Michael and I just had the first crop come in of new kids on bikes.
Saturday was the first in a week of days forecast to be between 45° and 65°. The bike shop is crowded – we have a tricycle in, and we had to bring over several bikes from the warehouse to free up some space over there. As a consequence, and because of the warm day, we were spending time doing things outside.
Around 6 p.m., two boys pulled up on their bikes, and within a few minutes, they were joined by two more. I’ve seen most of these boys before, usually on a solo ride or in with their parents while we fixed their bikes, but I don’t remember seeing this particular pack before. But they were of that age where they begin to form packs.
In fact, one of the boys explained, “Like, him, I just met him …half an hour ago!”
This is how it’s supposed to be.
They hung around, bragging on their bikes, talking to us and each other about the upgrades they wanted, their skills, and just – stuff – for about 15 minutes. They would ride around doing loops in front of the store, still paying attention to the conversation and throwing their two-bits in as they buzzed past, making another loop. Or they’d stop and point out some feature or deficiency.
They’re at an age where they’re not quite used to being listened to, let alone actively engaged, by adults beside their parents and teachers, so they were quite excited to talk to us, and usually all at once.
None of them had helmets. At least half of them didn’t have brakes. These are things that make me cringe and pull my hair out, and usually result in a firm but patient safety lecture. But not today, not this visit. This was a social call, by young people who were learning all about the freedom of cycling and independence and finding their tribe.
The sun was beginning to dip and the temperature beginning to drop. The boys had stopped, all of them talking, but their legs were vibrating on their pedals and they were subtly shivering. We told them to keep warm and keep moving, to enjoy the last of the daylight – safely – and then get home before they catch colds. There will be other days, coming soon in fact. We didn’t want them stuck at home in bed and missing out.
And then we told them to come back.
They plug up the sidewalk with their bikes (after we take up the rest with ours), they don’t buy much and we usually don’t get anything done, but that’s what it’s all about, anyway. Having a good time with friends, on a bike.
That is how it’s supposed to be.