Copyright 2005 Ben S. Pollock
Friday, June 10, 2005: There are serious two mountain bikers moving around on the Town Center Plaza, off the Fayetteville Square. "Serious"? That is, dedicated. First, very good bikes. The 20-something woman and man are wearing fancy helmets and true skintight bicycle shorts and tights, full of logos: Must be on some team. Which logo indicates the team?
What other athletic enthusiast does this? The guy jumped three steps in a jump on his bike, while the gal kept moving toward Mountain Street, then he caught up with her and away they went. As he indirectly rode toward her — and she rode in easy circles — he had his bike do a couple of wiggles (I really must learn the lingo). He took an unnecessarily tight turn right at the door of the espresso shop then a slight wheelie as he passed the pizza place.
What other sporting person does this? This guy was playing. Sure, he’s practicing moves, but with that smile? The woman just seemed to be enjoyed the breeze she was creating for herself, you could tell.
Ever see a runner or jogger skip for half a block? No. A weight-lifter crack self-deprecatory jokes? In-line skaters raise one leg when they’re older than 25? No. Skateboarders come close since their craft is all stunts. Their attitudes though seem to be to others if silently, "top this, pal," or to themselves, "can I do this this twice"; still waiting to see an adult or teen skateboard grin.
The bicyclist alone engages in the childhood joy of, for example, using the wind in her face to feel like she’s going faster than she is. It’s exhilarating. The bicyclist alone laughs aloud after a good one, whatever it is. -30-
