My first ride

I think I was around 5 or 6, when my dad said he was going to buy me a bicycle. All of my brothers had their own bicycles, so I was naturally excited of the prospect of getting one for myself. We took a trishaw and headed towards old town. The bicycle shop was located on the right of the main road, a few shop lots away from the junction that turns to my school. 

As we reached the shop, I jumped down of the trishaw and headed straight for the row of bicycles my size. There weren't too many choices, and I eventually picked the one with red and yellow sticker. Part of the reason I picked that particular one was because it came with those small supporting wheels attached to the rear tyre. I didn't know to ride a bicycle, so it was just natural to picked that one. My dad asked if I wanted that one, and I nodded. He asked for the boss. I took the opportunity to check out the other bicycles as my dad negotiated the price.

When I returned to my dad, I saw the boss holding a spanner and loosening the screws of the supporting wheels. My heart raced, and asked my dad what is the boss doing. He confirmed my fear when he said the boss is removing the supporting wheels. I asked why. He told me if I really want to ride the bicycle, I should learn it the right way.

On the way back home, with my new bicycle resting on the foot rest of the trishaw, my initial joy had turned into anxiety. Why is life so unfair? Why other kids get to learn to ride with the supporting wheels?

My mom and brothers were excited to see us return with the new bicycle. My brothers offered to teach me, but I was so scared I just went to sit down. After some reassurance form my mom, I decided to give it a try. My brother held the handle and asked me to paddle. As I was gaining speed, he let go of the handle and I fell on my side straightaway, hurting my knees. They laughed and says it is normal to fall. I hated them at that moment. I cried. My mom came to help me up and rubbed my knees. She too said it is normal to fall.

That evening was really an intensive training for me. My brothers took turns to teach me, with my mom and dad watching by the side. The next day I was able to ride by myself and soon after was doing all sorts of daredevil stunts. That red and yellow bicycle became my best friend for a long time, and new frontiers were discovered almost by the day. I am so glad my dad asked the boss to remove the supporting wheels the other day.