Sheila Bean

In the spring , when drivers bring their cherished vintage cars into the sunshine , I haul out my own seasonal vehicle — my bicycle . Not vintage but still beloved .

I ’ ve always had some sort of bike , including a couple of ratty , ill-fitting jalopies bought at the Regina police sale when I was a kid . I rode them around my Saskatchewan farmyard , juddering over ruts and gravel , and quickly wheeling up onto the grass when I heard the crescendo roar of an approaching tractor .

As an adult , my previous bike was an attractive turquoise cruiser , with a basket that begged for

a bouquet , bottle , and baguette . But I lacked the strength and stamina to tackle hills and distances , meaning that I couldn ’ t keep up with my husband , meaning that I mainly biked alone — fifteen minutes to the gym and back .

Just as COVID-19 was gaining traction , I bought an e-bike . Game changer ! I still pedal , but now a battery gives my legs a boost . I can bike forever ! Hills are possible ! I realize that — per pedal stroke — I ’ m not burning the same energy as a legs-only cyclist , but I ’ m biking oodles more than I would otherwise . I pedalled three thousand kilometres that first season .

From the outset , I resolved to smile . Some cyclists look as if they have a thorn on their saddle , and I didn ’ t want to wear that expression on my face . I decided to truly enjoy the gossiping birds and the leathery forest smells in Fish Creek Park ( Calgary ’ s massive provincial park , linked to a thousand kilometres of city trails ). I also decided to say “ hello ” to everyone I meet , from sleeping babies to speedsters on their skinny bikes . Some folks don ’ t hear me , or choose not to hear me , but sometimes I receive a spark of eye contact , a little wave , or even a “ hello ” back . Kind of a micro-greeting .

Although I stick to park paths , sometimes they can be crowded , and not everybody obeys the rules — leisurely spreading across both lanes , walking a dog off-leash , or leaving dog poop or dog-poop bags on the path . Some cyclists speed dangerously and frighten pedestrians . A few riders sneak no-pedal motorbikes into the park .

But there are great moments , too ! One fellow strolls with a parrot on his shoulder , and another guy brings a duck to swim inside a hula hoop in the

34 | arta . net DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE