"How much is that bicycle in the window?"
The hills didn’t worry you in those days. You just stood up and heaved a bit harder. Or you just got off and walked. There was no urgency. And every hill climbed was a speedy decent on the return journey. A race to the bottom was essential.
Gears? One gear with a coaster brake was par for the course although some were fortunate enough to have a bike with a 3-speed hub. Luxury.
It must have rained in those days too. But it was only a problem if it was raining in the morning. Riding home in the rain was alot of fun. Straight into a warm bath. The bus was the alternative. One car per household was the norm.
“Speed kills” was the refrain yelled out to every person on a bike as the bus went past.
The bike sheds were always full.
No special clothes were required. Nor a helmet. Sandals in the summer. Black lace-ups in the winter.
There was always time to stop at the dairy on the way home for a game of pinball. Remember ’tilt’.
And lessons learned. Never pull a drawing pin out of a tyre before you get home. No matter how curious you are.
And of course. That freedom feeling. It still lingers.
Cycling. It’s as easy as walking, but faster….
