Radial Ascent

I slipped past the front storm door onto the weathered porch planks. Leaning against the exterior railing stood a parked bicycle, its frame catching the pale morning glare. I mounted the ridged rubber pedal, feeling the crank arm dip two inches under my weight before locking into counterweight. Reaching forward, I gripped two vertical stainless steel spokes. The thin metal felt rigid and cold against my gloves. Shifting my center of balance, I stepped onto the lower cross-pattern. The wheel gave a brief, half-inch rotation, then settled firmly into alignment beneath my boots. High perimeter secured.