Hardly Alien: south korea

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Bike ride in Seoul Forest

My first and only bike ride has been in middle school when, because of a small accident I caused, I promised myself I wouldn't ride a bike ever again. But as time passed, I got to regret my decision. I didn't want to be the adult who doesn't know how to ride a bike because of fear! Also, whenever I see other people doing it, it just seems so effortless (which it actually is) and, in a way, elegant. I decided I would do it and, when my friends invited me to Seoul Forest with them, the perfect opportunity showed itself.
We rented bikes and I hopped on. It was a slow start, and I had to stop every 20 seconds to start again. A bit of help from my friend, and a few encouraging words, and I totally forgot about everyone in the park and my fears, and I just focused on me and my bicycle. It was amazing how fast I learned to keep it straight, to stop pedalling when going down a slope and all the other things that seem so irrelevant to the people who know how to do these things since they were 4. But to me, it was an entirely different experience. It made me feel empowered. I could learn so fast and so well in such a short time, when it's been something I was afraid of doing for so long.
We rode around the park for a while, then my friends suggested we ride on the side of the river. As soon as we went on the promenade and bike tracks another mixture of feelings overwhelmed me. I was again afraid - afraid to not hit anyone walking on the side, or any of the bikers going and coming in my direction. People yelled at me to move more to the side and sounded their horns at me. Even though I was nervous at first, I felt more and more confident. And I dared to look to my right and see the view. The river was sparkling under the sun like it was covered in crystals. That's the moment I felt bliss - I felt so free and happy.
I can't remember the last time I felt this and I am so grateful I did. I will definitely go there and ride the bike again and learn what is left to learn.