The Bicycle - Tracy's C1 Speech

One of the fondest memories during my childhood is the pleasure of riding a bicycle.
 
When I was a kid, every day my father took me to school by his bicycle. That was an old black one and I always sat at the rear of the bike. All the way along what I could see was only his back, upright and unafraid. Suddenly, I started to dream that someday I would have my own bicycle, like a daydreamer. I composed a beautiful picture that my bicycle would be a pure white one, and I would wear the white wristbands and the kneepads just like the American town junior once I saw in a pictorial magazine. And I would ride as fast as I could towards wherever I want to go, let the wind blow my long hair floating. (Sounds like the advertisement, ’Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Cover Girl’. Yes, I want to be a Cover Girl.)

 

So when I entered high school, I persuaded my parents to buy me a bicycle as a reward. But my first bicycle was not a white one; instead, it’s in silver color, simply because at that time there wasn't any bike which could fully match my thoughts at the market, so my parents bought me the best selling model with the most popular color. I remember that day my father began to coach me ride. He ran beside me, holding the saddle as I struggled to balance on two wheels. Suddenly his hands were no longer there. I was left alone and riding by my own, gripping the handlebars with all my strength as the bicycle wobbled dangerously down the street. I remember jumping off excitedly and yelling, ’Dad, I did it! That’s so interesting! Let’s try again!‘ And I could still remember the expression in my father's eyes - a mixture of pride and concerns, as he began to worry about my future safety.

 

Many years have passed, I rode from high school to university, from downtown to suburban area, though I haven't met my dream white bike, my dream of riding at ease is continuing. Last National Day I rode the bike with my colleague along the coastline of Weihai for 10 hours. I can’t forget how fascinating that day was. Blue sky, white cloud, fresh air, the hill road was surrounded by leafy trees, singing birds, and sunshine dotted everywhere, as if I had never been that close to the nature. Pedaling uphill was really tiring and hard but worthy while the accompanying sense of achievement brought the confidence that I could conquer every difficulty in my life. When it came to downhill, acceleration caused by gravity then started to make adrenalin go up. Any trouble, stress or pressure before all faded away with only cheer, delight, and happiness left. This enjoyable and exciting journey of more than 100 kilometers has left a deep impression on me and I am very proud of this achievement which has strengthened my love for bicycle.

 

(At this moment, I own a forever brand 24 inch size bicycle. Compared with those multifarious mountain or foldable bikes, though it doesn't look cutting edge or fancy, yet it's much more reliable and stable to give more pleasant experience when thinking about the body kit, steel supporting leg, and stainless braking system. Especially, I bought a "paradise" lock for it; in hope this bike could accompany me forever.)

 

There are so many reasons for riding a bicycle: it's a good way to maintain your health. It's a cost saving and efficient means of transportation, especially in large cities. It doesn't pollute our environment, for in today’s society more and more people have begun to care for low-carbon and green concept. It allows you to travel quietly and at your own speed, meantime enjoy the sightseeing and sounds of nature in a direct way. These are all good reasons. But for me, the most important reason for riding is the pleasure it gives, a pleasure forever associated in my mind with the joys of childhood.