My seventh birthday gift from my recently separated, soon-to-be divorced parents was a bicycle. She was blue. She had skinny wheels, zero speeds, but raced like the wind, as fast as my legs could pedal. This gift represented my first taste of freedom, from my brothers, from the block, from my seven year old worries.
I just rode.
The first, Samantha, had to be retired at some point in my early teens. I struggled mightily to earn enough to buy my next set of wheels. She was a second-hand number, black, and heavy. Not a good fit. I kept her for a season and then traded her for the wheels that carried me right through the rest of my time with my mother and brothers. When things got tense at home, I hopped aboard and rode, no matter the time of day. It was not unusual for me to be cruising the streets of Chicago at 3 or 4 in the morning.
I rode to ease my 15-16 year old worries.
Today, four decades later, being on a bike is still my solace. This weekend presented near perfect riding weather and so I rode. Loosened the limbs, freed some cobwebs.
Freedom. Sweet.
#Microblog Monday
Wow! That must be so much fun. I have a bike but I hate the traffic here and it scares me!
ReplyDeleteKeep riding. Here is my entry for Microblog Mondays: https://happinessandfood.wordpress.com/2015/03/16/microblogmondays-the-100sareepact-2/
It is fun. Trust, I am not as adventurous as I used to be, I tend to stick to early mornings before the traffic has a chance to hit hard.
DeleteI shall. Thank you.
I love biking, too. My bike was stolen a few years ago, and I miss her. I name my bikes, too. I'm hoping to get a new one this summer.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you do. Looking forward to reading all about the event.
DeleteBeing the youngest sibling I always got the hand-me-down bikes. But I still remember the exhilaration of my very first brand new bike. For me it is joy.
ReplyDeleteOur weather has not been quite warm enough yet. So happy (and a little jealous) that you have loosened the limbs and freed some cobwebs.
Sweet riding.
The few perks from childood; having an older brother. And said brother breaking everything he every got long before it could be handed down.
DeleteBike = Joy. Yes.
Sunday was a bit cooler (and gustier) but still quite comfortable. Saturday was a winner winner chicken dinner.
Today was pretty awesome, as I understand it. I was inside for most of it.
So happy to read that you were out on your bike! Spring is really on its way!
ReplyDeleteLike the little engine that could; me and Spring sputtering along.
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DeleteThis took me back to the day I received my blue bike with a banana seat! I was in heaven! Just recently I had the chance to ride with my son near the beach. It was great!
ReplyDeleteI can well imagine, sounds like a blast.
DeleteI love that you named her Samantha.
ReplyDeleteAs a young adult I lived in Japan for a year and explored my whole environs by bike. It was my freedom, too, so your post takes me back and resonates.
I don't ride as much as I'd like or am able but love it just the same.
DeleteI am glad the post spoke to you.
I am glad you are able to start biking. Spring. Yes.
ReplyDeleteAs with Spring, slowly. Yes.
DeleteFeeling the wind in your hair is exhilarating.
ReplyDeleteThat it is, though I have very little hair and between the helmet and sometimes cap, not much going through the hair. ::smile::
DeleteThat it is, though I have very little hair and between the helmet and sometimes cap, not much going through the hair. ::smile::
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