There’s a little spot in the distance in this picture. You might not be able to tell, but that’s B., learning to ride a bicycle on a most beautiful sunny Sunday in New Orleans. You see, B. has long meant to learn to ride a bike, but it just hasn’t happened. You know, learning something new as an adult, something you’re in no way assured of being good at, isn’t easy. But in my humble opinion, you just can’t live in New Orleans and not ride a bicycle (especially not on a day like this–look at that sky!), so her request for some help getting on two wheels was a privilege. I rode my bike to meet her to buy a cheapie starter bike, and we headed to the park on Rousseau Street in the St. Thomas development where, after less than an hour, she was going back and forth, stopping without running into trees or parked cars, and riding in a semi-straight line. We strapped on our helmets and rode back to her place for a victory cigarette (for her–I have my 4-year quit anniversary next week!) and promises to ride together, especially after she practices a lot more on empty streets. I have to say, there simply isn’t anything better than watching folks get to partake in the particular pleasures of biking in the sunshine. Well, riding around on a sunny Sunday is pretty good too, so that’s what I did with the rest of my day. Here’s looking forward to many, many more!
What I Saw Riding My Bike Around Today 
Nice! and you better not mess with THAT anni> Can I still learn at 70? Did it as a child.
judy, You can learn again. The following is not sexist.
You would be better off if you buy or borrow a woman’s or mixte framed bicycle, such as Kate’s Rhoda. They are much easier to mount and dismount.
Take a look at B. in the picture.
As the Band played, and Mr. Garcia sang, “The first days are the hardest days.”
Congratulations on your quit, and all you bring into your day, your friends’ days and mine.
Riding beats thinking about riding every time.