Maraley McMichael remembers receiving this bicycle around her 10th birthday. She remembers the huge basket made of metal was a weight and balance factor getting on and off when she would ride.
Author Maraley McMichael rides her bike frequently but doesn't care a whit about what fashion statement she's making.
As long as the roads aren't icy or snowy, you might catch a glimpse of author Maraley McMichael on her bike. An orange vest makes her visible to motorists.
Maraley McMichael says the bike she got for $50 on sale is the best investment in exercise equipment she's ever made. This month, she explores the pleasures of bike-riding and the practical fashion choices she makes while cycling.
"How to look chic while riding a bike...denim culottes are perfect for riding since there is plenty of legroom and the 'Breton' top gives it a Parisian vibe." When I read those words several years ago in the caption under an internet photo news blurb, I almost laughed out loud. I'm an avid bike rider, but looking chic is not a priority while peddling through my Mat-Su Valley subdivision.
One time, a neighbor laughed and commented that he was glad I wasn't a bandit wanting to rob his garage sale, when I rode up wearing my red plaid wool scarf over half of my face. (I have since learned there is such an item as a neck gaiter.) On the days the temperature dips into the low 40s, I have to wear something over my mouth to keep my teeth from getting cold, or they ache for hours. So much for giving off a Parisian vibe...
Sometimes I even wear clashing colors of clothing in my effort to get out of the house quickly once I've decided it's time for my daily bike ride. I don't ride on icy or snowy roads. Rain isn't a problem, but wind frequently keeps me at home. My 45-year-old Helly Hansen raincoat and pants keep me dry, and I wear a rain hat under my helmet.
I still expect many decent bike riding days in October. With our mild temperatures and sparse snow several winters back, I was able to ride a good portion of January, February, and March-although it would have been hard to tell it was me under all those layers of turtleneck, down coat, long underwear under heavy jeans, stocking hat peeking out under my helmet, thick gloves, and that red plaid face scarf.
At the other extreme, temperatures were so hot at times during two past summers that I've worn a tank top and shorts and even then, on some days had to wait until late evening so I could ride without direct sunlight.
Bike riding has been my exercise of choice ever since our return to Palmer in 2011. I believe it was instrumental in helping me return to good health, especially with my balance issues. The first two summers, I couldn't lift my hand off the handlebar to return a wave from the driver of a passing car, for fear of crashing. Now I can take a glove off and put it back on while holding on with only one hand.
My classic bike has only one speed and the brakes are in the pedals. That's what I learned on when I was a kid and what I'm most comfortable with. When my kids were young, I rode with them using a three-speed with handlebar brakes but never enjoyed it. Then for several years, I used a vintage red Schwinn boy's bike, but it was always hard to get on and off. My current bike is the fourth I've owned and cost $50 at a Camping World Black Friday sale in Colorado back in 2009 during our "snowbird" years. It's the best money I've ever spent for exercise equipment.
Friends have suggested riding together, but I've found I prefer to ride alone. Without a set time, there is no stress when things come up, no consulting about time with someone else's schedule commitments, and no deadlines. Once I was walking out the door with my helmet on, when a call came from my 5-year-old granddaughter asking if I could Skype with her. The bike ride was immediately put on hold.
Just getting outside every day seems to blow the cobwebs out of my head. It's my thinking and praying time. Sometimes I use it for memory testing and try to remember three or four things I want to do or write down when I get home. If upset, it usually lowers my blood pressure. I also enjoy watching the changes of each season as they progress...from the greening up of springtime to the beautiful fall colors, and even the barrenness of prewinter. I watch for traffic and dog hazards, knowing which houses have loose dogs that like to bark and chase. Even so, I've had a dog take a bite out of my coat-very unnerving, but rare. My husband installed a rearview mirror for additional safety.
I enjoy watching both the domestic and wildflowers grow and bloom in neighbors' yards. I notice when a house goes up for sale and when a new owner moves in. I've also come across unexpected garage sales and had to return home for money. I sometimes pick up litter and collect it in a plastic grocery bag which then hangs from the bike handles until I return home. The wicker basket I attached to the front of my bike comes in handy for hauling various things-warmer gloves, sunglasses, phone, and sweet pea bouquets or greenhouse produce for my neighbors.
Thinking of the basket, at a neighbor's Fourth of July barbecue one summer, the hostess told me that she always thinks of the movie "The Wizard of Oz" when she sees me ride by her house. Stalling for time, I repeated the words "The Wizard of Oz"? while unsuccessfully trying to think of a connection. Another neighbor smiled and said, "You really don't know whether that is good or bad, do you?" The hostess then laughed and said she admired my dedication for riding in all kinds of weather and the conversation went in another direction.
For the next month when I rode by her house, I would remember the comment and wonder. I had never seen the movie but thought I knew the basic story and couldn't recall any bike. Finally, I remembered to ask my daughter by email and she filled me in about Dorothy's neighbor who stole Toto and put the dog in a wicker basket on her bike and then later turned into a witch. When I emailed back that I had attached a basket to my bike, she just laughed and said the profile fit...
I'm not going to go out and get a copy of "The Wizard of Oz" movie to check the comparison. I prefer to imagine myself as the movie star, Andie MacDowell, who played the part of a small-town judge in a soap opera type series on the Hallmark Channel a few years back. Her character rode her classic bike (with wicker basket) from home to work and around town...many times with a bouquet of flowers or a bag of groceries in the basket. She looked chic no matter how she was attired. Comparison to her is silly, though. She never wore an orange Alaska Fish & Wildlife safety vest...something I've started doing for additional safety the last couple of years.
Maraley McMichael is a lifelong Alaskan now residing in Palmer. Email her at maraleymcmichael@gmail.com.
