Wrapped up like a pretzel, I freed his legs from the frame, dusted him off and
tended to his war wounds. He is no Lance Armstrong. Then again, how
could I blame the boy knowing his genetics. He is definitely set for the
same love hate relationship that his father has with the bicycle.
Watching my son weave down the street on his bike with parked cars
on either side is frightening. I can’t help but contemplate whether to
get better insurance or just start an autobody and paint shop. While
seeing him wobble to and fro today I remembered my own history.
5 years old. My first bike was a dark blue beauty with a banana
seat- Dad let me go, and I ran into the apple tree in the yard. One
damaged apple tree.
11 years later. Bike was a borrowed BMX with sleek aluminum
and a half inflated tire tube tied to it. – Rode that bike down the hill and
off the dock into the lake. One lost BMX.
1 year later. Bike was a snappy green beauty. 40km an
hour and a fallen tree across the trail tells the story. One broken
collar bone, and one broken wrist.
6 years later. Bike was a second hand gray beauty bought on
a student salary. Rode in front of a Ford Thunderbird. One spine
board and ambulance, one four foot bruise, and one expensive traffic
ticket.
4 years later. Bike was a silver beauty. Riding on the
sidewalk with one hand holding a pizza box. Decided to use the left hand to
shift gears on the right handlebar. One scraped shoulder, one ruined
pizza, and one white van with very good brakes.
April 12, 2012. Bike is a snappy blue, borrowed from my
wife. Riding in the trees, with the wind in my face and thankful to be
alive. One wonderful ride, ZERO regrets.
Glad to back biking: Vince Krebs
Glad to back biking: Vince Krebs
I loved your post. My bike is one of my most prized possessions. I love riding, and can't wait for the proper weather to get here so I can take it out of winter hibernation.
ReplyDeleteGood luck controlling the fatherly stress. As I know your mother still continues to carry hers!
ReplyDeleteSo are you going to get a motorcycle now?
ReplyDelete