Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy

Last week my husband and sons surprised me with a new bike for my birthday; not just any bike, but a retro step-in, city bike with a modern twist: a hybrid model.

I love biking with my family, but my 16-year-old bike dubbed the “clown bike” by my sons was heavy and clunky. I had a hard time keeping up with my husband and the boys who would zip by me on their sleek, lightweight bikes every time we ventured out for a ride; I was always bringing up the rear. Being with my family was fun but riding my old Raleigh wasn’t: it was a chore and unpleasant. I longed for a new bike.

My birthday had started out somewhat disappointing. When I came downstairs in the morning, there were dishes in the sink and my husband had left for work without leaving a card or a note. My older son didn’t say “Happy Birthday” as I drove him to his volunteer leadership job at CuriOdyssey. The highlight of my morning was breakfast with a good friend followed by a Birthday hug from my younger son.

Apparently, my three boys had a big secret they had been keeping to themselves.

After dinner, my husband placed a gift bag on the table along with cards from him and the boys. The bag was heavy. Inside was a box that contained a big black box and a power cord. It was some kind of power supply. I was confused.

“What is this?” I asked.

My husband led me to the backyard where a new bike was waiting. My mouth dropped open and for once I was speechless. The seafoam green bike was shiny, the frame perfectly sized for me, and best of all: it was hybrid with electric assist. I was smitten.

For the past week I’ve been out on my new bike with the kids, with my husband, and by myself. I’ve laughed alongside my sons as we race down the street; I’ve enjoyed the company of my husband as we pedal down to the café for iced coffee; I’ve grinned from ear to ear as I ride solo up and down the hills, around town, and to Pilates. I love the smiles and waves from people I pass as I ring my bell and fly past them.

Riding my new bike is pure energy and joie de vivre is contagious. The look of satisfaction on my husband and son’s faces from picking out the perfect gift and keeping it a secret is precious and our riding time as a family is priceless. Nothing compares.