When I was a kid, I used to spend most summer days riding my blue Schwinn bike. The Christmas morning I received the bike stands out in my mind as one of the best Christmases ever just for that reason. Talk about freedom!  From the pool to the park to the corner store I’d go.  Over this friend’s house and that friend’s house. There was no stopping me. My friends and I could go anywhere we wanted – within reason, of course. I even had a basket on front where my dog GIGI would sit and go spinning with me.  She loved it just as much as I did. I’m not sure whatever happened to that bike. I rode it for many years and then it stayed parked in the garage after that.  I guess my Dad eventually gave it away or maybe it rusted beyond use.  I feel bad that I don’t really know because it meant so very much to me.

It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden a bike, and even longer since I owned one.  So imagine my excitement when my family gave me a brand new 26” Huffy Panama Jack for my birthday! WOO HOO!!!!  This is not a ten speed.  This is an old-fashioned push pedal bike just like the Schwinn I had as a kid.  You really have to work it to get it to where you want to go, and I love it!  The fat around my mid-section is definitely not going to like this!  Begone, oh fatty, fat-fat!!

So yesterday when I got the bike, I took a ride to the bay and back and was ready to die when I returned. Keep in mind that the last time I rode a bike was a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Although I’m going to blame the gusty wind I had to fight all the way there and back, I know my age and sagging stamina played a major role.  But today I hopped back on Jack (my new pet name for my bike), and we took a spin around the neighborhood AND to the bay and back.  Guess what?  I’m good to go.  No stamina problem today.  I feel great.  (It must have been the wind. :)) And talk about that peaceful, easy feeling …it’s like I’m eight-years-old again.  Jack and I are in the beginning throes of a brand, new love affair. I can tell we are going to be inseparable!

So if you want to have tons of fun and feel footloose and fancy free, go get yourself a bike – not the fancy schmancy, hundred-gear, rough and tumble bike – but the old-fashioned, push with all you’ve got to get to where you want to go kind. Sort of like a metaphor for life.

Well, I’ve talked myself into another spin with my new main squeeze, Jack.  See ya!