Grandma rides again

Today my 78-year-old mother got back on a bike for the first time in around 15 years. She had a bit of the wobblies at first but settled into it pretty quickly. Nice and flat, car-free side streets around her house, and I lowered the seat on her old Humber 3-speed so she can put her feet down easily (insert 'granny bike' pun here).

Ok, I'm a little nervous for her, since she didn't really ride much as a kid. But this is the same woman who started playing the cello at age 57, so I'm sure she'll be fine. It'll be good for her hip that's gotten a little funky.

Still, keep it in first gear for a while, mom.

Staying mobile

Well, this was interesting and unusual:  a bike with a built-in holder for a walking aid. Meaning for this nice woman, walking is obviously problematic but still she bikes around town. I think that's great. Even not knowing the full story, it does kind of lay bare some of the excuses the rest of us may have for not biking, within our limitations. I actually crossed paths with her twice in the same recent afternoon, near Dupont Circle and again crossing 16th Street.

photos © Bill Crandall