The first time I got a shiny new bike I was 6 years old. It was red with a pumper seat on the back. My Dad taught me to ride it in my grandparent’s circular gravel driveway. It lasted until my early teen years when music and boys became more interesting than bikes.
The next bike I got was Betsy my $30 craigslist find which helped me decide if I even wanted to bike again. I cleaned her up the best I could, scrubbed off most of the rust, replaced a tire tube, added a bell and a basket. For 3 years she and I happily cruised the neighborhood.
But Betsy’s aging frame and my Grandma knees made me realize I needed something more suitable to ride. Betsy is a classic. She’s heavy, cumbersome, her chain keeps slipping because of a stripped wheel bolt, and she squeaks a lot. I can relate. Bike rides with Liam became ride/walks because either Betsy petered out or I did. The third time that happened the look on Liam’s face was enough, and he said what I was thinking. “Grandma, you need a new bike.” I did indeed.
Enter Daisy. Brand new, not just new to me. 7 gears. Hand brakes. Mint green. No metal fenders. I ordered her and put my son on notice I would want his help with assembly when she arrived. And I told Liam Grandma was getting a new bike.
It was to arrive on a Friday. Thursday night Liam and I decided to go for an after dinner walk. Stepping out onto the front porch we saw parked on the walkway my shiny new bike, fully assembled, tags hanging from the handlebars, just waiting to be discovered.
That first ride I knew Daisy was exactly what I needed. First gear is my friend. Hand brakes let my knees coast while stopping. New seat springs support a Grandma seat. Betsy’s bell looks fine on Daisy. Down and up Silverhill without stopping – it was slow but I did it! Down, then up Easy Street – a piece of cake! Over to the office complex with its parking lot dips and bumps – doable! Finally, I could ride bikes with Liam without stopping until we got home.
Betsy graciously yielded her spot in the garage to my new wheels. I rode her a couple more times until her chain finally broke – what a downhill ride that was! Thanks to social media, she has been rehomed with someone who will fix her up and enjoy her until it’s time to retire her to yard art.