silverbow said:
I picked up SB jnr from school today and bumped into a mother I hadn't seen for a while. She was amazed I was taking SB Jnr to school and back on a bike. "How far is it?" she ask. "2 miles . . . . each way" I replied. She looked horrifed!
"2 miles, gosh you must be getting really fit". I didn't have the heart to tell her I then cycled home changed bike and went off to the office; And that 2 miles was not actually that far.
This is not an unusual response, most of the parents think we are really radical.
I just pity the children, what chance to they have.
Every chance.
My parents were heavy smokers (mum died) and dad still is (idiot), as well as regular drinkers. As kids we used to earn pocket money cleaning and washing up etc. Worst bit was cleaning ashtrays.
Also, kids at school smoked behind the fire escape near the bus park (Thirsk School) and their clothes were burnt from fag burns and they stank, which just reinforced my hatred of smoking.
Neither of my parents did ANY physical exercise, and I have never in memory seen either of them on a bike, let alone break into a jog.
I drink, albeit seldom, and have NEVER smoked. I now ride 2000+ miles a year. So although fitness-wise, I wasn't in the best environment I could have been to nurture my physical development, I haven't turned out as a lost cause.
I suppose I have 'rebelled' against their smoking/pub lifestyle by being into adventure and exercise???