Re: Conflict of emotion, it is our next step.
Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2011 12:06 am
Regarding letting your son ride a motorbike, here are some thoughts I've had regarding similar dilemmas. First, it is somewhat sobering, the thought of letting your kid ride a bike. It's just one more scary aspect of being a father. To me, it seems logical to let him buy his own bike. There is a certain rightness to not buying a kid a vehicle. It is a step toward adulthood. The consequences of his choice are of such importance in character building that it would be a shame to interfere. A motorcycle, any motorcycle, is pretty intoxicating to a young man. A father often feels that his experience and wisdom can avert a lot of heartaches for his son. In fact, that experience and wisdom is his own and can be imparted only in small doses. His son needs to earn his own experience and wisdom. Then, it will truly be his own.
As you know, I fix and sell bicycles. There is something about bicycles that I have identified that I think few people see. Riding a bicycle is the first time most people leave their parents on their own terms. There is a primal connection to the emotion that blossomed when we took those first few bike rides. It was true freedom. We could fall but it was worth it because we were on our own, in the air, defying gravity. I can say that I am sure that motorists are envious of bicyclists.
There are some parts of that freedom that are shared by motorcyclists. Some sensations are magnified on the motorbike and some are not even there. The thing is, a bicycle, and/or a motorcycle is a metaphor for life. We can only offer encouragement and advice from the sidelines.
It's tough to be a man. It is much tougher to be a father.
Chuey
PS Your son's good bike handling started with his bike riding and/or skateboarding, skiing, etc. He looked very good on the bike. Of course, it is traffic that requires wisdom.
As you know, I fix and sell bicycles. There is something about bicycles that I have identified that I think few people see. Riding a bicycle is the first time most people leave their parents on their own terms. There is a primal connection to the emotion that blossomed when we took those first few bike rides. It was true freedom. We could fall but it was worth it because we were on our own, in the air, defying gravity. I can say that I am sure that motorists are envious of bicyclists.
There are some parts of that freedom that are shared by motorcyclists. Some sensations are magnified on the motorbike and some are not even there. The thing is, a bicycle, and/or a motorcycle is a metaphor for life. We can only offer encouragement and advice from the sidelines.
It's tough to be a man. It is much tougher to be a father.
Chuey
PS Your son's good bike handling started with his bike riding and/or skateboarding, skiing, etc. He looked very good on the bike. Of course, it is traffic that requires wisdom.
