BMX Bandit
I was about ten or eleven, and I'd had my best-ever, blue and yellow BMX for a good while. During the school summer holidays that year, me and a few friends were showing off as young boys with bikes are wont to do.

I decided to see if I could ride while standing on the seat. With my mates watching, I picked up a little speed and, gripping wildly onto the handlebars, I climbed via the frame onto the seat. Result! I was a wheeling dervish, a trickmeister, god of the street.

I wondered if I could take it one step further. Could I let go of the handlebars?

I took a deep breath and released my grip, standing tall and grinning at my friends.

Cue me, flat on my back on the concrete, my bike freewheeling upright off down the hill. I was a bit dazed, but no blood, not a bruise or scratch to show for my efforts. The only lasting reminder was the ribbing I got from my mates anytime I tried tricks after that.

I wish I could still bounce like I did as a kid!
( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Wed 30 Jul 2008, 12:44, Reply)