I never learned to ride a two-wheel bike. Growing up, my father was adamant that there be no opportunities for me to skin my arms and knees and legs... In fact, nannies careless enough to allow mosquitoes to bite me got scolded, if not fired.

But playing ball was encouraged. Volleyball, basketball... I even learned the rudiments of badminton. And there were swimming lessons which I loved. But no biking. Such was my childhood.

We're into the second year of the pandemic and it's been a long time since I had any outdoor activity. It's not like I was craving any. I hate perspiring to begin with and I much prefer doing physical activity in the comfort of an air-conditioned room. I thought about buying a treadmill but dilly-dallied.

Then, Speedy started buying bikes. First, for himself (he grew up riding bikes). Then, for Alex. He taught her how to ride. With training wheels initially and, when she was confident enough to hold her balance, without the training wheels. She's gotten pretty good.

When Speedy asked me if I wanted my own bike, I really couldn't give a clear answer. Did I want to learn to ride a two-wheel bike at my age? Not really. Would a prefer I trike? Okaaayyy...

Last night, my trike was delivered. And, today, I rode it. Alex and I rode around the neighborhood. It's a hilly suburb and the terrain is, well... there are a lot of ups and downs. Some twenty minutes later, perspiring, I was ready to park my trike.

As I swung one leg to disembark, I thought both my legs had turned into jelly. Oh, man, so that's how it it feels when you've been cooped up in the house for over a year with not much to do except cook, take photos, blog, read books and watch Netflix.

But did I like my first experience of riding a trike outdoors? Sure, I did. Not quite as exhilarating as the first time I drove a car as a teenager, but something like that. If it doesn't rain tomorrow, or if the rain stops around sunset, I'd love to go riding with Speedy and Alex again. Maybe Sam will join us eventually when she loses her enthusiasm for her rollerblades that have been gathering dust.