For the first time in 44 years I do not own a bicycle. When I graduated college I found a position teaching English at my hometown high school. I lived with my parents and two younger brothers. My sister graduated college early and also returned home. After a few months I decided to move into an apartment. I did not yet have a driver's license, so I bought a bicycle to help me get around town. It was an AMF three-speed, a lovely blue green color. Soon I realized how nice it would be to have a car, and when my brother wanted to sell his Ford Maverick I bought it. Then I studied and passed my driver's test. But I kept the bike and continued to ride it on occasion. When I married it moved with me. Later I bought a child seat for the back and as time passed transported all three children on it. Eventually they each had a bike, but I rode along with them to school until the youngest was old enough to ride by herself the few blocks to school. And I suppose that is when I stopped riding on a regular basis. For many years now it has been hanging on a hook in the garage.
Yesterday the bike came down from the hook, and an era ended. I donated it to a shop that repairs bikes and sells them. The owners provide an opportunity for volunteers to repair bikes and to help people learn to fix their own. I thought about getting it cleaned up and riding it again, but I knew I was not likely to ride when we move to our new neighborhood if I haven't ridden here where we have dedicated bike paths. So even though it hurt a bit, I decided to let someone else benefit from the bike. I hope the next owner enjoys riding it.
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