There are many days, especially in the summer, when I wish that I had a bicycle so that I could go riding bikes with my daughter. I might have to get one, because I remember loving it so much when I was a kid, and I want her to have the same fun. She can’t ride off with friends like I did because of where we live, but there are many places where we could ride together. There is something wonderful about the wind in your hair, and riding wherever the bike will go, and I want her to know that feeling.
One of the best things about riding bikes when I was a kid was the bike-a-thon that I always entered each year. These were always for a different charity cause, but there was always at least one a year. We would be given a donor sheet, and people could sponsor us for each mile that we would ride our bike. Back then, the amounts were about twenty five cents a mile, and we would usually be riding bikes for about ten miles, but it still felt good to make money for those who were in need while enjoying something that I loved so much, even if it was not a lot of money.
Thinking back, I can’t believe I could go riding bike for ten miles without stopping. On occasion there would be a large hill and I would have to push or rest, but for the most part we just rode on through. I think if I were to try it today I would peter out about half a mile in. I would like to think that I could do what I did as a child, but most of us can not do that anyway. I am always looking for new ways to exercise, so perhaps riding bikes is something that I should take up again.
When you send a child out riding bikes with friends, there have to be some rules. I grew up where there were no worries, but that is not something many children have. Make sure the child always reports where they are going, and that they are only with children or adults that are familiar to you. Also make sure they have a helmet on their head at the very least. This is especially important when the child may be going down a sidewalk. Most of the time they will be safe, but you don’t want to take any chances when it comes to riding bikes and safety.
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