Thursday, March 22, 2007

Bicycle Built for Two

Jen and I rode around this afternoon on the tandem, something we don’t do nearly enough but always resolve to do more of whenever we do.

Our plan was to ride to Capitol Hill for a quick drink and then do clothes shopping for the birthday party, but the quick drink metamorphosized into two and a bite to eat, so we opted instead for a cruise around Volunteer Park in the mist, marveling at the manner in which spring is busting out all over.

One of the images I found most lovely was the poignant sight of a flowering cherry tree, its blossoms in full flurry, spreading wide over gravestones in the cemetery. Life and death all at once, a testament to the universe’s regenerating powers as well as the consciousness shifting potential of several Manhattans and a puff or two of cannabis.

Thus, spring break was invoked, at least for an afternoon.

The Rodriguez performed beautifully; it’s such a fine and stately bike. The new yellow handlebar tape improves both the look from the side and the view from the cockpit; on Jen’s advice, I think clear shellac will be the way to go.

We stood for a while enjoying the memorial to Thomas Burke created after his death by his friends; while being enshrined in statue is not the way I’d like to do it, I fully appreciate the motivation do leave something lasting after you’re gone.

But I liked the quote on the statue of William H. Seward even better, “Let Us Make the Treaty Tonight.” While it’s probably an agreement that’s been violated many times in the name of oppression of indigenous people, I certainly admire the sentiment.

On the ride home, we got plenty wet, but it was one of those times when it didn’t seem to matter; the ride was an easy downhill and there were warm clothes waiting for us at home.

Let us all make the treaty tonight, indeed.

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