I 've met some of my best mates through riding bikes and had some of the best times as a result.
Biking is more than simply a matter of a dangerous activity and you have to look at the whole thing. Anything is as dangerous as you allow it to become.
I have ridden for some twenty five years now, sometimes not as often as I would have liked. I've instructed and I've dispatched and ridden for pleasure.Of these twenty five years I've only been driving a car for thirteen of them.I met the memsahib when working in a bikeshop{ one of four I worked in }.Therefore it's fair to say I've seen this way of life from a number of perspectives.It's not all good. I've lost friends and colleagues through it , some at a ridiculously young age.
Like Smudge , my run to an from work is a bit of therapy. Empty the head on the way and empty it again on the way back. We are now in one of my favourite times of the year. A early run on a crisp sunny morning is one of the best experiences I know . You literally ' feel alive'.In the photo section there's a picture of my bonnie.This run, to Dent in '06, is one of the best I have ever had and will remain with me for always.
The memsahib understands this and I know she would never try to change it.She has done probably thousands of miles with me on the bike over the years. My son is relaxed around bikes and has been since ten months old, when he used to totter down the garage holding onto the dog. He is familiar with the workings of the bikes and helps with the spannering.I've no doubt he'll want to ride his own bike one day.If he doesn't then so be it, no drama.If he does it's down to me to try and ensure that he has the skills, and knowledge, to make it as safe as we can.
If as a result he has only a fraction of the enjoyment I've had then he can count himself lucky.
