to the pavement and was dethroned… It happened so fast that I didn’t realize that I lay flat on the ground covered with small rock debris and dust all over.

My trainer grasped the scooter which was hanging midway over the pavement and enquired about my well being. I nodded to indicate that I was conscious and picked myself up.

I was under the shock of the impact and took few minutes to recover from the state.

The Outcome

There was a dent on the scooter at the front end and some scratches due to the impact. He checked and took a small ride to ensure that the scooter is functioning properly.

He got back and gave the scooter to me to continue practice. I took the seat again and adjusted myself. Paused for a couple of minutes and started again.

This time my level of awareness was heightened ( nX times) and I was able to make the turn without leaning , keeping my posture straight and able to maintain the constant acceleration!

Took three-four turns one after the other and we succeeded. That blow got me. My trainer was watching from a distance and he smiled and said “Madame it seems you learned”.

I went through the pain but realized sometimes hard blows get us on the right track!

Thank you for reading my story. Please do share your thoughts/comments….