‘S’ on the seat- I thought it was for SLATTERY! A Schwinn, model name Fiesta. All I knew was that I LOVED TO RIDE MY BIKE around the Bronx! Man it represented FREEDOM and JOY. I walked past the same model recently visiting Atlanta; what a surprise! My daughter was waiting for me, but I stood there transfixed, probably for 15 minutes. I became lost in the moment, and the memories quickly flooded back. Hours and hours spent each day spent giddily riding around, meeting up with my friends, lavishing in the warm summer sun and the shorter crisp fall days, the whoosh of cool air on my face that never disappointed.
Things I hadn’t thought about in years came to mind- riding to the playground, the basketball court, the park, over to a friend’s house, riding to get pizza or ice cream or to my friend Roe’s bakery- a trip to heaven, that NEVER disappointed either! Getting adventurous and riding to far off neighborhoods- wow. Yes, that was freedom. Nostalgic memories of elementary school friends that I have not been in touch with, and ones that I am SO grateful to have connected with on Facebook and I hope to get to know again and reminisce with even more. Fond thoughts of lifelong friends since birth, our lives so intertwined in so many glorious ways. We are true soul mates, an integral part of each others’ existence, having learned to walk, tie our shoes, climb trees, and yes, ride our bikes together.
There’s something very special about looking back to your childhood, who you were then, how you were. I was a fun lovin’, bike-ridin’ young kid who liked speed, exploration, and adventure. Yes, the freedom to take off and get lost in the wonder of the great outdoors, the thrill of NOT knowing what lied ahead, and the joy of satisfying my innate curiosity. I was fortunate to have been given wide wings and strong roots. Just recently I was riding my newer bike in my current ‘hood. The brisk wind was slapping me on my cheeks while I was flying down the road. At first I wasn’t happy because it was cooler out than I thought- or wanted, though there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The sun shone brightly. Then I remembered how alive I felt back when I was 9, and how ALIVE I feel now. What a gift! We can recapture our youth folks- FIND YOUR JOY…
Michael S. says
Nice article. It’s funny how one seemingly forgettable thing can trigger so many memories.
Nancy Lorch says
Thanks! You’re so right. Fond memories of people, places, moments in time/events can flood back so easily, and create such joy. The ability to remember is such a gift in itself!