Mural on wall of bike round-about in Northfield, MN. Artist is Adam Turman.
Varied terrain when you ride your bike,
May have some miles that you do not like.
Steep uphill, steep down,
May cause you to frown.
Still I would much rather bike than hike.
That thing you love to do… why do you love it?
Years ago ...
My youngest grandchildren were little.
I was at a holiday dinner.
Seated around the table were
Eleven adults and two children, 4 and 6 yrs.
The 6-year-old had gotten skilled at
Riding his small bike.
He was enthusiastic!
During dinner, he loudly made himself heard
With an observation and a question for me.
"GramaLin, I lo-o-ove to ride downhill.
I swoop down and ride really fast.
Going fast downhill is so fun.
GramaLin, do you like to swoop downhill?"
I thought...I could just play along…but...
"No. I really don't like going fast downhill.
In fact, on my way downhill,
I often put on my brakes."
He thought.
"Well if you don't like to go downhill,
Do you really like to pedal uphill?"
"No. Going uphill can be hard.
Pedaling hard uphill isn't my favorite."
He thought, then spoke with confusion,
"If you don't like going downhill,
And you don't like going uphill,
What do you like about biking?"
The other adults at the table
All looked in my direction,
With eyes that said,
"How are you going to get out of this one?"
Left: My law-abiding bicycle .. stopped as directed. Right: A good place for a drink of water.
Really, I don't remember how I answered him.
How I described that I really liked to bike,
Despite the uphills and downhills that are part of it.
My words were enough to convince him that
I belonged with him in the
"Happy-Riding-Bikes Club."
Over years since questions from grandson,
I have thought about them.
What do I like about riding my bike?
I like getting to some spot under my own power.
I like feeling satisfaction with overcoming some hard parts.
I like knowing that I can be strong enough to make it happen.
I like knowing my bicycle can sometimes be my transportation.
I like slurping water from my bottle
I like digging into my snack bag for some food energy.
I love pedaling and having my mind settle into a calm groove.
While I can, I will continue to bike.
Putting on the brakes on swoopy downhills,
Shifting into lowest gears to make it uphill
(Or walking uphill, naming it cross-training).
Still part of the "Happy-to-Be-Biking Club.”
What is your "Happy-to-Be-_____ Club?
Is it about yarn, books, wood, paper, vegetables, so much more?
You can let me know.
Let's all keep doing what makes us happy.
Add in a happy dance everyday.
Hugs,
Lin
Masked for this bike ride. Smoke particulate in the air. Total disguise if ever needed.
