Riding a bike

Dad has spent a few days over the past couple of months giving his bike a large amount of much-needed maintenance. He bought the bike twenty years ago, rode it for work before we moved to the United States and then used it for exercise when we lived in California; when we lived in Oregon he only rode it twice (at most), as the terrain was unsuitable for his bike.

Just before we moved back to the United Kingdom the bike was accidentally left out in the rain, and the water rusted a number of its parts. Fortunately, Dad's recent overhaul replaced any of the affected areas, and the bike's overall frame had little to no damage.

This afternoon Dad rode his bike for the first time in over nine years, and he had little trouble in re-acquainting himself with the controls and balance. He travelled up and down our street a few times before coming back; other than the brakes sticking somewhat Dad said that it was as though the bike was new. He proved that the saying is true: when you learn how to ride a bike you never lose the skill.

Dad riding his bike today made me think how long it's been since I last rode one - over ten years ago. Riding a bike is an excellent source of exercise, but I am already fairly active in that I walk a lot. I definitely think I will ride a bike again, but for now I'm content seeing how happy Dad is with his!