A Ride Down the Memory Lane

 

On this World Bicycle Day, I couldn't but think of my childhood when cycling for a minimum of 2 hours every single day, was my ritual. 

I had a group of friends to ride with. Sometimes there were 4-5, sometimes just one and at times I would even ride by myself. And I enjoyed that as well. Just me and my bicycle.

We have pretty little lakes in our neighbourhood. Sometimes we used to catch a breath sitting by the lakeside. The evening Sun would make the water shine and we would throw rocks to make ripples.
Sometimes we even had mini-parties, with Lays!

The numerous memories of those days still float in front of eyes, as if it was just yesterday! 
That time when one of my friends ran into the drain with his cycle.
That other time when I was showing off, riding with my hands off and a dog came running into my cycle. Oh, I saved him. But crashed myself and my hands were badly scratched. Tried hiding it at home but it was too big a wound.
Then there was that time when we were parked by the lake and throwing rocks into the water, but one of the rocks thrown by a friend hit my forehead. Had a bandage on, for a week! It kind of felt good, though! Getting hurt, doing what you love, feels good. Doesn't it?

And that's how I even learnt cycling!
At first I tried to learn along with my childhood besties while they were learning from their father. But I've been a sucker for strictness and rules from the very childhood. Didn't like the way he scolded and shouted!
I went back home with a heavy heart. 

Then my little brother came to visit during the summer vacations. He already knew how to ride his cycle and agreed to teach me. So, the two of us took my cycle out. We were just out of our gate and I climbed on to the cycle, thinking he was holding it from the back. I took off and only after a few paddles, realised that he was still at the gate, closing the latch! And then I crashed.
But hey! I learnt it in just 2-3 days! I owe that one to my brother.

And ever since...
I loved going for a spin. Wouldn't miss it for the world. I used to take my cycle everywhere - tuitions, art classes, dance rehearsals. Even if I was sent by my Mom to deliver something to the neighbours or get something from the kirana store, I would try to find an excuse to take my cycle. 

Thankfully I had really supportive parents. They let me take out my bicycle whenever I wanted. They even bought me three cycles! Obviously at different stages of my life.
A lot of aunties told my mother that as a female I shouldn't be riding the bicycle so much. It would harm my ovaries and uterus! I would have problems getting married then. Or, having children.
But, touch wood, my mother was a better judge than them! She never stopped me. She wouldn't even stop me from taking my cycle out on my periods. She told me that if it didn’t hurt me, then it's fine by her too!

I wish I could still go around on my bicycle as freely and safely. Unfortunately there's no concept of separate cycling lanes, in India. Except for a few cities. 
The weather at certain cities also doesn't make it any easier for us to cycle to work.

Though it's quite rare, but whenever I get a chance, I still ride my cycle. 
Like I just did for the five months when I was working from home, in Calcutta.
Like the time when we had an office trip to Eco Park.
Like the time when I visited Bir Billing and rented a bicycle, rode around the hills. Downhill was such a kick, I can vouch for. But try it only if you have a good balance and grip!

And last but not the least, Happy World Bicycle Day!!!