As I write this I am at home in Westchester sipping some tea with my mom and relaxing on the mandatory vacation I was made to take. Poor me. I wanted to tell you about an experience I had yesterday that really showed how far I’ve come as a bicyclists.
In my earlier, fatter, lazier days I still liked to ride my bike. I would take it up to the local Suncoast, a three mile trip, and buy a copy of Dragonball on VHS. Now I am dating myself. The thing is back then I would not be able to make it up the hills. I would walk my bike the part of the way that I could not climb.
Yesterday I went out to buy some groceries with my brother, hence the title, and I really got to see how far I have gone. First mechanically, I found an old bike in our garage, assessed it, and made it rideable for my brother. Thanks Mary Lou. Then structurally, I was able to climb those hills without incident. I wasn’t even in a low gear. Lastly, if my brother symbolized me when I was younger while he was wheezing and struggling to get up hills I wasn’t even breaking a sweat.
So I’ll leave you with these parting words, look back from where you’ve come so that you can appreciate where you are. Just remember to keep strait on the road.
Albany Bicycle Coalition 
Thanks Chris,
Great way to look at our the progress we have all made. I think I share your reflections, and think I am a stronger bicyclist than I was when I was “young.” My mechainicall skills are still novice but I feel more confident than I did 5 years ago!