Last summer I decided to take a lesson to see if I would like it and as I sat on a bike for the first time in the carpark of the railway station in Derry, I was feeling a little nervous. I once sat on someone in school’s scooter after asking him to have a go, turned the right handle and the bike went flying down the road and I went straight off the back. The bike crashed into a parked car and no one was injured, although my pride was dented somewhat. So as I sat there ready to go and hoping to god the bike wouldn’t go flying without me, I pulled on the handle ‘gently’ this time and off I went. After the first lesson I felt amazing, I had met a fear and conquered it, and it wasn’t so bad after all – in fact it was awesome! I think fear can hold you back from what you really want in life, and it’s important to get the courage to conquer fears and turn them into opportunities. Whether that’s starting a business, trying out a new skill, or asking that girl/boy out that you’ve fancied for ages, in the immortal words of NIKE, ‘Just Do IT!’

Since then I’ve been taking lessons every couple of weeks and it’s been a great opportunity to clear my head. When I’m on the bike I’m not thinking of other ‘stuff,’ just concentrating on my next gear change or lifesaver. You have to do three parts to pass your test and I sailed through the theory. Next came the off-road part, which didn’t go swimingly, and I failed due to not reaching the speed limit! I’m in for the test again next week, so watch this space. By the way if you’d like to learn, or go for a lesson my instructor, Gary from ‘On Yer Bike’ is brilliant – tel. 07811 806 897 / onyerbike@gmail.com.