>Kids Can Say The Darnedest Things

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It snowed today, but that’s not unusual for this time of year. It was also cold, but that’s not unusual either. But here’s a quick story that is. Or if not unusual it’s at least rather funny…sort of

I rode the Mundo to the health club this evening for a steam and a swim. The facility is also a family center which has an after school program. And often when I (and many) arrive shortly before the dinner hour for a quick workout parents are there picking up their children…it’s often a bustling time with a lot of coming and going. In fact, I’m usually glad that I ride a bike for the simple reason that (car) parking spaces are difficult to come by at that time.

Anyhow, as I’m coasting up to the building on the Mundo in a mild snow shower there is a parent coming out the door with a young boy in tow. Upon seeing me his eyes became as big as saucers and he holds up his hand, points at me, and shrills rather loudly, “Look mommy, there’s a crazy man riding a bike in the snow!” People stared; his mom looked horrified; I just smiled as I locked up my bike.

I will admit I sometimes wonder if I’m not a little crazy for riding year round (why can’t I be more like “normal people,” I sometimes wonder, and drive a car more often). But then I remember how much more I enjoy riding a bike, being out in the elements and propelling myself. What bothered me the most about the comment, I think, is that the adults probably think I’m a little nuts, too (I can’t tell you how many times people say things like, “man, you’re really hardcore”). But all I’m doing is riding a bike. In many other countries a huge percentage of their population rides year round…it’s just how it is; it makes the most sense. But here (in America), unfortunately, you’re seen as an oddball.

The best part I think is that kids say what they think; they do not yet have a societal filter ingrained in them like adults. But I always have liked to live on the fringe, so yes little boy, I am a little crazy…but crazy in a good way, I believe.