Look Who’s Loving the Bike: April

It’s spring and to many parts of the country that means that riding season 2011 has begun.  Here’s a look at who’s loving the bike this month.  At the top of each month we like to feature the amazing stories and memories of people who are loving the bike.  Please take a look at what our April 2011 lovers have to say. Hey…..and we’d love to hear from you as well….feel free to submit your “Look Who’s Loving the Bike” story to us at any time.

Bob Nussbaum – San Diego, CA

“The one that stands out for me was when I was about 10/11 and I had just earned my dream bike – a Hercules, 3 speed. Without my parents knowledge, I took off for my Grandmother’s house which was about 6/7 miles on country roads. The thrill of challenge, discovery, and the freedom the bike represented has only increased over the years. But I will never forget the mix of fear, awe, and accomplishment that ride represented for me. The century I just completed in Palm Springs was very rewarding, but down the list from that ride to my Grandmother’s house.”

Paul Gonsalves – Kitchener, ON

“Probably my first cycling memory was my first bike. I was probably 4 or 5 years old. It was a single speed, candy apple red with huge white balloon tires. Loved it and have been riding ever since :-)”

Rene Fleurent Jr – Boston, MA

“Cant say, I exactly remember that first ride on a two wheeler…… Ok a little, it was a little red, thinking 20′ so it was a smaller one. Dad took of the training wheels because he was tired of me complaining about getting stuck. See, I would ride on a dirt road and sometimes because of the humps and bumps the training wheels would hold the rear tire up and then I would just sit there with the rear wheel spinning. It was pretty scary, Dad took off the trainors and balance me on my bike as I proceeded down the bumpy dirt road. After a few trys, success, I was able to ride a two wheeler.”

Shelly Mossey – Battery Park City, NY

“As a teenager I lived in flushing Queens and would drive to Rockaway beach by car about 12 miles ea way.The traffic became so bad that one day I biked it. It took me the same amount of time on the bike as the car…..so I never drove it again and started riding everywhere in NYC to this day, 35 years later!

After watching the Dedelus Project (human powered aircraft)on pbs….about 25 years ago I decided to try a recumbent and never looked back.  Still don’t understand why all the resistance to a comfy seats?”

Read more about Shelly’s adventures at the Urban Mobility Project.