Maybe it's something to do with having just created such a classic-styled design for our campervan, but for some reason classic bikes keep turning up in front of me. Since I bought my bikeboard, I've been inching towards this idea in my mind that I might one day own another bike. Me and bikes just haven't been able to get along, since I was sixteen and got knocked off one by a car, then had the same accident almost happen several times again once I was finally healed enough to ride again. And then I just forgot how to ride. I mean, I can kinda get the wheels rolling, but stopping without falling off feels like a total fluke, as does remaining upright when whipping my head to the side to see if a car is about to drive into me.
Something about watching Jesse learn to ride, has inspired me to start over, as an absolute beginner, and that has been my journey with the bikeboard. The thing is, my bikeboard requires a lot of effort to ride. Those little skateboard wheels at the back hardly glide along. I've thought of taking it to a bike shop and seeing if they can add a big wheel to the back instead. But when I had a wee ride on a friend's bike, I realised just how much further you go for effort with a bike. A friend gave us her scooter, which has turned into Paula's scooter, and like me she's been gradually getting the hang of it, going a bit further and a bit further still, from time to time. These days, Jesse is way ahead of us as he zooms along confidently on his bike. I have to work like mad to keep up with him.
So both Paula and I have started eyeing off bikes, thinking maybe we could get one to share, as an experimental thing. Something nice and low which we can ride on the footpath with Jesse as needs, but still suitable for the road. Just yesterday we walked right past The Classic Bike shop and even though we were in the middle of a rather huffy argument, immediately halted our unkind words, and went in to ask for a test ride. That tiny taste I had has stayed with me. I enjoyed it! Whoohoo. Now I really want a bike! But not just any bike.. something, umm, retro, classic, groovy.. whatever. Here's just some of the bikes I've found on the net that inspire me.
Yes - a tricycle! I would so love to have a tricycle. I'm sure I'd feel so much more stable. But I'm a tad suspicious that in the long run it would end up like my bikeboard - kinda impractical. And yet - look at all that space for shopping! Or picnic goodies...
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