Bicycle Built for Two

By Jeff Adams

While on a three-day charity bike ride from Boston to New York City, Jason Karn makes an unexpected stop to help a fellow rider having trouble with a flat tire. Ben Stewart is new to long-distance rides, and Jason takes him under his wing. The mutual attraction is obvious even before they make it to New York City, but there's a minor roadblock: Ben lives in Chicago. Flying back and forth seems like the only option until Jason comes up with an idea that will bring them together permanently—if they can work out the details.

 

This second edition has no changes from the original, other than some additional copy editing. There is, however, new backmatter with additional details on the story's inspiration.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Big Gay Media
• Release date: Sep 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201340834

Jeff Adams

Jeff Adams is Professor of Education at the University of Chester, and the Principal Editor of International Journal of Art & Design Education, as well as Programme Leader of the Centre for Research in Education, Creative and Arts through Practice.

Book preview

One

On your left, Jason called out as his legs kicked into overdrive.

Jason stood up from the seat and pedaled strongly, refusing to lose any speed as he headed up yet another hill. So far he’d made good time, and he wanted to keep up the pace. He passed his teammate, who also stood to pedal up the incline.

Come on. Do you always have to show me up? Drew asked between breaths.

You’ll be back in the lead soon enough. Jason completed the pass and continued to work his legs.

For Jason Karn this was his third year making the 290-plus mile trip by bicycle from Boston to New York City and his second year riding with Drew, Kyle, and Diane. They’d all been first-timers together, and now they rode as a team of four among 172 other riders raising money for an NYC AIDS charity.

Jason felt good so far. According to the bike’s odometer, he’d ridden 37.2 miles of today’s 103.7 mile course. Yesterday the group went south from Boston, cut through a corner of Rhode Island, and ended up in Norwich, Connecticut. Day one had been great, catching up with some people he hadn’t seen in a year, and meeting some new riders and crew as well.

The ride’s opening ceremonies tugged on his emotions. Everyone had assembled in the chilly dawn to reflect on those who’d been lost to the disease and vowing to continue the fight for a cure. Some of the riders created flags or signs or for their bikes so everyone would see who they rode for. Anytime he saw one of those during the day, it spurred him to continue.

Day two was Jason’s favorite of the three-day ride. The hills were arduous, featuring one incline that forced many riders to dismount and walk up because of the steep grade. Jason walked that hill his first year and beat himself up for failing to make it. That night at dinner, the course designer shared that the route mimicked the life of a person living with HIV/AIDS—stretches of normal life, or flat road, that could get extremely difficult very fast. Since then Jason refused to let his performance frustrate him. He merely trained harder to prepare for it and if he failed a portion, he accepted it much better.

Having survived the big climb for the day, Jason settled in for the next five to six hours of riding. It would be hilly all day, but the worst of it was over. Unlike the pouring rain of last year, the weather forecast called for a perfect late September day in rural coastal Connecticut. The air was cool with a slight breeze, the clear sky allowed for vivid sun. Best of all, the trees featured fantastic bursts of color. Between the scenery and so many supportive, loving people, Jason’s mood couldn’t be better.

Come on, push those legs. I’m coming for you two next. Jason continued to stand and push to pass Kyle and Diane on the hill. You know you don’t want me to do that.

Kyle added speed, increasing his distance. Diane grunted as she pushed to keep Jason from passing.

Almost there. Jason spurred himself on even as he breathed harder.

Ahead of them, two riders crested the summit. His legs burned as the incline got steeper just before its apex.

Whew! he shouted out as he rolled over the top and gravity kicked in. He sat down and allowed the bike to take off. He loved the wind rushing past him, moving the hairs on his arms and legs. The breeze blowing through the vents on his helmet felt great too.

On your left. As expected, Drew made his move. He liked to pedal down the hills, whereas Jason was content to coast to allow his burning legs a moment to recover.

Go right ahead. Jason waved as Drew shot by.

A dozen or so bikers spread out ahead of Jason. The ones farthest ahead ascended another, smaller hill. Meanwhile, a biker on the side of the road changed a flat. That sucked. Jason had had his share of flats over the years, and roadside repairs were not fun.

As he got near the sidelined rider, Jason slowed. You okay?

Yeah, the guy said, just slow going. He kneeled on the ground, working to free the tire from the wheel. He paused and gave a thumbs-up, the required sign to show he was okay.

All right, man. See you down the road.

Jason sped up and changed gears to catch up to his friends.

Ah, fuck!

That didn’t sound good. Jason looked behind and saw he had room to turn around safely. He watched as the rider stood and kicked the wheel he’d worked on.

What happened? Jason asked as he came to a stop.

I broke the damn lever. He held up broken pieces of plastic. The tire wasn’t budging, and I guess I forced it too hard.

The poor guy looked frazzled. Jason dismounted his bike and laid it down gently next to the upturned, tireless bike. At least they were in a good spot, out of traffic. A nearby log would be perfect to sit on while doing the