Today was a brilliant day, starting at 5.30pm when I left home in the
dark and mist.
It ended with a wonderful highlight when I taught a young lad to ride.
He came from a broken home and has been wanting to learn for years, but
until now has not had the necessary support. He told me "I have had
dreams at night of cycling to school with my friends and of using the
new bikeshed."
In the past he has been occasionally launched downhill with a friend
holding the saddle but always fell off.
Today we started by learning how to stop and the progress was
astounding. Within 15 minutes he was off, heading across the playing
field. Within 30 minutes he was steering and 10 minutes later was
signalling and waving in joy.
"You've made all my problems disappear" came the cry.
It was an emotional result and his joy was fantastic to witness. I've
taught quite a beginners but this lad was one that really stood out.
Big grins all round. It really made my day.
But back to the morning...
Earlier I had enjoyed my first real visit to a radio station when
invited to BBC Radio Solent for an item on cycle training. What fun this
was :-))
Presenter Dominic Busby wanted to do his 'cycling proficiency', and on
the back of the Bikeability publicity he did some exercises on air.
We started with signalling followed by hazard avoidance and some slow
riding manoeuvres. Surprisingly he was pretty OK but failed miserably on
his traffic signs, with the No Cycling sign being answered as a Cycle
Route.
Commentary came from Kevan James - a County cricketer, turned sports
commentator.
'Dom' was presented with a certificate saying he 'Stayed Upright'.
Apparently one listener texted in that the BBC presenters should not be
allowed on the road, given their Highway Code knowledge ;-).
Following the prog I tried to leave the security of the BBC but their
gates refused to open for a cyclist :-( An escape plan was hatched - a
car was commandeered and driven at the gates which then parted allowing
me to nip through. The car was then turned round and re-entered the
compound. Hmmmm.
I enjoyed today :-)
John B