Freewheel’n – April 2001

There are only a few events that cause me to pull away from cycling. Yes, cycling has been a cherished activity that has grown over many years. This was not always the case…in fact, photography was once my favorite. That was some thirty years ago and the scene was Lakewood, New Jersey. There were many picturesque locations that were missed as nearby parking was unavailable or simply not seen as you zipped by in the car. Purchased my first bike, a Centurion, so that these scenes could be photographed. Century tours and Double Metrics were not a thought…only capturing images on film.

Time passed and a companion joined me. She rode on a seat that was bolted over the rear wheel. There were now two of us enjoying the countryside and that of cycling. The camera was being left behind…no time to stop for a photo while also watching that she did not scamper off. I found a new pleasure…cycling with my daughter!

Time flew ever so fast. Soon she outgrew the seat and was now on her own bicycle equipped with training wheels. Then the day arrived that these were removed. I ran beside her while holding on. I guess she felt being held back. I heard her say, “let go daddy…I do…I do.” The hardest thing I ever did…releasing my grasp!! Then she was off by herself…cycling on her own.

The years began to pass. Now I was also cycling alone. The Centurion was replaced with a Peugeot that was eventually joined by a Trek. My first century was the Jersey Devil, then others and more. Along with these came the South Jersey Wheelmen. Yes, I was flying on the wings of cycling. This as my daughter progressed through grade school, then high and through college.

On May 5^th will arrive a day that this father will dread. For you see I need to again release her. At Saint Mary’s Church in Williamstown at 2:00 she will be married. I invite all my cycling friends to attend this ceremony. Watch as RePete will again “let go” as she will say, “I do…I do.”

RePete

3/18/01