Cycle of bicycle

 Cycle of Bicycles 

Blog by 

Vijay Kant Diksit 

vkdiksit@gmail.com 

As a child, one of my most cherished achievements was learning to ride a bicycle. I still remember the exhilaration I felt when I first mastered the art of balancing and pedaling. My Dad owned a bicycle, and during my primary school years, I eagerly seized the opportunity to try it out whenever he returned from work. Due to my small stature at the time, I had to adopt a scissors-style method of riding since my feet couldn't reach the pedals and the seat properly. The next stage was a variation called danda cycling, where I would sit on the crossbar of the bicycle and propel myself forward with my feet. Even though I couldn't reach the bicycle seat, this mode of transportation earned me respect from my peers.

As I progressed through life, my cycling skills improved significantly. I can still recall the profound sense of satisfaction I experienced when I could effortlessly ride and maneuver the bicycle without even touching the handlebars. It became my primary mode of transportation, faithfully carrying me to all my destinations, from school to friends' houses to errands.

As the years went by and my financial circumstances improved, I eventually upgraded from a bicycle to a scooter and later to a motorcycle. During that era, a 350 cc bike, particularly the iconic Bullet motorcycle, held immense allure for me. The intoxicating combination of its powerful sound and exhilarating speed was a true indulgence. I would often take long rides on my motorcycle, exploring the countryside and soaking up the wind in my hair.

During my middle age, four wheels became my preferred choice, offering a sense of safety and the capacity to accommodate my growing family. I purchased a car and used it for all my daily needs, from commuting to work to taking the kids to school and extracurricular activities. It seemed as though I had reached the pinnacle of my wheel-based journey. However, life had more surprises in store for me.

Upon reaching senior citizenship and with my daughter relocating to the USA, a new chapter began. While driving a car in India came naturally to me, navigating the roads in the USA presented a different set of challenges. Despite the similarities in machinery and technology, the driving system and controls varied significantly. The US followed the practice of driving on the right side of the road, and foot controls were reversed compared to what I was accustomed to. Shifting my instincts from driving on the left side to the right side in the USA proved to be a bit of a tricky adjustment.

For shorter distances within the USA, I found solace in a familiar companion that brought me full circle: my trusty bicycle. Once again, I rediscovered the incredible feeling of riding a bicycle. It allowed me to establish a profound connection with my surroundings and engage in meaningful interactions with friends along the way. I would often cycle to the park, the library, or the coffee shop, enjoying the leisurely pace and the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds.

So, in a sense, the wheels of my life have completed a full circle. From my humble beginnings as a child on a bicycle, to the thrill of motorcycles and the convenience of cars, and now back to a bicycle as a senior citizen, each stage of my wheel-based journey has brought its own set of joys and challenges. I am particularly appreciative of the simplicity and accessibility of cycling.ycling has been a constant source of joy for me throughout my life. It has allowed me to explore my surroundings, connect with nature, and build relationships with others.  It is a mode of transportation that is available to people of all ages and abilities. As I pedal my way through life, I find great appreciation in the simple pleasures and genuine connections that a bicycle offers.