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A couple of days ago I was in Newton passing by a Tibetan store and saw a miniature bicycle in the window.  I had to go in.  It is (as you can see in the picture) a perfect little commuter bike with wonderful details like the generator light and the crank the really moves the chain and the wheel.  A Tibetan artist made it and obviously I bought it (not that I need another thing, or could I really afford it. . . ).  The wonderful thing was that it sparked an inspirational conversation between me and the owner of the store.

She had been a Tibetan refugee in India growing up.  For a long time, her family didn’t have enough money to get her a bicycle.  When they finally saved enough and she got one and she felt a tremendous sense of freedom, which given her circumstances amazes me.  She talked about how it was such a big deal to get the bicycle and what an impact it had on her life. 

Since I teach bicycle riding to adults who never learned as children, I understand the way in which learning ride and getting a bicycle are momentous occasions.  For these learners, riding a bike is often an accomplishment they never thought possible.  And to do it, they must overcome their fears and doubt and take a risk.  This is hard for anyone, but for those of us over the age of 30, it is even harder.   But each year, during the spring, summer, and fall, many people come to The Bicycle Riding School to learn.  They are brave souls.  And many times learning to ride changes their lives.

It is good for me to remember that the simple bicycle can have tremendous power in the lives of ordinary folks.   It is good for me to remember that for many people the bicycle symbolizes and IS freedom.  It allows one to move outside of one’s immediate surroundings which can be life-saving.  The bicycle also symbolizes childhood and for people who didn’t learn as children, a missed opportunity, which can be reclaimed by learning as an adult.   I am fortunate to be part of this reclaiming as their teacher, as well as fortunate to be a cyclist.  I need to appreciate my bicycles, my ability to ride, and the ways it gives me freedom, health, and a sense of identity. 

P.S. The name of the store is: Karma

                                                Fine Imported Crafts

                                                57 Union St.

                                                Newton Centre, MA