My Red Bicycle

My very first vehicle over which I had full authority was my shiny light red cycle- a BSA SLR- my ticket to independent mobility. I was such a proud owner that I have been embarrassed in attempts to show off unsuccessfully.

My cycling improved with my exclusive ladies bike because I was dying to show the world that I had an invaluable possession. I no longer had to be pushed out of the house for fresh air as that was all I longed for now. Fresh air was fresher and more welcoming while zooming past on my red bicycle. As compared to today’s cycles, she might shy away but back then, she was the ultimate beauty. I couldn’t wait to mount my bike in the mornings to go to school. My father was pleasantly surprised that his daughter no longer asked for a lift to school. My mother found a super-efficient errand-running daughter and my brother found that he had to make no excuses for not running errands. Such was the magic of my red bicycle.

I used my lovely cycle for six years and she never gave me trouble. As I left for college we gave it to my gardener who had a daughter as young as I was when I got it.