A Matter of Counterbalance

My birch cane clicked against the pavement as I ventured beyond the gate to inspect a bicycle resting against the stone wall. Its rubber pedal hung suspended just above the asphalt, offering an intriguing elevated platform. Gripping the crook of my cane, I set my boot upon the tread, only for the axle to pivot backward on its ball bearings. I paused, wedged the ferrule of my cane firmly against the metal crank arm, and methodically shifted my skeletal weight toward the front edge. The platform leveled with a muted mechanical click. Balancing upon this counterweighted perch, I tilted my hat to the open sidewalk, well pleased by the mechanics of my ascent.