Bikes and the Elderly

There is nothing strange about seeing a little old lady walk down the sidewalk. It happens. It’s normal.

But there is something strange about seeing an 83 year old lady ride a bike down the middle of the street. At least it is strange for me.

I remember driving home during one of my first weeks here and laughing out loud as I watched this sweet looking lady with typical “grandmother grey” hair and big glasses ride her bike down the street.

She was just pedaling along with a cabbage and a cantaloupe in her handlebar basket.

Here in Germany, it happens. It’s normal.

And, I love it.

I recently got on my bike for the first time in years and rode around my town. It was sublime. I even giggled once or twice like a seven year old boy as the wind streaked through my hair and I coasted at high speeds down a hill.

I now try to ride my bike as much as possible. I ride to the local doner kebab stand. I ride for exercise. I ride to enjoy a beautiful afternoon. I’m probably going to start riding to work once or twice a week too.

Here in Bavarian Germany, there is a network of biking and walking trails that essentially connects every town. You can easily drink a cappuccino in one town, ride to the next town and eat a schnitzel, and then ride to another town for a beer and a pretzel.

In fact, I did that exact thing today. It’s a good life.

And while I was riding, I came across a few more old ladies on their bikes. It still is funny to me and I chuckled to myself yet again. But next time, I’m secretly hoping that I find myself pedaling beside a pretty girl my own age.

Maybe we’ll both be chuckling then.