Cycle-ology: The importance of being earnest

I was met with “The Importance of being earnest” while cycling towards downtown Elgin. The northern sky was dark and threatening while the southern view was blue with welcoming clouds. Heading south, I was determined to arrive at my Ben Shen appointment in dry clothes. The urgency to out cycle the oncoming weather that chilled my spine and swayed my wheels was thrilling.

Cycling down Porter heading towards Park St, I spot a young cyclist enjoying his ride until he would need to take cover. I always enjoy a friendly head nod, wave or verbal greeting with the community. A verbal “hello” was exchanged upon our passing… and then… I found myself stopped. The northern sky continued to wash over the southern sky like squid ink, yet I was no longer peddling.

The young boy began to defend his use of training wheels with great importance and earnestness. I assured him that they can be very helpful and I too once had training wheels. He continued to explain that he didn’t really need them except the bike was bought second-hand and the brakes cause him to fall. Otherwise, he would not use training wheels. [I imagine an EBH superhero arriving at that very moment to adjust the brakes.] He also felt it was the utmost importance for me to know that his brand of bike makes a folding scooter, which is ‘way cool’. I remarked ‘Awesome, kind ‘a like a transformer’. He scrunched his face and replied ‘Yeah, but transformers are cars and not a scooter.’

This brief education, I received, was too priceless to dismiss even with the chance of a downpour. We parted ways with the young boy feeling understood. He headed up his driveway and I arrived dry for my appointment.

Soon after, the dark sky opened in full glory on Chicago Street. Even though I took the precautionary measures to cover my bike seat, it was not the time to head home after my acupuncture session. Instead, a hot chocolate at ‘The Blue Box’ while reading BRAVO was a perfect combo to wait out the weather. Next, with the blue sky above and wet pavement below, I strolled to ‘Rediscover Records’ and purchased a couple memorable albums. Afterwards, feeling victory was mine, I cycled back home towards the blue northern sky.

-Teryl