Once upon a time I could ride no-hands and my bike was a 'trusty steed'. That was long ago and I haven't felt the need to test or expand on such skills as I pedal around today. But, oh, I do admire people who look to be 'one' with their bikes. Who can balance at intersections, sometimes bouncily. Who can come to a curb and lift both bike and self in an effortless levitation. Who can turn around in their seat and look behind them without swaying or wavering one iota. Who aren't afraid to entrust themselves to toe-clips. (I feel the same awe for people in kayaks!) Who can run alongside their bike and fling leg over and leap aboard. Whew and wow!
It's not that I am dissatisfied with my biking abilities. I love that my bike has gears and now use a whole bunch of 'em. I can kick my kickstand back in place if it starts clicking without having to stop and get off my bike to do so. Mostly I get my saddlebags on facing the right way the first time. And - I've discovered 'power biking'. You know how people 'power walk' with exaggerated motions - well, I can do it on a bike. I suppose it looks a bit bizarre and maybe a few people have had their heart lurch into their throat thinking I am about to topple over, but, boy, does it increase the exercise I get in my daily ride!