So look out for those beauties oh yea

Today, for the first time since my heart surgery, I was out puttering on my bike. Nothing fancy or strenuous. I had filled up the tires and I was testing it out.

I was immediately taken by the rush of wind in my hair, my calves pumping and the feelings of freedom that rolling on two wheels always symbolizes for me.

I know, my balance was absurd; rusty and uncoordinated. And my stamina was a joke. But there I was rolling on two wheels as I have done since a kid. The ticking of the derailleurs, the tilt of the turns, and the musty burn spell of applied brakes.  No, no helmet...shhh, don't tell mi esposa. But helmeted rides are just not the same. I did not have them when I was a youth....and by gosh I did not need one today!

The bicycle for me has always been an emblem of freedom and Independence. It was on our bikes that my brothers and I were able to transit hot Phoenix neighborhoods in our youth. My red Schwinn Cruiser was my trusty steed, galloping me into adventures and away from the troubles of home.

Once I hit teen age years I saved up my allowance and cash from mowing yards for my dream bike, the sleek Schwinn Ten Speed. This bike came with more liberty and opened up greater adventures. It also cemented friendships as I would ride to school with my best buddy each day. In the evenings I would cruise to work, which in turn gave me greater financial independence. With a Ten Speed and some cash in my pockets, the world was my oyster.

On my Ten Speed with my buddies we roamed the streets and suburbs of Phoenix, exploring the nooks and crannies together. We would go on long rides to South Phoenix Mountain preserves, and we would head north to the Airport at Deer Valley to hop rides with the pilots. We explored Papago Park, Old Town Scottsdale, and watched the Dodgers play Spring Training Games against the Giants. Our bikes were are tickets to freedom and our keys to high adventure exploits.

As an adult, I converted to motorized vehicles. I continued to ride bikes here and there, but then they were more for exercise or leisure. The motorcycles and jeeps and VW bugs allowed me to travel farther and faster, and to have passengers...and (goodness) date girls. Still, bikes will always be the symbols of the freedom and independence of my youth.

Hopefully, with air in my tires I will start pumping the old pedals again now. Do you think there are more adventures I can get into at 55?

Cheers, nca