One of the sure signs of spring in eastern Canada is a child on a bicycle while there is still snow on the ground. Such was the case recently when we accompanied our daughter and the kids to the boardwalk while the girls rode their new bicycles.
As I watched them, I remembered what it was like to have a new bike, or even a “new to me” bike. The sense of freedom when I could ride off on my own was unmatched in my childhood. This ability to move around independently and quickly was thrilling. Riding with a friend was even better.
On the boardwalk, the girls rode ahead of us and stopped periodically to wait for us to catch up.
They were thrilled on the bikes after the long winter and enjoyed trying them for speed and manoeuvrability.
Meanwhile their almost two year old brother didn’t want to ride in his stroller as he had done on our last visit there. He walked the entire way back to the car. The little guy was thrilled with his freedom to choose where to walk, on the snow along the side, the boardwalk itself or the nearby pavement.
His mother indulged his joy in the moment while we walked ahead with the girls.
Love of freedom begins early.
20 comments:
It must be torture to be a child in Canada - you get a new bike for Christmas and can't ride it till April! Here all the new bikes appear on Christmas morning - early!
The simple joys of childhood!
Hello,
Looks like a beautiful day to go outside with your family. Cute kiddies.
Wishing you a happy day!
You have reminded me of my own first bike. My father brought it back from England where he was stationed temporarily. It was too big and I would periodically get onto it to see if my feet could reach the pedals. I still remember the terror and thrill of learning to ride my English Racer. :-)
A pleasant day to be out and about for a stroll or a ride.
What a wonderful post. How good to remember all this.
Bicycles and spring are perfect companions and your photos of their joy are exactly what I needed!
oh to be a young one again!! sweet pictures, we got out on our bikes too!!
the little guy is adorable, i'll bet he did enjoy that freedom!!!
The little guy probably felt like a "big" guy walking by himself. They grow up so fast so these moments are truly special.
There is nothing better than fresh air and grandkids.
I only ever had 'new to me' bikes and remember the joy, the exhileration and the freedom. I am told my first sentence was 'do it self' so relate to the charming little fellow too.
Great post.
I'm looking forward to the freedom of spring too.... still a bit od snow laying around and very windy today. I remember my first and only bike, second hand, cost 10/- (that's ten shillings in the old English money). I lived at the top of a steep hill so I freewheeled all the way down only to have to push it to the top again.... and repeat!
It certainly does Marie.. first the walking, then running, riding the first bike as you say.. next comes the driving, probably the most anxious time for parents 😊 still a long way off for you yet ✨
It was a delight to bike with our grandkids last year.
It's so nice to see them moving around. I remember those 3 wheel bikes. Gees, time does fly! It's getting warmer here as well about 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fabulous photographs … I love spending time with the grandchildren and making special memories together :)
All the best Jan
You always add so much to my days with your entries. Thanks.
such an amusing day with family dear Marie :)
your lines about your childhood bike rides are so beautiful ,they drove me into my carefree days !
thank you for delightful images ,i can feel the thrill of young ladies from here :)
your grandson is wandering with such pleasure and curiosity
ah these magical days of life !!!!!!!!!!!
I loved the two bikes I had as I was growing up. They were a big part of my everyday life. We couldn't drive on the big highway but there was a section of the old paved road that had been blocked off when the Trans-Canada highway went through, and I drove up and down that stretch of road for thousands of miles, I bet :)
P. S. How lovely to see children playing outside. They know how to appreciate the big outdoors!
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