This morning I executed my first right-hand turn off of Banbury Road. Taking my brand-new, Robin Blue trekking bike out of the bike lane required confidence in my ability to translate American left-turn into English right-turn. I’m pretty sure I had twenty opportunities to make the turn before I felt sure enough to leap ahead onto the side street. That turn is one of the many “firsts” I am adding to my list. But let’s get back to the bike.

My bike is an Activ Fifth Avenue, a combination between a cruiser and a mountain bike. I thought it had six gears, but it has eighteen (note to self : pay attention to the bike guy as he lists the specifications). This bike is weighed down by every item necessary for a cruising bike. Its fenders shine in the daily minute of sunshine. The bike’s bell dings to warn pedestrians of my unsteady approach and it has an array of flashing lights that glow like something from Area 51.  Best of all — it has a basket on the back for carrying a picnic lunch to a spot by the river or canal. Anyone who has ever bought the bike of his/her dreams knows why I love mine.

It is possible to become childlike on a new bike. I’m not talking about reverting back to childhood or my early twenties or even my early forties. That is impossible. What I am talking about is riding a bike for the pure pleasure of pretending I am whatever I want to be when I grow up.  For some people, a bike is a means of transportation. For others it represents training and discipline and a faint hope of riding with elite bikers in the Tour de France. For me, a bike opens up possibilities.  I ride my bike through the unfamiliar neighborhood with an unguarded view of the world. I get to smile at people and nod a hello or mutter “sorry” when I veer too close. If I take enough antihistamine, I can stop and smell the roses or drop my bike in the grass, so I can lie on my back and watch the clouds move through the sky. Riding my bike reminds me that it is never too late to dream.

I know this because I am now living my childhood dream.