Adulthood and the Bicycle: A Journey Through Time and Modes of Transportation

Have you ever wondered whether you ride bicycles more as an adult or if your biking habits were greater during your childhood? It's an interesting question with a complex answer. In my case, I learned to ride a bike at the tender age of 10, but then went off the bike for a considerable part of my life. Here’s a breakdown of how my biking habits evolved over the years.

From Childhood to Adulthood

My bicycle was my primary means of transportation between the ages of 6 and 18. I would explore miles around, see friends who were an hour's bike ride away, and adventure through the neighborhood and nearby woods. Cycling was both a mode of transportation and an exciting pastime. However, as I grew up, my cycling habits dropped significantly. A car became my primary mode of transportation, one often preferred due to its ease and comfort.

Now as an adult, I find myself using the bicycle more and more. I use it for daily errands like running to the shops, which is faster and more convenient without the stress of traffic. Moreover, it helps me maintain my fitness and enjoy the outdoors. Unlike childhood biking, where it was more about adventure and freedom, adult biking is more about practicality, fitness, and convenience.

Adulthood and the Rebirth of Biking

My biking resurgence in adulthood began in my mid-20s when I moved between Canada and Germany for graduate school. Here, the bicycle became a serious means of transportation and recreation. In Hamburg and the surrounding areas, I explored the city and its surroundings with ease and enjoyment. When I returned to Canada, I continued my biking adventures, taking them to new lengths with longer rides and more serious training.

By the mid-2010s, I bought my first road bike, marking a significant shift in my cycling routine. Since then, I've racked up several thousand kilometers a year. While the pandemic has affected my biking schedule this year, I am still at around 1300 km since the beginning of 2022. Today, biking is a regular part of my routine, offering a welcome alternative to the car and a chance to engage in physical activity.

Biking Stories from Childhood

Childhood biking was full of adventures and learning experiences. I learned to ride my bike at 10, turning up the handlebars to make it look fast, a trend in those days. One particularly memorable experience was a trip to an air show where I was mesmerized by the F104 Starfighter. The plane performed acrobatics so close that it felt as if it was just a few feet above the ground. Biking alongside this event, I vividly remember the plane disappearing and then speeding through the air between the stands, leaving a trail of thunder-like noise behind it. This moment left a lasting impression and inspired me to name my bike the F104 Starfighter.

One of my favorite places to explore on my bike was a nearby college, where I and my friends would race up and down ramps and zip around with our bikes. Unfortunately, this led to a few minor accidents; my jeans often got caught in the chain, resulting in a surprising and quick exit from the bike. This, however, never stopped us from continuing our adventure. In fact, scraping elbows and knees became a part of the biking journey, adding a sense of adventure to every ride.

Overall, while childhood biking was all about adventure and freedom, adult biking has transformed into a way to stay fit, save money, and enjoy the outdoors. Both stages of life hold unique memories and lessons, making each ride a special experience.