Bike Decisions- Lamenting The Loss of Magic Moments

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36694413.post-67071160646027307182008-05-04T06:17:00.000-07:002008-05-04T06:26:41.361-07:00Bike Decisions- Lamenting The Loss of Magic Moments<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CVqsh28JDeM/SB24gcGrg5I/AAAAAAAAA_0/P_fZiPcVxWg/s1600-h/DSC00244.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 221px;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CVqsh28JDeM/SB24gcGrg5I/AAAAAAAAA_0/P_fZiPcVxWg/s320/DSC00244.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196512412494955410" border="0" /></a>As a child I had two bikes. O.K. I maybe had three bikes, if you count the tricycle, by the time I turned 18. <o:p> </o:p> I was given my first two-wheeler, for my birthday when I was six. My second…a larger 24”, (I’ve no idea why I remember the size.) I was given when I was perhaps 9 or 10. And that was it until college when I bought my own, which was subsequently stolen when I, rather stupidly left it chained overnight in the bike rack at my inner city university... what was I thinking? <o:p> </o:p> The one with which I replaced the stolen bike was my last. A few years later I discovered rollerblading and I’ve felt little need to buy another bike. Actually I haven’t found a reason to buy another pair of roller blades either come to think of it. I’m only on my second pair in 20 years. <o:p> </o:p> In contrast, my child, at 6, has had: <o:p> </o:p> <blockquote>2 ride on toys 1 tricycle 2 bikes 1 scooter 1 pair of roller blades</blockquote> <o:p> </o:p> And, based on the various riding apparatus I see in other people’s homes, he is perhaps under privileged. No, we didn’t get him a Big Wheel, or a $250.00 motorized vehicle or those new bikes without pedals that are all the rage. He still has his 3-wheel scooter and he only ever had one tricycle. But, his list is still longer than mine at that age…way longer. <o:p> </o:p> In today’s world we parents of course, have been suckered into purchasing a lot more stuff. Ride on toys in infinite variety assail us at Toys R Us. Electric vehicles have become a must have for the suburban set. Rollerblades, scooters, skateboards and the accompanying equipment are made in ever smaller sizes. <o:p> </o:p> It’s a bit sad. Those itty bitty two wheelers consign that magic “first bike” moment to the netherworld of a three-year-olds memory – not likely to be remembered much longer. Too bad because that was a moment that those of us born in an earlier age savor. <o:p> </o:p> Now, as my son rides on his new “big boy” bike, it’s just another vehicle. He’s had a bike to call his own for years now. This is just the new one to be replaced by the next “new one” and then the next. <o:p> </o:p> It’s just tougher to make “magic moments” these days. Like This post? Want To Share it? 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