Wicked (27.7.20)

 "Live while I'm alive. Sleep when I'm dead!"


Bon Jovii

Objects have a way of speaking volumes about their owners. They are manifestations of our achievements, convictions, preferences, and even a projection of masculinity, for men. As the old adage goes, men compensate for their inadequacy with big stuff—flashy cars, fat wallets, big guns or fancy bikes.

I chose a small-framed bike not necessarily to affirm anything. I've already passionately listed down my reasons. Lately, I've found what probably is the best validation for "Jennifer's" existence.

On a recent ride, a group of bikers on MTBs passed me and jeered, "Rampa! Rampa!" I have nothing against Trail Riders. Some friends of mine are. I think they're awesome! For city folk who mostly commute on flatland, no one can be more awesome than a guy on a "fixie"!

Every weekend I see bikers bunched up somewhere (ignoring social-distancing!), talking about their rides but mostly ogling over another guy's frame or other cool parts and how much that shit cost. Those who know me know that peso value is never enough to impress me.

My bike on the other hand, elicits more than just praise despite being so measly cheap. Random strangers and friends are always taken back in time, reminiscing about their childhood, stuff or tricks they used to do, and they tell it with gusto, passion, and a hint of regret—that they're too old to ride that way again.

The last 35 years have taken their toll on me as well. What used to be a simple "Bunny Hop" then is now a superhuman feat for me! Maybe I'm too old for that but having been able to let go of the bars and clap my hands again along a short stretch of concrete again, I see that there might be a sliver of hope that I just might be able to ride like I used to. For now, being able to stradle a BMX  and the fact that I can pedal up an incline on a single-speed sprocket has made me feel resurrected in Valhalla. I am more alive now than I ever was!

Yeah, people might find MTBs and "roadies" cool but a half-century relic  on a BMX bike?

That's fucking wicked!


#livealegend

#staywicked

#badboyforlife

#bmxforever

#faith

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