Raspberries and the Joy of Pat's 65 Year Old Bike

Pat Ready to Take a Victory Spin

Pat's Bike

This morning I had a taste for raspberries, while thinking of the patch that is part of the Prospect Gardens. Nearly six years ago the patch went in. Initially I was opposed to the patch because of being concerned about how the plants would spread. I am now so glad, that I acquiesced.

Not only do I now enjoy cereal with raspberries on a summer morning, but the patch has led to very interesting discussions with those who stop to eat the berries. For example, I learned about the era when Indians from throughout the state gathered in the Madison area from a man who was studying Wisconsin Indians. The Madison area was considered sacred and when visiting all disagreements between the various visiting tribes were laid aside. The area was a kind of safe haven for all tribes.  

Back to this morning.  As I approached the steps down to the path, I greeted Pat as she was admiring a plant she donated some years ago.  Pat pointed out her bike leaning against the railing on the opposite side of the path.  She then began a joyful story of how it was her bike that she purchased for $40.00 when she was ten. She was waiting for her husband, Jim, to return with a pump to inflate the tires, which according to Pat, are the originals. A few months ago Pat got the bike out of storage and had a local bike shop give it a well deserved tune-up. Lubrication and a new chain was all that the Schwinn required.

While waiting for Jim, Pat and I admired the bike and shared our joy that it survived to be part of this day. Pat pointed out the original basket, original seat and original handle bars. The grips were replaced once but  the paint is original. She proudly showed me the Oberlin College decal and afterward joyfully sang a few phrases of the school song.  The bike went to Oberlin College with Pat years ago. She rode the bike to her part time job in the town of Oberlin.

 She went on to say that one day somebody stole her bike. A few days later Pat noticed a dorm mate riding her bike on a downtown street.  Pat was so shaken that she couldn't speak and really didn't know what she would do. Later in the day she summoned up her courage and went to the girl's dorm room. Still shaking, Pat could only shout "you stole my bike!",  as she faced the thief.  The bike was returned with nothing else said. Nothing was also said when Pat and the thief returned to Oberlin for their 50th class reunion.

So here we were along the path admiring and sharing the joy of Pat's bike. Jim returned and couldn't find the pump. I went home to get ours. After inflating the tires, Pat went for her spin and I picked raspberries for my breakfast.