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Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on February 14, 2017 at 10:38am

We really haven't gotten very much of that this winter. Thanks for sharing. What a great photo.

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Permalink Reply by Andrew St. Paul on February 14, 2017 at 6:35pm

The first time I cruised'

https://youtu.be/WlzY6cWpoMQ

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Permalink Reply by Adam C. on February 15, 2017 at 12:33am

When was the moment? Probably when I was a teenager and I no longer had "boundaries" to adhere to. Wasn't yet old enough to drive, but I discovered that my bike could take me places I'd never been to before. My old Montgomery Wards 3-Speed opened up a whole new world for me.

The bikes may have changed, but the love affair has been going strong for almost 40 years and shows no signs of letting up. The love of a woman may come and go, but the love of the ride is forever.

:~)

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Permalink Reply by dav on February 15, 2017 at 1:28am

Twice. First when I was a child and discovered my bicycle was a means of adventure and expanded, dramatically, the world where I lived. Then I got a little older and went away to school and got a job and a hadn't owned a bicycle in years. Around 2003 my mom died suddenly. We were very close and I took it poorly. I had all of this anxiety and extra energy that I didn't know what to do with. One day I went to Kozy's and there was a guy I went to high school with in there selling bikes. I bought one and on my first ride I tasted a freedom that I had lost long ago. The extra energy was being spent. The endorphin's helped clear my head and wore away at the anxiety.  I rode everywhere for fun. I rode to and from work everyday. Riding my bike changed me for the better on a fundamental level. Years passed. Now I ride with my kids. We explore the city.  In December I learned I have cancer. A lot of it. I will again lean on riding my bike as much as I can to keep my mental health in a good state. I recently became the first bicycle delivery person for the Lakeview Pantry delivering food to seniors and people with disabilities in my neighborhood.  I love riding my bike and want to do it for a long time.

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Permalink Reply by Alex Z on February 15, 2017 at 7:30am

dav, a great story about your history of riding, and what a great way to volunteer.

Very sorry to hear about your diagnosis. My thoughts are with you, and I hope you have many many rides yet to come.

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Permalink Reply by David Barish on February 15, 2017 at 11:50am

When I got a red Schwinn Stingray as a kid I knew that the relationship was for keeps.

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Permalink Reply by Mary Clark on February 16, 2017 at 4:14am

When my parents gave me my first bike) I was very unhealthy kid, but that gift changed me. Now I`m very happy and active adult) Thanks Mom, thanks Dad!)))

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Permalink Reply by Kelly Goldthorpe on February 16, 2017 at 7:01am

I had been a biker as part of triathlon training, but I didn't fall in love with in until my first bike commute home from work in the city. It was like a lightbulb went off! Biking doesn't have to be a workout, a chore. It can be this totally fun and liberating experience! Now I rarely ride to workout, mostly just for commuting and for fun trips to breweries etc. Taking the pressure off has made it exponentially more enjoyable! 

I've still got Watermelon Fury (my racing bike) but my real baby is Cherry Bomb (who is decorated seasonally!) 

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