It was a beautiful summer’s day: blue skies, sunshine and hot weather. The day reminded me of the summer days of my childhood. Oh, what freedom we had to roam about the small fishing harbour where I lived in Trinity Bay. Biking was how my friends and I spent many summers of entertainment. Yes, our bikes took us on many adventures. My present life stage is as a senior citizen. Could I relive, even for a day, the pleasures of my childhood?

The library had bicycles available to check-out. Off I trotted down the road heading to the library’s outdoor kiosk. My plan was to travel light that day, carrying only my library and health cards. Don’t ask why one decides to carry one’s health card. I can’t explain why. Maybe it was my grown up, responsible side.

Upon arrival, I proudly slid my library card across the table and informed the two librarians that I wanted to check out a bicycle. After some minor paperwork and a helmet fitting they brought the bike over to me. My heart skipped a beat when I saw it. It was a very vivid pink, my favourite colour. In fact, my bike matched my hair.

It was indeed a very smart-looking bike. Modern designs have created better-looking and more functional bikes: chunky tires, various gears and a simpler braking system. I gave the little bell a jingle for good lunch and swung my legs across the seat. My feet couldn’t touch the ground and I wanted the security of being able to anchor myself. I am a scuffer. When I voice this concern, the two librarians solved the problem immediately by lowering the seat. Another problem was the pedals had no resistance. Memory did not serve me well, I had to ask on how to change gears. Problems were solved and now my moment had come. It was time to bike in the area.

The old saying “once you ride a bike you never forget,” was true. I went along the bike trails in the park. The same thrill as that of my childhood returned. It was a ride high, how amazing. My brain was churning out all those feel-good chemicals. My joyride carried me around all areas of the part. A few times I had to use the scuff method, but overall the feeling was wonderful. Look at me! See me cruising along! I avoided doing the hills. After all it was my first day back on a bicycle. My day was spent exploring the park and the neighborhood side streets. The feel of muscles tightening in my legs gave me a pleasant satisfaction.

So, absorbed in the moment, I lost track of time. I did not notice dark clouds forming overhead. Then it happened. The rain came down in buckets. I steered the bike back towards my home trying to ignore the downpour. The sidewalk was slick and there was a hilly incline up ahead. Reason told me that I should not attempt the hill. Pride told me, “Do it!”

It got harder on the rise until all control of the bike was lost. Crash! I fell onto the sidewalk and then spilled onto the road with the bicycle toppling over me. I started to pick myself up, but everything was spinning.

Lucky for me, my neighborhood is filled with many kind people. A man and a woman were at my side immediately. They guided me to a nearby park bench. The woman sat with me while the man got my bike, As I sat on the bench, my head cleared. Suddenly I felt the urge to explain myself. “It’s not that I can’t ride, I was handling the bike just fine. It was just stupid of me to try to take that hill, I knew better.”

They were kind and said, “We all make mistakes. Let’s get you checked out.”

In the blink of an eye the paramedics arrived. My brain was no longer fuzzy. I could answer all their skill testing questions. My blood pressure was excellent and I had no broken bones. All was good and I was free to head home after the paperwork was completed. It was now time for me to pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat and pass them my health card. How lucky I decided to bring it. Having the health card did make the paperwork easier.

While continuing to walk, not riding my bike home, a realization set in. It was inevitable. I would soon be sporting various shades of purple. Sure enough, the next day blossoms in shades of purple appeared. You know, rather than considering them bruises, they became my badges of honour, to be worn with pride.  A tribute to my glory days of youth.

Judith Ann Keough
Stouffville, ON