FRONT CRANK – REAR FEET: Finessing Septuagenarian Bullies
This spring on an initial bike jaunt my balance was not as stable as it had been. Not too surprising for an 85 year old octogenarian. My children noted I had referred to this and questioned whether it was safe in riding my upright long treasured bike. A fall is a particular danger with consequences for the elderly. For my 85th birthday my children presented me with an EZ 3-trike tricycle. Several weeks I ventured with this trike with growing frustration, slow and difficult negotiating hills. My children living along a bike path sold the tricycle on Craig’s List.
Finessing Bike Path Bullies
One morning ride I came upon a posse of septuagenarian cyclers. Stopping together they suggested that I not pedal too fast. Obviously a cutting sarcastic bullying remark. One bully caustically noted: “That man ahead there is 83 years old”. Clearly implying why was I pedaling a tricycle. Tricycles, it was implied, are childhood starter bikes. My reply: “Well, I’m 85”. My musing on this bullying reminded me of the bullies encountered on the school grounds as a youth. These septuagenarians had not learned that “agism” is a recent addition to social issues. Seems for some “once a bully always a bully- leopards don’t change their spots”.
Searching about for suitable wheels I purchased a TREK Front Crank – Rear Feet bike. This model is easy to mount, adequate speed, can manage most hills, seated close to the ground both feet are easily planted on “terra firma” . Balance question adjusted. So in spite of inevitable questions that come with the aging process I can ride without harassment from Septuagenarian bullies. Exercise biking still an option. As the adage has it: “use it or lose it”.
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WIN WITHOUT BOASTING – LOSE WITHOUT EXCUSES
July 13, 2012
For my recent birthday Grandson William presented grandpa a T-shirt proudly announcing: NEW YORK STATE (2012) Boy’s Niagara District Qualifiers AAU BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP. Listing on the T-shirt are Boy’s 5th grade to 11th grade qualifying teams, included is William’s Boy’s 6th Grade (Syracuse) East Side Hoops. William’s mother reported to Grandpa that East Side Hoops come from East Syracuse and surrounding suburbs. Many having played together since 3rd grade “display teamwork, chemistry, and skills other teams don’t possess”. Read more 
POINT TAKEN: SKILL AND INTELLIGENCE
Morning ritual involves coffee and a thorough reading of the Star Tribune front page and related articles with special attention to the opinion page. Scanning the sports pages follows with small expectation of finding engaging material. Just keeping tabs on my favored teams. Recently a sports article caught my attention: “POINT TAKEN: we’re blessed with four of the best point guards in the country at any level. Here’s what makes them tick.” Read more
LYNX BRILLIANT COMPARED WITH MINNESOTA “WOBEGONE” BIG TIME MALE SPORTS
Sunday sports page: “Bumblin’ and Humblin” Michigan defeats Gophers 58-0, no scoring no tackling – “defense below rock bottom”. Monday sports page: “On the ‘L’ Train” KC defeats Vickings 22-17 – record 0-4 – “Near record of futility the season is over”. Timberwolves basketball moribund since the departure of Garnett. Rebuilding continues after year’s of futility. Will a new coach come to the rescue? Minnesota Wild hockey team some redemptive features but essentially restructuring mold. Headline 10/4 “It’s a show-me state of hockey” with waning attendance”. Can a few offseason acquisitions translate into victories and more tickets sold?
A breath of fresh air Read more
SO MUCH FOR GENDER EQUALITY
The Lynx, Minnesota womens’ pro basketball team, drafted Maya Moore, the nation’s top basketball player for the second year in a row. She has signed a contract with a rookie salary scale of $46, 708 for the first year. Over a four year period the top salary would be $59,552 What do you think the top collegiate male basketball player would receive? No doubt multi-million and multi-year contract. So much for gender equality.
