For many years my everyday Kensington purple retro bicycle has been gathering dust and feeling very neglected in our lonely Kerrisdale basement. It’s not that I haven’t thought of cycling or the emotional effect of not cycling would have on my bike, it just didn’t happen. Then, the COVID19 crisis came along and everything changed. A lot of my regular activities were cancelled. So you can imagine my bike’s surprise and elation when on March 18th, 2020, I dusted her off, put some air in the tires and proceeded to ride down 37th to the Arbutus Greenway. One small ride and we were both hooked. I had nearly forgotten the joy and feeling of freedom one gets from a good bike ride. As a child I rode my bike everywhere in our small Central Alberta town and cycling continued to be an important part of my life when I moved to Vancouver in 1973. But somewhere along the line and not for any particular reason, I stopped cycling.

Well things have changed and I have the novel corona virus to thank for it! I am happy and proud to report that since March 18th, I have cycled every day except for 2 days when it was raining and too dangerous and slippery to venture out. I have to be careful not to fall off my bike as I am waiting for a new date for hip replacement surgery that was postponed due to the COVID19 pandemic. Fortunately, cycling does not seem to hurt my hip as long as I don’t overdo it. My bike rides on the Arbutus Greenway and through the beautiful areas of Shaughnessy, Kerrisdale and Kitsilano aren’t long or difficult so my dear and trusty bike that only has 6 gears is entirely adequate for my purposes. My beloved bike is solid and dependable just like the ideal mate, long searched for and forever cherished.

The reconnection with my bike and the rediscovery of my love of cycling will be my best memory of an otherwise stressful period in our life in the time of COVID19. I am an active senior living in Kerrisdale with my husband and best friend George. Although he wouldn’t admit it he is secretly jealous of my relationship with my Everyday Kensington bicycle.

Jean Haldane, Kerrisdale (Vancouver)