From The Editor
National Bike Month
Life is like riding a bicycle -- in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving. ~Albert Einstein
My youngest son (age 8) has been encouraging me to ride my bike with him (and throw the football and shoot hoops, etc.), and it's a good thing too, for if not for his urgings I would get no exercise whatsoever (unless you count yard work). The weather has cooperated nicely -- meaning it is not yet 1,000 degrees out -- so hopefully we can get in some more bike rides before summer strikes. Perhaps we can even convince our other family members to join us.
I have enjoyed biking for nearly as I can remember. My father taught me -- without the use of training wheels. He gave me a push and off I went, wobbling down the sidewalk, straight into a coconut tree. This is also my first memory of the extreme agony caused by sliding off the bike seat and landing spread-legged on the cross bar. Although painful, this accident did not prevent me from getting back on my bike and riding.And ride I did. All over Miami, with my 9-volt transistor radio strapped to my handlebars, Beatles music blaring through its tiny speaker. My bike brought me freedom. We explored the neighborhood and vacant lots. We orchestrated bike hikes through Coconut Grove under the canopy of banyan trees to a place called Matheson Hammock. The ride was majestic, with its winding trails through the woods and mangroves, sunlight flickering through the trees in a staccato pattern of bright and dark. The bike path terminated on Biscayne Bay, and the trip was always a great adventure.
In high school, my buddy and I made plans to ride our bikes from Miami to North Carolina. Then we got our driver's licenses. That put an end to biking for a while.
But some years later, in college, I bought a used bike and ventured out again. I'd forgotten what it was like to be out in the country on a secluded road, feeling the cool breeze on my face. The fragrance of flowers and grass and earth inundated my senses, and the only sound was that of insects, birds and my bike.
So, in light of National Bike Month, Janice Kaplan tells us about the joys and benefits of bicycle riding.
Additionally, I visited with the members the Yellow-Bellied Sliders Bicycling Society. This fun-loving group welcomes riders of all ages and skills, and plans rides that vary from trails to pavement to combinations of both.
May also brings us Mother's Day. Mary Kypreos tells us what she has learned about the history of the day chosen to honor moms everywhere.
Ever heard of a theremin? It is a musical instrument that you play without actually touching. Allison Wilson met with a group of Ocala musicians who play the theremin as well as some other unusual instruments you are not likely to hear in the average band.
I hope you enjoy this edition of Senior Times. §
