I live with chronic pain and can barely walk, but everyday I put on my sunglasses, my sun hat and take my tiny rat terrier for a vigorous run next to my trike. I love my adult tricycle. I feel young and vigorous as I pedal through my suburban neighborhood. I had trouble learning how to ride a bike since I was a child, but always wanted to be out riding in the wind. I tried once again riding a regular bike in my 20’s and ended up crashed into a parked truck and flung over the handlebars. It was so disappointing to have such poor arm strength that I could not manage to keep a bike straight on a path. I always regretted not being able to ride with my husband and my daughter.
Finally decades later, I swallowed my embarrassment, braced up some courage and bought a trike at a friendly bike shop. The low cross piece allows me to step into the bike area without discomfort. The trike is so easy to steer. If I get fatigued, I can rest on the comfy tractor like seat and look at the view and day dream till I catch my wind and get going again. I feel safe in the balanced seating and allow myself to get up to a (purely imaginary) break neck speed, knowing that I can stop the bike easily with the hand brakes.
My terrier is so energetic, she loves running along side me on a flexible snap lead. She gets the exercise she needs, I get a pick me up and we bring smiles to neighbors as we frolic down the street. Each day we have ventured out a bit farther as I gain strength, till we managed to bike up to the nearby dog park. I took a chance and brought the bike inside the park and slowly road it around with her as other dog owners walked with their dogs. It was such a pick me up to be able to keep up with her as she romped around the park, and I had enough energy to bike back home.
Biking has made me healthier, happier and more social. It reduces my pain level and brightens my mood. I feel able and normal at least for a little while.
