Courtesy Towards Senior Bicyclists, or First Time Riding in 45 Years!

by compound complex 20 Replies latest jw friends

  • compound complex
    compound complex

    Greetings, Fellow Posters:

    I bought a nearly new 7-speed bicycle at a yard sale for $30 last weekend and took it out this morning on our paved, local bicycle/walking trail. The last time I rode was in my early- to mid-twenties when I used a bicycle to get to and from the KH for my pioneer service. Somehow, I found today's adventure far less harrowing.

    Whenever I came to a motor vehicle trafficked intersection, I dismounted (according to posted instructions), and drivers right and left slowed and permitted my cross walking. I waved and mouthed a cheerful "Thank you!" Old men are truly honored and respected . . .

    It's a wonderful world!

    CoCo

  • cofty
    cofty

    Good for you, cycling is great exercise that is easy on the joints as long as you adjust the bike to suit your leg length.

    In the UK motorists and cyclists have a less happy relationship.

  • SafeAtHome
    SafeAtHome
    I am fortunate in that my neighbor in the suburbs is perfect for bicycling or walking. I have one small hill that I can finally pedal up after a month or so of riding. Funny too, you don't realize that a street has a slight incline until you try to cycle up it! Hope you are wearing a helmet too! Have fun and I think it's true, you never forget how to ride a bike.
  • SafeAtHome
    SafeAtHome
    And besides, this older lady says that if you do look like Errol Flynn, I would stop for you too!😳
  • compound complex
    compound complex

    Thanks, cofty and SafeAtHome:

    Right on -- you don't notice the incline of a street until you pedal it!

    I had to pop the bike into the bed of my pickup truck [lorry?] and drive to the level trail because, at home, it's all hilly and I just couldn't do it.

    A white-haired and slightly grizzled "Errol Flynn," I fear . . .

    CC

  • Joyzabel
    Joyzabel

    10 years ago I was going through a very rough time in my life, hadn't been on a bike in 20+ years ( ok I can't really remember how long it was) and started riding a beach cruiser (fat tire, one gear bike) everyday for therapy. Ended up riding more and more. Changed to a hybrid (too scared of the skinny tire road bikes) and accepted a challenge from a poster on here to ride with her the STP in July 2006. That's the Seattle to Portland 200 mile ( 100 each day) bike ride. It was FANTASTIC. The scenery was spectacular, bikes were decorated in all kinds of things. It was like a rolling block party. Ended up getting a beautiful carbon fiber road bike I would ride several times a week on long distance rides. Now that I'm retired and living near a walk/bike path I've slowed down to trying to ride 6 - 10 miles a day on an e bike. It has an electric motor "hidden" in the frame and is so easy to ride up hills. 😉

    Keep up the riding. You never know where it is going to take you. You meet some nice people riding their bikes 🚴

  • Cangie
    Cangie
    The idea of so many "mature" posters bike-riding makes me happy that I am not alone. Since I don't like standard exercise but I loved bike-riding as a kid, I thought I would get a bike when I move to another state soon. I have been influenced by my son and DIL, who are semi-pros (participate in races, have a "team", build their own bikes, etc.), but I will only be able to tool around town for fun. It is encouraging that you don't forget how to do it even if, like me, you haven't done it in about 40 years. (Wish me luck as I start slowly...)
  • compound complex
    compound complex

    Greetings, Joyzabel and Cangie:

    What wonderful experiences in your travels! Thank you for sharing your thoughts in what is "new" again for me.

    Best wishes.

    CoCo

  • Esse quam videri
    Esse quam videri

    Sir Mikes Bike

    There once was a man named Mike,
    who had an incredible bike.
    He rode on it's wheels,
    to make all his deals,
    and would never be seen on a hike.

    But one day, poor Mikes bike was broken,
    and couldn't get very far.
    This made him quite sad,
    more than a tad,
    so poor Mike just went to the bar.

    He sipped on his pint and did ponder,
    on how he could make a repair.
    So he got on a bus,
    without any fuss,
    and paid the good driver his fare.

    He got off at the nearest Halfords,
    and found a new bicycle chain.
    He walked out the shop,
    preceded to stop,
    the weather had started to rain.

    Soaking and sorry to look at,
    he stood there in total dismay.
    He walked down the street,
    on his aching feet,
    he was having a terrible day.

    When a carriage pulled up next to him,
    amazed by who was inside.
    It was the Queen,
    if you know who I mean,
    and she offered poor Mike a ride.

    He took up her generous offer,
    walking would take him a while.
    They had lots to say,
    he showed them the way,
    and arrived home in comfort and style.

    They all went inside for a cuppa,
    and had lots of biscuits as well.
    He told his new friend,
    of the bike he must mend,
    a sad story that he did tell.

    She sent out her servant to fix it,
    a very good job he did too.
    Mike was so pleased,
    his feet would be eased,
    it was shiny and brand spanking new.

    He got on his knees and he thanked her,
    for repairing his beloved bike.
    She got out her sword,
    and knighted our lord,
    so now we all call him Sir Mike.
  • compound complex
    compound complex

    Esse Quam Videri:

    This is just too good! Sir Mike's Bike!

    Thank you so very much for the ride.

    Gratefully,

    CoCo

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