Training Wheels

The story, "The Deep Water," by William O. Douglas reminded me of a time in my life when I was also struck by fear. In my situation, my fear was riding my bike without the training wheels. I must have been about 7 or 8 at the time when my fear started. It actually seems like it was yesterday.

My aversion to taking off the training wheels started on a hot summer day. I was riding my bike in front of my house. A boy from down the street who was in middle schools came by and started to tease me. He was known as the neighborhood bully. All the kids my age were afraid of him. That day, he not only teased, he pushed me really fast until I feel off my bike and scraped my knee.

The following summer, my parents were really bugging me to take off the traning wheels. All the other kids in my neighborhood my age were riding without the baby wheels. All I kept thinking about was how much it hurt that time I fell and scraped my knees. I guess I would have to learn some time.

My dad took off the wheels, and held me by the waist and ran behind me as I peddled. I was doing great until he let go, Once again, I scraped my leg. My dad said maybe that is enough for one day. The next day, we tried again. Same thing. I did great until my dad let go. I was afraid I would never learn to ride.

The next day, my mom tried to help me. She said I needed to get more speed and learn to peddle on my own. Instead of going right on the street, this time our plan was to let me go down our hilly driveway. Mom was behind me holding my waist as I stared to pick up speed. Then she let go. This time, something was different. I was peddling on my own. I went further than ever before. I was so happy and proud. I went straight into the field across the street and my bike fell. This time, I did not get hurt, as the tall grass was a soft landing.


I went back up the driveway and did it again. All by myself this time. Right back into the field across the street. After several time, I was able to ride on the street