I was out walking my pup in the neighborhood today and noticed more people, especially more children, out and about riding bicycles and just playing in general. I also couldn’t help but notice that fewer cars were zipping around on this beautiful Saturday evening. Spring has sprung! Many of the local restaurants are closed except for takeout, the parks are mostly closed including tennis courts and soccer fields. So, it seems folks are staying home and finding ways to bide the time. If there is a positive side to this pandemic it is that, at least here in Watkinsville, Ga people are seeming to realize you can enjoy time at home with family and even get outdoors and enjoy the warm refreshing air.
As I was walking I noticed a dad teaching his daughter to ride her bike. It was so much fun to watch and made me think back to when I learned to ride. My dad would push me while holding me up and running along with me. I asked how do I stop dad? He said just pedal backwards and you’ll stop (remember pedal brakes?). I tried several times but fell each time. He knew I could do it and told me so ...and I could..the problem is I didn’t know it yet. After the first fall I was mad at him for encouraging me to ride. The second fall left me mad at that stupid bicycle. After the third fall I was just mad that I fell and became resolved to do it. And, I did!! Of course I fell again because as soon as I felt a little out of control I pulled my feet off of the pedals. Goodbye brakes, hello ground. After that I was riding everyday for hours on end. Riding meant freedom and I was all in! As the dad in my neighborhood pushed his daughter along he would let go without her knowing and she would glide along for a bit and then pull her feet off the pedals and come to a stop. He knew she could do it but she didn’t know she could do it...yet. Two boys stopped by on their own bicycles to give encouragement. You can do it, they told her. And, she did after a few more tries. Now the freedom and fun is all hers. This all makes me appreciate riding like I did as a child. I am thankful for riding my bike and for the joy of life, even in these difficult days. This too shall pass Cheers, Doug -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/d826ce1e-4eae-453e-b9e3-752f31a53058%40googlegroups.com.
