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May took to the two wheeler this weekend, with great success. A big development in life. I can still recall my first time on two wheels with great pride and joy (and some pain as I didn’t actually know how to use the brakes yet). Rosa got into the act as well demonstrating her new love of reading chapter books!
After crashing the fixie (barbecue, beer, emergency room) for the third time, I retired it and built a new ride: a Surly Cross-Check (single speed this time, not fixed). Perfect for my three-turned-fifteen mile commute over road and trail.
Rosa & I built a couple bike wheels recently. Though I’ve built up a few different (single speed and fixed gear) franken-bikes from flotsam and jetsam, these were my first wheels. It was a fun project. Simple, elemental craft. Basic technology practiced similarly for many thousands of years. In my younger days, I would have studiously devoured Sheldon Brown and Jobst Brandt. In my softened middle years, I instead had some Acme IPA and a quick look at some you tube videos and went to it. The results were great though not without some bumps (one wheel had to be torn apart and re-laced with a little more attention to the job and a little less attention to the beer).
train on commute from Jacob Heric on Vimeo.
This is one of my favorite interruptions on the bike commute to work. Like snow storms and drawbridges (both frequently seen in Portland Maine), trains are one of those great reminders to relax, forget about where you’re going and just enjoy the spectacle.
Rosa ride from Jacob Heric on Vimeo.
That first ride is the best ride. I pulled the drive train off the little green bike (the “magna”, thanks China) and Rosa tooled around without pedals for a few days. Balance. Then I popped ‘em back on and away she went. Well, first she rode a few cautious feet in the driveway (repeat 47 times). Then she took the show into the road where she melted down with desire and frustration to do it on her own. Then, we tried in front of our friend Josh’s house (who took the video, thanks Josh). As you can see the grade was perfect. She picked her feet up and went. The smile was big and the pride was priceless and she has not stopped pedaling since. Later that night she asked me, “what do you think about me riding on two wheels?” I think it’s about perfect.