Christmas Memories on New Year's Eve

It's New Year's Eve today and, with the future right around the corner, it's as natural to look back to years past as it is to look forward to the year ahead. For me, that means thinking back to my most significant bike-related Christmas: back in 2007 when I got my first "adult" bike.

You've gotta start somewhere.

Make no mistake - I'd had plenty of bikes before then and they all played a fundamental part in my childhood adventures. When I was young, I burned through Big Wheels at what must have been an alarming rate to my parents, who kept having to buy me new ones. I actually rode one so much that the front wheel split in half. Eventually, I graduated to an actual bicycle that my dad had assembled himself from various parts. It was painted orange, white, and black and it was what I learned to ride on. Eventually I moved up a standard mountain bike - 26" wheels, forest green and fairly basic - I think it was a Huffy or a similar brand. Finally, I moved to a silver full-suspension, steel-frame mountain bike from Target that easily weighed 35+ lbs.

The frame was so heavy it could have withstood Armageddon.

It was the kind of bike that makes kids drool when they see it in the store with their parents - a Vertical XL2 with chrome, full suspension, lots of gears, and bar ends that looked like horns. It was a heavy beast, but I loved it and rode it for nearly 8 years, which is probably why I developed such strong thigh muscles. It's what I had even when I started college, and it's what I rode when I first gave bike commuting a try. However, it's weight, combined the fact that I realized the front suspension was bent at a rather dangerous angle and looked like it would probably snap at some point*, made me realize it was time to finally give up on the old girl and find a successor.
*Addendum: in looking for an image, I happened to discover that, shortly after I bought it, this bike was actually subject to a recall because the front suspension was improperly welded. I rode it for 7 years after this recall, and it's a miracle I still have my front teeth. Oops.

This brings us to the Christmas of 2007 (or slightly before, if you insist on accurate record-keeping). Being in college, with a commute of over 7 miles each way, my new bike needed to be something of a bit better quality. My parents agreed to get me one as a Christmas present and accompanied me to the local bike shop. I had never been there before and it was an experience, to say the least. Being used to the racks of bikes stuck in the kid's section of Walmart, I was not prepared for the rows upon rows of quality bikes, equipment, and gear, that the shop had. They had types of bikes I'd never seen before - everything from elegant, ultra-lightweight road bikes to full-suspension mountain bikes with four-digit price tags that put my battered steed to shame. Also unlike the department stores I'd been to previously, the staff were extremely knowledgeable and helpful in finding a bike that actually fit me and was in my parent's price range. It was my first introduction to "adult" cycling - the kind of riding that involves quality equipment, a knowledge of bike options, and properly fitting the bike to the rider.

Winter cycling in Fort Wayne. Source.

Finally, after much deliberation and several test-rides, I found my bicycle: a navy blue Giant Rincon hardtail. The contrast between it and my previous bike was immediately apparent, and my parents bought it for me, along with front and rear fenders, lights, and a helmet. This was a bike that was ready for commuting in all weather, and I couldn't wait to ride it. But my parents made me wait - insisting on putting it next to the tree and not letting me ride it until Christmas. It drove me nuts, but the anticipation was worth it because, on Christmas, I ran outside to give it a spin, regardless of the fact that it had snowed about 5 inches the night before and was still snowing that day. I had no experience riding in snow and could barely pedal through the mix of unpacked snow and tire-tracks that covered the street in front of my house, but it felt great, regardless.

I made it down the street and back before calling it quits, but it was the start of something special for me that continues to this day, even though there's no snow here in Charleston. That bike got me through snow, ice, rain, sun and everything else Fort Wayne's unpredictable weather could throw at me. I still have her, and regularly alternate between her and my green touring bike. She's great for bad weather in particular, and I view her as the bike equivalent of a Jeep: good for all weather, all terrain, and not afraid of a bit of dirt.

So what's it all mean? What is there to take from my long and eclectic history of bike ownership? I think several things, actually:

1. Even a humble beginning is still a beginning.
   Big Wheels are cheap, plastic tricycles, but they instilled in me a love of all things pedal-powered, even as I broke axles and wore out wheels.
2. All children should learn to ride a bike.
   The adventures I had because I could ride were innumerable and they defined my childhood. A bike meant the freedom to explore and go places with friends long before I had a driver's license.
3. There is no such thing as a bad bike.
   My Vertical XL2 was not, by any account, a high-quality bike. It cost about $140 new, the frame was heavy steel, the components were inexpensive, and the suspension was poorly welded and dangerous, but I still got 8 years of amazing adventures out of it.
4. Some bikes, however, are better than others.
   Getting my Giant made me realize the importance of quality in a bicycle. As a kid, it really didn't make any difference - a bike was a bike, the flashier the better. But as an adult, it is worth it to invest in a quality bike that is reliable and will last as long as you do. This is especially true if you need your bike in order to get to class or work on time!
5. Having supportive people in your life is essential
   My dad taught me to ride and both my parents fostered my love of cycling from early on. In fact, my parents have bought me every single bike I have ever owned, including both of my current rides (my green touring bike was a graduation present from them). To put it simply, I would not be the cyclist I am today without their encouragement through the years.
   Additionally, my wife loves that I bike commute and frequently gives me amazing bike-related gifts to make my rides better. She has given me everything from a rain shell that has kept me warm and dry through numerous downpours, to a beautiful custom leather bar-bag that matches the saddle and bar tape on my touring bike.

So, as you look forward to the year ahead, take a second to look back to where you came from and who helped you along the way. Whether they taught you to ride or bought you new cycling socks, let them know how much you appreciate their support.

Happy New Year, and thanks for reading.
-Keegan