My Bicycle

The other day I borrowed my neighbor’s bicycle so I could do a few “laps” around the neighborhood. Many months ago she okayed me using it whenever I wanted… you know, as long as she was not on it. 🙂 I took advantage of her generosity as I pedaled around the streets that connect in our small but long-streeted ‘hood.

Upon completion of my little jaunt I decided I needed a bicycle of my own. I did not want to have to borrow someone else’s bike and I want to be able to ride with no stipulations. Plus I knew I could get one I like for a fairly decent price. And, just so you know, there are a lot of choices at Academy. Fortunately, I easily found one I really liked, both in color and with a good seat so I decided to just go for it.

Turns out it’s pretty much the exact same color as my neighbor’s bike. My silly kids even thought it was hers at first.

 

There’s just something about riding a bicycle. It feels very freeing to me. I adore the feeling of the wind in my hair and that I can sail down a hill and pedal like crazy up one. I still remember how much I used to ride around the neighborhood where I grew up in Austin. I went all over the place, from friend’s houses to the parks where I could swing and slide. Some friends of mine and I even formed a little biking group and we called ourselves The Bikers. So original.

Another cool thing about this bicycle purchase is now the kids and I can all ride together, since each one of them has a bike too. It feels great to all be able to all go for a ride or even if just one or two of them want to go with me. It also feels pretty fabulous to ride by myself, at my own pace and to just GO. Kinda cool that it provides some exercise too.

 

This bike also means independence to me. I bought it on my own accord, no one else’s opinion needed. Nothing but the desire to have a bicycle of my own.

The end of a marriage is hard y’all. However, truly finding yourself is a bonus that typically comes from this really BIG change and I am loving that aspect of it. Yes, I was held back from even buying a bike (sounds so silly, right?). But most of it was my own doing. Thinking I needed someone else’s input or “okay”. This was a chronic “condition” for me during my marriage. That is no longer the case. I know I can select my own bike and I have the confidence now to do that and many other things that I did not before.

 

Now my pretty bicycle just needs a few additional accessories like a bell and a basket (for that back rack) and then I will be all set to tote wine to my good friends’ houses on the next two blocks. Ah… the riding life.

I have already named her Pearl. She and I are going to have a wonderful relationship…

 

 

P.S. This is the first post of a series of 3o in a row because I joined #NoBloPoMo! That’s right, a  post a day for all of November. Can I do it? Sure! Gonna be interesting… 🙂