The Bicycle Pedal

I slipped through the loose lower flap of the screen door and darted straight across the porch planks toward an old bicycle leaned against the railing. Its lower rubber pedal hung suspended just above the wood. Without hesitating, I leaped right onto the ribbed outer edge! My weight instantly pushed the pedal downward in a swift, clacking half-circle that set the greasy metal chain rattling against its teeth. I gripped the tread with both hands as the crank rocked back and forth, clicking softly until it came to a halt. Making that giant wheel shudder was totally worth the leap!