Riding My Bike
It’s been a long time since I was on a bike. In fact, the
last time I rode a bike any distance was when I was in high school. Back then I
had a Schwinn one speed with wide handlebars, no fenders and only a pedal
brake. Compared to today’s bikes it was a poor excuse for two wheeled
transportation. That bike took me everywhere I wanted to go.
Last spring I suggested to Judy that we look around for some
new bikes that we could ride around the neighborhood. Thinking of spending a
few hundred dollars for two old peoples’ bikes, I quickly discovered that the
bike world had changed. I was told that I would be lucky to find a bike for
under $500. That was real sticker shock.
After some serious searching, we found two Giant Sedona DX
Hybrid bikes. They are built for casual riders who like a comfy ride with 24
speeds. Wow! These are a big upgrade from my old Schwinn. With a few add-ons
like fenders, a digital speedometer, and a bell that sounds like the ice cream
truck, I now pedal all over the neighborhood in style. I am getting in shape
for a 13-mile ride coming up this fall.
Recently, I found a quote on Facebook. It describes how I
feel on my bike: “When I ride my bike, I feel free and happy and strong;
liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent
my bike is my house, my fighter jet, my island, and my friend. Together we
shall conquer that hill and thereafter the world.”
I just have to remember that I am 71 and not 16. I have to
force myself to slow down and pay attention to what I am doing. Bikes don’t
come with seat belts only helmets if you chose to wear them. Happy is the man
who can return to the days of his youth and ride a bike!
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