Two weeks ago I did something which I haven’t done in nearly 30 years – I bought a bicycle again!  Inspired by the need for more exercise and the wish to contribute to saving our planet by embracing greener transport, we went second-hand bike shopping.  I was keen to check out a charity shop which sells bicycles and cycle gear just down the road from us in Alderminster, near Stratford.  We had nothing particular in mind in terms of bike specifications, and we turned up in the rain, waited outside the shop door till the previous customer had finished and then the proprietor came outside to help us. “What were we looking for?” he politely enquired, and I said rather feebly, “I don’t really know – we just want something on which we can cycle round the local lanes!”

Realising that he was not dealing with dedicated velophiles (I have just learnt the smart name for people who enjoy cycling), he pointed to the selection of bikes leaning against the racks in front of us, and suggested a very traditional British-made bike for me, just the sort you might spot the vicar using in ITV’s Granchester series, even though I didn’t actually let on that I was a vicar! I tried riding it around the car park, and I was looking pretty wobbly, but the old saying is true: it’s just like riding a bike – once learnt, never forgotten.  My husband’s choice of bike was more modern and with rather more gears, but we each found the perfect bike in the right size to suit us.  Apparently both bikes had only finished being re-furbished and put out for sale the previous day, so the timing was perfect.

We have already enjoyed several bike rides through the leafy Warwickshire lanes.  I am much more aware of the sound of birds singing in the hedgerows, the sun shining on my face, the scent of greenery amongst the trees, the wind blowing through my hair, that sense of battling with the elements as I pedal through a headwind, the delightful relaxation as I freewheel down a gentle incline, the surprising slopes on roads which (as a car driver) I would have sworn were flat, and a general sense of well-being as I feel more connected to the great outdoors.  And from my bike I have seen views of the scenery within 5 miles of my house which I had never experienced before.  It really has offered a complete change of perspective on my previous view of the landscape.

There is a point to this story.  When we don’t quite know what we are looking for but have a hunch that we could take a positive step for change, go with that hunch.  Go and investigate a new possibility and be a little bit adventurous because that’s the way that God works in our daily lives.  And the best thing of all about purchasing our second-hand bikes is that the profits from the cycle shop go towards Cyclists Fighting Cancer which supports children and young people living with cancer so that they can regain fitness, strength and mental wellness.  Truly a blessing for everyone concerned!

Sarah Bourne, Chaplain for the Arts – 7^th October 2020     sarahbourne@banburystmary.org.uk