Learning To Ride a Bicycle

When I was four years old my father bought me a bicycle.  It was a small one with little training-wheels attached to the back wheel.  For a year I rode the bicycle around happily this way. Then my father decided that it was time I learned to ride properly, that is, without the training-wheels.  I was horrified!  I protested that I might fall down. However my father insisted and he removed the training-wheels. Next he put me on the bicycle and told me to ride.  With apprehension I started to pedal off.  The bicycle responded beautifully.  Then I realised I was actually cycling without the training-wheels.  What a great feeling it was!  The great feeling gave way to panic when I tried to turn.  Without those training wheels I fell,  fortunately on soft ground.  My father howled with laughter. I picked myself up and tried again.  Again I fell.  I tried and tried, not giving up.  After many tries I began to be able to control the bicycle properly.  This time the great feeling remained.  The falls were worth it. Now I can ride the bicycle well and have no fears anymore.