Read this exciting short story for ESL learners about Leo and Mila’s transportation adventure! Perfect for A2+/B1 English learners to practice reading comprehension.

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Chapter 1: The Challenge Begins

Leo and Mila were best friends who loved adventures. Every weekend, they found something exciting to do. This weekend, they decided to visit the new Transportation Museum in their town.

Inside the museum, there were all kinds of vehicles—shiny cars, big trucks, colorful bicycles, and even a small submarine! Leo was amazed by the motorcycles, while Mila was fascinated by the planes hanging from the ceiling.

As they walked through the museum, they saw an old man with a big mustache working on a strange-looking scooter. He wore a blue jumpsuit and had a toolbox full of shiny tools. On the back of his jacket, it said, Mr. Fix-It.

“Hello, kids!” the man greeted them with a big smile. “Are you ready for an adventure?”

Leo and Mila looked at each other. “What kind of adventure?” Mila asked curiously.

Mr. Fix-It pointed to a map on the wall. “There are five Golden Vehicle Tickets hidden across the city. If you can find them all, you’ll unlock the greatest secret of this museum!”

Leo’s eyes lit up. “A secret? What kind of secret?”

Mr. Fix-It chuckled. “You’ll see, but first, you must complete the challenges. Each ticket is hidden in a place where you’ll need to use a special type of transportation.”

“We’re in!” Mila said confidently.

“Great! Your first challenge is to ride a car on the highway and find the clue hidden at the Bluebridge Rest Stop. Here’s the key to a small red car waiting outside. Good luck!” said Mr. Fix-It as he handed them the keys.

Leo and Mila ran outside and found the red car parked near the museum. It was small but shiny, and Leo jumped into the driver’s seat while Mila took the map.

“Ready?” Leo asked.

“Ready!” Mila replied.

They started the car and drove onto the highway. Cars zoomed past them, and the wind rushed through the windows. Mila kept her eyes on the map, and Leo focused on the road.

“There it is! The Bluebridge Rest Stop!” Mila shouted, pointing to a small area with picnic tables and a big blue bridge in the distance.

They parked the car and got out. On one of the tables, they found a golden ticket taped under a clue:

“Ride the train to the next location. Follow the tracks, and you’ll find the station near the river!”

“Let’s hurry!” Leo said. “The train station isn’t far from here.”

The two friends jumped back into the car, excited for their next challenge.

Chapter 2: The Train Tracks Mystery

Leo and Mila arrived at the train station just in time to catch the next train. The station was bustling with people—some carrying suitcases, others buying tickets or chatting on benches. The train was long and colorful, with its engine puffing steam into the sky.

“Quick, Mila! Let’s get on before it leaves!” Leo called, pulling her toward the platform.

They jumped into a carriage and found two empty seats by the window. As the train started moving, Mila unfolded the map and reread the clue: “Follow the tracks, and you’ll find the station near the river!”

Leo looked out the window. “We need to watch carefully. There should be a river nearby.”

As the train sped along the tracks, the scenery changed from busy streets to quiet fields. They passed small villages, cows grazing in the fields, and children waving at the train. Finally, in the distance, they saw a glimmer of water.

“There’s the river!” Mila pointed excitedly. “We’re close!”

The train stopped at a small station called Riverbend Station. Leo and Mila hurried off and found themselves in a quiet area surrounded by trees and the sound of flowing water.

Near the station, they spotted a strange-looking ticket booth with no one inside. On the counter, there was a sign that read:

“Solve the riddle to find your ticket:
I carry heavy loads, I have big wheels.
I’m not a train, but I’m often found on the road. What am I?”

Leo scratched his head. “Hmm, what carries heavy loads? A car doesn’t—too small.”

Mila thought for a moment. “Wait, what about a truck? Trucks carry heavy things, like boxes and machines!”

Leo nodded. “That makes sense! But where’s the truck?”

They looked around and spotted a big red truck parked near a tree. On its door was a small golden ticket taped with another clue.

“Got it!” Mila cheered as she peeled the ticket off.

The new clue read: “Head to the park and race to win your next ticket. You’ll need wheels of your own!”

Leo grinned. “Sounds like it’s time for bicycles!”

Mila laughed. “Let’s get going. The park isn’t far from here.”

They ran back to the station and saw a man unloading bicycles from the last carriage of the train. “Need a ride?” the man asked.

“Yes, please!” Mila said.

With their rented bicycles, Leo and Mila pedaled toward the park, ready for their next challenge.

Chapter 3: The Bicycle Park Race

Leo and Mila reached the park just as the sun began to set. It was a huge space filled with trees, colorful flowers, and a winding bike path that stretched far into the distance. Near the entrance, they spotted a sign:

“Race to win your ticket! The first to cross the finish line gets the clue!”

A group of kids stood near a row of bicycles, ready to race. One of them, a tall boy with a bright green helmet, smirked. “You think you can beat us? Good luck!” he said confidently.

Mila rolled her eyes. “We’ll see about that.”

A man in a referee’s vest blew a whistle and called, “On your marks, get set, go!”

The racers sped off down the path. Leo and Mila pedaled as fast as they could. The path twisted and turned through the park, with some parts uphill and others downhill. Birds chirped from the trees, and the wind rushed past their faces.

“We have to stay ahead!” Leo shouted, pedaling hard.

“Watch out for the sharp turn!” Mila called back, pointing to a narrow curve ahead.

The green-helmeted boy tried to pass them, but Mila quickly found a shortcut through a grassy trail. “This way, Leo!” she yelled, veering off the main path.

They zoomed down the shortcut, cutting ahead of the other racers. The finish line was now in sight, marked by two tall flags fluttering in the wind.

“Pedal faster!” Leo encouraged, his legs burning from the effort.

With one final push, Leo and Mila crossed the finish line just seconds before the green-helmeted boy. The referee clapped and handed them a golden ticket.

“Congratulations! You’ve earned the next clue!” he said with a smile.

Mila unfolded the ticket and read aloud:
“Take to the skies! Your next adventure is high above. Look for the balloons!”

“Balloons?” Leo asked, confused.

“Hot air balloons!” Mila said, pointing to the edge of the park, where colorful hot air balloons were being prepared for flight.

They ran toward the balloons, their excitement growing. As they climbed into the basket of a bright yellow balloon, the pilot greeted them.

“Ready to fly?” the pilot asked.

“Ready!” they both shouted.

As the balloon lifted into the air, Mila looked at Leo and smiled. “We’re really flying now!”

“Let’s see where this next clue takes us,” Leo said, looking down at the world below.

Their adventure wasn’t over yet, but they knew one thing for sure: they were having the time of their lives.

End of the transportation story

Read other English stories for Pre-Intermediate Level

Read Comprehension Questions for the Transportation Story

Story Song: Vehicles Side by Side

Lyrics:

[Verse]
Cars speed fast on highways
Buses take us far away
Motorcycles roar at night
Bicycles in morning light

[Verse 2]
Trucks carry heavy loads
Vans on family roads
The train rides on its track
Planes flying back to back

[Chorus]
Ride the road feel the wind
Zooming fast feel the spin
On the wheels we glide
Vehicles side by side

[Verse 3]
Scooters zip through the town
Boats sail all around
Hot air balloons fly high
Helicopters in the sky

[Bridge]
Jets make the engines roar
Submarines explore the shore
Segways glide so smooth
Vehicles in every groove

[Chorus]
Ride the road feel the wind
Zooming fast feel the spin
On the wheels we glide
Vehicles side by side