WANAKA II: MY FIRST (SCARY) BIKE RIDE

Today mum finally took me for a bike ride. Finally because she wanted to do it for some time but was waiting for the right combination of all necessary factors, among them weather and my physical abilities were the most important ones.

One day I figured out how to sit up, another few days I was practicing not to fall over on my face straight away and then we went for it. It was a beautiful sunny day, a little bit chilly though since summer was slowly saying its goodbye to New Zealand, and mum rented a bike with a child seat for half a day.

First of all: even though the seat was quite comfortable, it was attached to the back of the bike and these days – hello! – I like to see what is going on around and I have not even the smallest interest in someone´s back, understood? Second: Even if it was a front seat, I would not be able to see much with that huuuuge helmet which I had to wear (the smallest size possible they said) and which covered not only my eyes but easily the whole face. Third: the track along the lake towards Albert Town is flat (mum gave up her intention to take me to Glendhu Bay when she saw the terrified faces of the people from the rental shop after mentioning this side of the lake) but unsealed and far from smooth.

To make the long story short: it was a little bit scary but then I got used to it and I think I even started to like the wind in my hair. We cycled all the way to Albert Town (Jesus, the final part was terrifying!) and back and when I thought I made it... mum passed the rental shop and went on. I better closed my eyes and went to sleep. But it was not too bad because we stopped soon for a nice coffee and I got to play in grass which I like a lot because it is not moving under my butt.

Well, I survived. And I know that mum loved it and that she is already secretly trying to figure out where and when to do it again. All right, all right, just give me a small helmet and a front seat this time!

Your Annie

Some facts

When: 17. 4. 2017 Where: Wanaka How: bike (with the back child seat) How long: 3 hr. (including the coffee break) How far: approx. 30 km