It’s just like riding a bike

by Renzo Martinez

Everyone has heard the old phrase, “it’s just like riding a bike.” It’s a phrase we associate with things that come second nature or use to express the ease of doing something. 

As someone who grew up riding a bike and would routinely ride with my uncle through local trails, I never imagined the words, “just like riding a bike,” would one day make me cringe. When I was 25-years-old, I was diagnosed with a fourth ventricle brain tumor, known as a choroid plexus papilloma. While the tumor was thankfully benign, it reeked havoc on my vestibular-ocular system, making it difficult to generate eye movements that stabilize gaze during head movements.

As a result of my tumor, I underwent brain surgery in October of 2011. After the neurosurgery I could barely walk, let alone ride a bike. I struggled with my balance, I also had very bad double vision, which contributed to my balance issues . To have my independence taken from me depressed me. I often thought about all the awesome things I could no longer do, or so I thought. 

About 8 years post operation, I decided to give riding a bike another try, because after all, we all know how the saying goes.. I went out one day sat on my bike, put my feet onto the pedals, and sure enough, it felt right. I knew the saying “just like riding a bike” had to be true. Unfortunately, as I began peddling, I fell. Suffering this bad fall knocked me down and crushed me. I quickly realized if I could make it through brain surgery, I could do this. And so, I got back up. At one point I decided I wasn’t going to give up; it didn’t matter to me how many times I fell- I reflect back to that moment as the catalyst I needed to start riding consistently.

Despite my falls, I kept going. I started to gain the necessary confidence I needed, and before I knew it my balance dramatically improved. By pushing myself to do this activity, unknowingly, I was able to regain the confidence back to play soccer and baseball again too.

I may not be riding at the level I was pre-operation, but I am slowly getting there. With each ride I gain confidence and technical ability. I have three riding partners who are extremely patient and very encouraging. They know my limits and push me appropriately. Having a group of friends who are supportive is very helpful in accomplishing your goals. 

Nothing in life is impossible, nothing is lost. In fact, life is just like riding a bike. Y0u have to get back up when it knocks you down.