My sister Karen is our resident family historian. She's been researching our family tree and digging up archival photos for years. The other day she e-mailed me a photo of my first "real" bike.

Steve rides in 1980

Found in the albums of my late grandpa is this photo of me in 1980, riding a red 2-wheeler bicycle. I've moved on from the plastic Big Wheels and tricycles. It was purchased at a garage sale in Wisconsin and repainted, fenders and all. While this bike did come with training wheels, it looks like 5-year-old Steve has moved beyond them!

I'm descending a hilly road at Phantom Ranch Bible Camp, the camp I worked at for many years, and where I met Amy. My uncle was the Executive Director, so we often would drive up there and enjoy the property.  I look so intent and focused, probably because I'm trying not to crash! This was a fixed-gear bicycle, meaning that it didn't have the ability to coast, nor did it come with any brakes.

Take a closer look!

At the time, helmet wearing wasn't in vogue, but check out that bell on the handlebars! I remember it had a little flag logo on it that eventually fell off.  Still, I tried to let people know I was coming by ringing it… a lot!

Completing my cycling ensemble is a stylish tank top that featured the word "Sneakers" printed on it; I'm not quite sure why. How about those red gym shoes? Awesome. And no spandex here… I'm apparently content to bike in jeans.

Interestingly enough, just 3 years later, I would fall and break my right wrist in this very same location. Of course, then it was winter and I got injured while sledding.

I've always loved to ride my bike, enjoying the freedom that comes with that experience. Special thanks to my parents who helped encourage that as I grew up!