He shot off like a comet, the glee showing in every pore – this in a boy of nine just learning to cycle was a reminder of what a bicycle is all about: it is about the sudden realisation of freedom. Where once you could go nowhere faster than your little legs would take you, and soon be caught up with, the bicycle gives you wings, and all by your own strength. Suddenly the horizon is within reach and you can dream of what lies beyond.
I followed on and felt the rush too. Yes, we only hared around the village and the lanes about it, and explored paths nearly forgotten, but knowing that anything beyond it is just a question of not turning round and going back to finish that homework. The glimpse of freedom is there, and should never be lost.
With that in mind I will do what I always intended, and add some cycle routes and pages about cycling to WildþingUK, starting today with the Alban Way, a cycle route between St Albans and Hatfield.
I can be more ambitious though, now I can see the horizon.