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As a child one of the most exhilarating things I enjoyed to do was ride my bicycle. When things bothered me and I needed an out away from the world. I grabbed up my bike, got on it and rode off into relaxation.

It seemed that my bike and I were one. The wind rushed past my skin and took with it every worry in my teenage world. We didn't think about accidents or helmets or taking a spill on our bike. We just rode with the wind.

My bicycle became my best friend when my mom got lung cancer. The level of stress at home was hard to handle. In the afternoon when I finished my chores. I got on my bike and I would ride for hours. There was a bike trail built that ran along the express way and the airport. Sometimes I would ride so far and so long that when I stopped. The bike path had ended.

It was those moments of feeling free and at peace with my soul, that made my bicycle the most valuable thing that I owned. As time passed and I grew older. Life just changed. I didn't seem to find the time for my bicycle any more. So I passed it on to another teenager in need.

There were still moments in my life when I closed my eyes and longed for the days of those lonely bike trips. So last year I decided to buy a new bicycle. I went out and priced the bikes. I found one that just looked like it should belong to me. It was a lot like the bike I owned as a child. A bright orange that faded into this cool shade of yellow. It was a Mountain Bike. I figured that was a good sturdy choice for a much older, out of practice rider.

I proudly wheeled the bike up to the counter and paid for it. I brought it home and the closer I got to my front door the more excited I became. Then the thought passed through my mind that I should be a proper example for my daughters. I too should wear a bike helmet and knee pads to protect my body. So I drove back to the bike shop. I asked the counter person what type of safety gear I needed for the mountain bike I just purchased.

They promptly helped me pick out the best fitting knee and elbow pads, for my body style. They also helped me choose a helmet. One that would fit properly and somewhat match my new bicycle. I also got a pair of riding lasses to keep the wind and bugs out of my eyes. Then I paid for it all and began my trip home feeling much safer with my new bike gear.

When my nine year old daughter saw my new surprise. She was elated. I am very proud of her because she received several good biking awards from our local police department for always using

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