14 Comments

What a nice silver lining to talk about, to outline your life's experiences, John.

I only really started cycling in my early 30s, and I'm still loving the freeing feeling, the holiday scent mounting a bike brings and the easier exploration of the natural area around town.

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Thank you, Monica!

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I loved listening to this, thank you. Soothing and so nice to hear of bikes and bike communities. I will remember all of my bikes, and I'm hoping to get back cycling soon once I find a new helmet. It's such a feel of freedom, and as you say, cycles together create a lovely sense camaraderie.

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Speedy recovery, Tamzin, and I hope you're able to return to it soon.

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What a fun ride. (Sorry for the bad pun!) I love that your trail tours as a kid we’re “just biking,” not needing the modern classification (and all the accompanying gear) of mountain biking. And still just as fun! My husband and I bought single-speed bikes in 2010 and spent a better part f those early years on wheels. Now we live in rural Oregon and while brave bicyclists venture up our narrow road every day, the pick-up trucks (donned with Anerican flags and OreGUNian stickers) keep us away. 🤣

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Ah too bad, yes, we've been coal-rolled a few times in other parts of the state, but fortunately not here. Too small of an island!

Did you notice I snuck a bit of memoir in there? Just practicing...

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I did!!! And I'm already looking forward to the next sneak!

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John, I love this so much--from hearing about your time in childhood to Holland to New Jersey to Whidbey. How fantastic--and the thread of biking continuing for different reasons throughout your life. When we lived in Norway we biked everywhere, with studded tires on in the winter. I remember well trying to pack and plan out the groceries I could get into my backpack on one trip, and your talk of riding to the grocery store reminded me of those days too. And kudos for adding eight more miles and finishing up circling the parking lot--I love that so much!! My parents lived on Bainbridge Island for five years, and we often took sailing trips in the San Juans as a kid when we could borrow our friend's boat. I love that area so much, and a big part of it is that sense of community that is in those places--it's often a place I wanted to live in, and it's kind of beautiful to be reminded of those places in your writing of home. So thank you for sharing all of this--grateful to have read it this morning. 💜

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Ah Freya, thank you so much. This certainly is a special place, and in these times, I feel the need more than ever to share these tales of community.

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John, we enjoy your posts and also look forward to cycling,,swimming and kayaking. We’re moving from NC early in 2024. Tito & Kim Craige

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That's exciting!

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Thanks We will get in touch!

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Yes. We bought a house in Freeland and are tying up loose ends this fall.

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Great! Please reach out when you get here.

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