One of my fondest childhood memories have to do with bike riding. While living in Idaho, my BMX bike took me anywhere and everywhere. At only 8 years old, I got my first taste of freedom through my bike, as I was allowed to ride it on my own to many different places–school, library, roller skating rink, etc. At times, it became my imaginary “horse” as I maneuvered it with one hand, and held a baton (my imaginary sword) in my other hand. I gave friends a “pump” on my bike often, tried a variety of tricks that caused severe cuts and bruises all over my legs, and rode an average of 2-5 miles a day.
I stopped cycling once we moved back to San Francisco at age 10, since I became a city girl that took the bus everywhere. Still, cycling skills don’t ever go away, and I’ve enjoyed being on a bike again on some of the trips that Alan and I took. We’ve rode across the beaches of Barcelona, down rocky roads in Anguilla, even across the Golden Gate Bridge right in the Bay Area last year.
A few weeks ago, we spontaneously decided to hit Talbot’s Cyclery in San Mateo, and ended up leaving with two brand new bikes–one for me, and the other for Bridgette. I was beyond elated to get my hands on a bike again!
We’re looking forward to many great adventures on our bikes this summer!