When I published, “Why We Ride,” I did a book tour for it, reading the work at bike shops and cafes in a half dozen states. When I arrived at The Spokesman, in Santa Cruz, Calif., I walked in the door and who was standing there, but my old mentor, Big Dave. He’d seen a write-up in the paper that I’d be reading and drove over from Aptos.
I hadn’t seen Dave in 30 years, and as those deepest friendships go, we picked up as if I’d seen him the day before. We’ve been in regular contact ever since.
Just before Christmas, he got in touch. He’s had some health issues and hasn’t been able to exercise much. He asked me to help him find an adult trike. That he turned to me for help filled me with an excitement to finally do something for him.
Within days I found a used one on Craigslist. It was a Burning Man castoff, decorated with hand-painted clouds. He asked me to make it look like a hot rod: rattle-can black.
I lubricated pivots and cables, installed a new chain, aired the tires and replaced the original saddle with one featuring a back support.
On a warm January day I drove down to Aptos and delivered the trike to him. We reminisced, caught up, reminisced. Then he went for a spin around the block.
I’ve shared cycling, given cycling to a number of people over the years. Every time I have had the opportunity to introduce someone to the sport, the satisfaction and reward I feel registers deep in my soul. But this time felt different. Never before had I felt I was helping someone regain their life, the opportunity for wonder.
The smile on his face was one I know well. It’s the same smile I made when I took off on his cruiser all those years ago.