RIDING A TRIKE IN MEMORY

 

 

Today's pictures are from the Regional Nature Park next door.   Earlier this morning, I rode my tricycle to the other end of our resort and then hopped off and went for a nature walk there.  No laughing -- that's not a typo -- yes, I am riding a trike.     

 

 

 

Eight years ago when we first came to Upriver, I got quite  a kick out of seeing  all the sweet little old ladies riding their tricycles around the park.    I was smug -- after all I was bicycle rider (a 2-wheel bicycle).   We had a pair of English Raleigh bikes that we'd carried on a rack all the years we were full-time RVing ....  we'd had fun exploring some of the towns and cities and National Parks that we visited -- bicycles were a great way to get around.

 

 But after we bought the Canal Cottage, the bikes just stood in our side yard, unused and neglected.   There are only about three and a half miles of streets here in the resort -- not a bad morning's walk, but hardly enough exercise with a bike to make it worthwhile.  And sadly there are almost no safe streets for leisurely bike riding  in this part of SW Florida.  So a few years ago we said goodbye to that chapter of our lives and sold the bikes.

 

 

Not our yard -- this is where I parked for my walk

 

But now, fast forward to this year and there is a pretty purple tricycle parked in the same yard where the bikes used to stand.     I inherited the trike from my dear Upriver friend and and boating buddy Connie, who sadly passed away last summer.  Even though we are not unused to losing people we know  (especially  living in a mostly "senior" neighborhood as we do here and did at the Lake in Oregon), Connie's illness and death were entirely unexpected and a terrible shock to all of her Upriver friends.

 

 

 

 

When Connie and another friend of ours bought their trikes last year, I still had no intention of getting one -- no, thank you.  Walking was fun, fine exercise and quite good enough for me.     But this year, when Connie's husband asked me to keep her bike, I decided I would ride it in her honor.

 

Especially when  I remember my earlier smug attitude, I'm a little ashamed to confess   that learning to ride hasn't been as easy as pie.   (That won't surprise anyone who knows me in real life.  Our daughter has a pretty good story about the first time I rode a bike with a hand brake.   I might tell you someday ... and if you met her, I know she would!)      But a trike really is quite different from a bicycle.  You RIDE a bike, but you DRIVE a tricycle-- much more like steering a car, you don't use your body to lean into turns.   I thought it would be so simple, but there  I was  practicing just like a little kid getting the hang of it.    ( I had waited until this month to practice, because so many people have left already that our streets are pretty empty -- not so great a chance of running into cars and golf carts!)

 

Walking back into the Resort

 

Once the technique is mastered though, the trike is a lot more stable.   And as I'm sure you probably noticed, the bike seat is a lot ---- more comfortable. Both of those are reasons why not-so-little ladies like to ride them.  And now I understand that.    Of course I'll keep walking because I love it and it's better exercise for my bones -- and also of course because it is way easier to stop to take pictures.  

 

 

 

  

But the trike will be good for different muscles -- and for riding with friends  -- and for remembering.  

 

 

 LINKING to OUR WORLD on Tuesday, to NATURE NOTES, and  to TREES and BUSHES.  Thank you to all of the hosts.

Comments

[JennJilks]

I'm thinking, it's very practical. We have two great bikes, but haven't ridden since I wrecked my tendon pushing too hard. They're working on the roads, here and putting in shoulders. I could ride into town, once it is done, a feel safer. Thoughtful post!

[orchid]

Dearest Sallie; Wow,Tricycle in your friend's 'Connie' honor! When my friend had surgery, I was so terrified. Her husband must have thought the tricycle of hers would be happy and of course she is as well. I'm surprised you said 'You RIDE a bike, but you DRIVE a tricycle'. I had thought trike is for Children and, it doesn't fit in small country like ours as you said waited. And the last beautiful picture and closing phrases brought tears a little.
Haha, we need exercises; my husband always ask me to fetch things and I depend on his driving for going almost everywhere p:-)

Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my Dear friend in America, xoxo Miyako*

[Carver]

Beautiful shots and I love the trike. That's what I need although it's so hilly where I live besides balance which is what keeps me off my regular bike I fear I would never make it up a hill on the trike but great idea for flat land.

[Penny]

Sallie, this is such a sweet tribute to your friend Connie and you will surely feel her near as you take your rides. Lovely words and photos.
You have also given me pause to think about the different skills and muscles and skills between a bicycle and a tricycle. I do think I'd like that basket.

[Halcyon]

I haven't had a lot of free time for blogging lately, but I'm glad I came back and read this post. What a lovely way to remember a dear friend. Glad to hear you found a balance between triking and walking. :D

[Stewart M]

By some strange set of coincidences I never learned to ride a bike - so when I was on Lord Howe Island I used a tricycle - and it looked almost exactly the same as this one - I had a real blast peddling all over the place on LHI - although I did get a few strange looks!!

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

[Annie]

What a lovely story Sallie ! I like so much the "and for remembering" at the end !
Here no bike for me. The "up" are too numerous and difficult. But we come back from Holland, where biking is so easy and it was a pleasure to do it.

[Barb]

That trike has such a big basket, you can go grocery shopping with it, Sallie. Just think the exercise you'll get pedalling home from the market! You can talk to your friend in your mind as you ride her trike - she'd be glad you're using it. That last photo brought tears to my eyes.

[Sondra-SC]

I know I would enjoy one of these also...especially near the beach...

[KL]

This was a very moving piece. I enjoyed reading it but also pondered about the meaning of our life. Hmm..I never knew about trike :-) == perhaps I need that since I have forgotten how to ride a bicycle. Lovely photos

[craftygreenpoet]

Lovely photos. I always like the idea of the stability of a trike....

[Daniela L.]

This is the first time I see a trike and I'm truly charmed by it !
And your pictures, well, they always amaze me more and more, the nature surrounding you is truly stunning, my dearest Sallie !

Hope your week is off to a great start I wish you wonderful days to come, sending my dearest love to you,

Dany

[nancy chan]

I think riding a tricycle is much safer and more comfortable for senior citizens. I would love to have one too.

[Gattina]

In the past I used a bicycle very often, but I guess the last time I have been on one must be at least 20 years ago, it's too hilly here. But a tricycle as you have that I would use too, that's really great, have never seen one like that not even in Holland the bike specialists ! Wonderful excursion !

[Debbie]

ooooh and more tulips at my place on thursday, they look like quilts!!!!

[Debbie]

for a long period of time, i rode a tricycle, just like that. same design, same color. i found it difficult to ride...it seemed to lean to one side!!!! i regained my balance and am now able to ride a regular bike!!! beautiful images today, i really enjoyed these!!!

[Phil]

First of all I'm sure that Connie will be pleased to see her trike being used in such a good way rather than being left to rot away. Never having ridden a trike I am surprised by your description of having to learn how to do it as it all looks easy. Not that see many on our overcrowded UK roads.

We see more mobility vehicles hogging the footpaths(sidewalks) but I'm not ready for one of those just yet.

[Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti]

I know how hard it is to lose a good friend to illness, Sallie! I lost a good friend to cancer last year.
It is nice that Connie's husband gave you her bike to use in her memory. It is a pretty tricycle and I can see that it would be fun to ride once you get the hang of it.

I am trying to teach my 3 year old granddaughter how to ride a tricycle these days. she is enthusiastic but her legs are a little short so she is having trouble. I like bicycle riding but my husband does not, so we usually walk rather than ride.

[Gaelyn]

I am absolutely in Love with your pretty purple trike. I've said for years I'd rather walk than ride a bike. I'm terribly shaky riding and don't like those skinny seats up my, you know what. But I'm liking this idea. Plus how wonderful to enjoy the memories of a friend while exercising and getting from place to place. That last shot just draws me right in.

[Rajesh]

Wonderful shots from nature park. I like that last shot.

[Chandra@GreenComotion]

Hi Sallie,
Congrats on a successful Tricycle ride.
I was about to buy one in 1997, but by the time I went back to the pawn store, it was gone.
Oh well - It is in the hands of someone who really needed it!

Your photos in this post are awesome - particularly the 2nd and the last one.
The last one like a time warp? Is that what you call it?

If you don't care about getting anywhere fast and you want to be comfortable, you could put a larger cog in the back wheel(s). Just a thought!

Trikes are quite safe and fun to ride.
I have often also considered a Tadpole trike - like Catrike.
But, I didn't end up getting one.

Enjoy your cycling and hobbies!
Have a Happy Week ahead!!
Peace :)

[Al]

A trike - that makes sense. I haven't ridden my bike in years, since we got our first dog, because the time I used to spend doing that goes to walking the dogs. I miss it.

[Lois]

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend and how nice that you have something of hers to use and remember her by. I wouldn't mind having a trike like that, especially in purple! Love the photos too.

[diane]

What a lovely way to remember a friend. It looks like fun but different. Love your photos especially the last one. We have recently lost a close friend. One of our birthday bear group. It is his funeral today. Unlike your friend, Paul had been fighting cancer for 5 years.
By the way your comment on my post sounded like you thought the autumn leaves were where we live. Here in Brisbane is like Florida, sub tropical and we don't get much variation in seasons but we travelled south to the Blue mountains where they do get the colours. Next week we go to the highlands in northern NSW and we hope to see colours again. I would have liked to reply to you by email but I don't have your address.

[artmusedog and carol]

Gorgeous nature photography! Love the bike! Glad you are having fun.

Happy Week to you ~ ^_^

[ellen b]

What a nice story about your friend and her tricycle. So glad you are finally enjoying it. Us seniors are in a time of life that includes a lot of death. It's good to enjoy everyday we get.

[TexWisGirl]

i love it. and love it even more that it belonged to your friend...

[Lavender Dreams]

We see them in our community and they look like fun. I know they are a lot safer...easier to look around while you pedal! Enjoy your week sweet lady. Hugs, Diane

[Linda]

I LOVE the rich and lush colors and vegetation there. We are STILL trying to green up here.

Linda

[Nan]

I love, love, love it! I think once I got used to it, I would find it much more pleasant. And people probably never fall off. I am sorry about Connie though. It is so dear for you to honor her by using your trike.

[Florence]

I'm sorry about your friend. It is a lovely way to remember her.

[Penelope Postcards]

Sorry to hear about your friend Connie … what a great way to honor her memory. The trike for grownups seems to be catching on in my neck of the woods and the people I have seen operating them are quite young. Much, much easier to take pictures and to bring home the groceries. :)

[NatureFootstep]

my neighbour have a bike like that ans is very pleased with it.

[fun60]

That's a lovely heart warming story. I must confess I was surprised that you were using a trike but what a great way to remember your friend.

[Linda]

I love this post, Sallie, and your photos are gorgeous!

[JennJilks]

This is really fun. They are refinishing our highway, adding a bike lane/shoulder.
You're right that some smart men drive pickup trucks, but not ones that pass us, and are continually on our tail!

[Photo Cache]

I love ferns. You get a lot of those in Florida I'm guessing?

[Mick]

What a great post! and I loved the photos of where you have been riding. I am sure you will get a lot of enjoyment out of your new transport.
Way back when!! Some of us (actually 3 generations of my family) rode motor bikes because they were lots cheaper than cars! My Dad used to tell a joke against himself of how he came off rather hard because he thought that adding a side-car wouldn't change the way the bike felt and rode! It sounds rather like your trike experiences.

[Abrianna]

What a lovely tribute from your friend. And of course the purple is stunning.

[Eileen]

Hello, what a fun way to honor your friend by riding her trike. After tearing my hamstring from riding my bike, I should try a trike to. It may be safer for me, or just stick to waling. You do have some pretty scenery to see while riding. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!

[Lowell]

Tricycles are very popular all over Florida, even though most folks in 55+ communities seem to prefer golf cars for transportation. I don't have use for either at the moment and we're still riding out regular bikes several times a week but I can see the day coming when my back and legs are going to take bike riding. I admire your spirit of adventure and your willingness to keep learning new things!

[Yogi]

Hey you know something I run a lot, but I can tell that is not going to last forever and then I will walk and ride a bike and I am sure that is a trike out there also. You do what you can.

Plus Logan never learned to ride a bike. I'd get him a trike like yours but the local streets are not safe and I don"t know how I would transport it.

Nice tribute to your friend.

[LaVoice]

Not familiar with this type bike. I think it is marvelous for seniors that cannot do anything else. I prefer walking as long as my old legs will do it. It is hard to lose a friend or love one, but thank goodness for time.

[DeniseinVA]

What a lovely way to honor Connie, she would love that. These are lovely photos, to walk and also to ride. I was a bike rider many years ago but my knees can no longer cope. I would try the tricycle if I had a chance though. Great post, a very enjoyable read.

[Lady Fi]

Oh, memories on wheels! And lovely shots too.

[Sara - My Woodland Garden]

Oh, I too would be really happy to have one. It would be great for carrying stuff between our home and the village centre, instead of needing to take a car.
Thank you for the lovely post!

[Judy@CranberryMorning]

I am sorry to hear of your loss of a good friend. It is a great thing that you are triking in memory of Connie, and nice of her husband to give it to you. Yes, I made up the word triking, but I did Google it first to make sure it didn't have some untoward connotation! LOL Hope you have a marvelous spring day.

[Mama Zen]

Oh, I want one!