Neuroscientists learn more about our wondrous human brains every day. Undoubtedly, one of the most important features of the brain is the fact that it has “plasticity” — anytime we learn new things or even memorize a new list of information, long-lasting changes occur in the connections between our brain cells.

This neuroplasticity occurs throughout our lives, as our experiences reorganize the neural pathways running through our heads. Yet, we’re also told that younger people find it easier to learn languages while older people have more trouble remembering names. Maybe the brain is not as plastic as we’re told? Or maybe, the brain’s plasticity changes over the course of our lives and with age the brain loses some of this unique function.

Now, everyone has heard (or uttered) the phrase “just like riding a bike.” We say this when referring to anything that soon becomes second nature once we’ve learned how to do it. Yet, the unforgettable may actually be a type of bias — a mental prison we cannot escape. This video demonstrates what happens when a very simple change is made to a standard bike and one man attempts to remaster the familiar technique. A single adjustment completely appears to radically change the familiar process and try as he might he cannot ride.

See for yourself what the “backwards bike” riding man learns about his brain and neuroplasticity as he attempts to learn what most of us will assume to be a very simple task. His struggle may surprise you.