Pedicab Season Ends

With New England weather you never know. I recall one January when the temperature reached 70 degrees and there was a rattlesnake sighting. There is a possibility we could still take a pedicab out for a spin before next spring, but with a forecast of snow on the horizon, I’m calling an end to pedicab season. Time to reflect on the past benefits and future possibilities.

I wish I could have given rides to more of the donors that made the pedicab possible; I believe only two hopped on board. The benefits to the quality of our life that their support provided surpasses what I hoped when I started the Calm the Mind Campaign. With Cindy’s limited mobility we could not have enjoyed the pastoral splendor of Norfolk, the town Cindy loves even more than this native does, without the pedicab for transportation. You’ve seen the photos; Cindy truly enjoyed getting out and about in the pedicab, save for the few times the wind gave her slight concern.

With signs of decline for Cindy increasing over the summer my occasional problems with headaches might have made a return, had it not been for the excellent fitness pedaling the pedicab provided me. On the one hand I am wary of continuing my fitness over the coming winter; on the other hand I am more resolved to maintain it. Cindy’s decline will only continue, likely at a faster pace than the summer.

Which leads me to reflection on what might be done with the pedicab for next season. The first and most obvious idea was to fill in the niche vacated when the horse carriage service in town left. A pedicab rider in New York City charges $3 a minute; charging $50 for 30 minutes of pedaling around the hills of Norfolk certainly would be reasonable, generating much needed income while doing something I enjoyed.

That was my intention for next season up until our ride to Canaan. There were two “Canaan” items on our bucket list: give a pedicab ride to a friend who resides in Geer Village and outdoor dining at the Caddyshack. We did both in the same trip by picking up our friend Peter first before pedaling over for a hot dog and sundae (I don’t concern myself with a brain health diet when we eat out).

An image emblazoned in my mind from this trip was Peter’s smile, very similar to Cindy’s in revealing his joy from the experience. I guess the sunny ride was also very relaxing for him, as he dozed off. This impressed upon me how therapeutic it is to get outdoors, at a time in the lives of many seniors when it becomes very difficult. With this thought the light bulb turned on.

Next pedicab season I will approach nearby senior living centers, such as Geer Village and our own Meadowbrook, to offer rides for seniors that otherwise would be challenged to get around outdoors. Maybe I’ll even bring a guitar along and entertain them at a rest stop. Rather than charge individual seniors, I’ll work out some type of “bulk rate” compensation with the housing authority for an entire afternoon of providing rides. One thing I really like about this idea is the ability this gives me to “pay it forward.” People were kind in helping us acquire the pedicab, now that kindness can be passed on to benefit others in need.

Thank you, donors, for making this and future pedicab seasons possible.