Fleet Not all fleets are ships! Some folks out there have an entire fleet of bicycles. I’m quite content with just my hybrid and road bike; and it’s a good thing, too! I don’t have the space to keep more than two bikes; and I don’t have the money to build a fleet of bicycles. But if I could have more bicycles, what would I choose? The options are many. It’s probably wishful thinking, but a touring bicycle is high on my list. Maybe I can do some tours one of these days? I became interested in long-distance cycling fairly early; and touring naturally interests me. However, I need far more time to train up to such efforts; and we can’t yet let down our guard against COVID. We hear a lot about e-bikes nowadays; especially with all the concern over CO2 emissions. I intend to rely on muscle power as long as possible; but I might need one of these some day. As long as my legs work, I intend to keep using muscle power; and besides, $4000+ is way too hefty a price tag for me. I often see a couple who ride a tandem. Tandem riding looks like fun! When I see them, I can’t help thinking of Daisy Bell! I guess riding a tandem takes some adjustment, especially when you’re so used to riding solo. Maybe I’ll get to try it sometime. Stay Flexible? How about a ‘bent? Don’t get bent out of shape! A recumbent bike lets you recline while riding; and your upper body gets less strain because it isn’t supporting your weight. Ditto for your hands. I’ve seen a few ‘bent riders around here; and they sure can move! There are some drawbacks, such as not being able to pedal out of the saddle; and a ‘bent’s low profile makes it less visible to drivers. To Continue To continue, there’s the gravel bike. I’m lucky I don’t have to ride through lots of gravel! Gravel surfaces feel too skiddy for me; and I think I’ll stick to paved pathways. Recovering from an injury? A knee cycle can be helpful. I’ve seen people using these; and they look very handy. I’ve got an idea that a knee cycle is better than crutches if you’re unlucky enough to have arthritis in your hands. I hope I never have to find out! There are better-known “rides”, such as hybrids and road bikes and mountain bikes. But so far I’ve only discussed bicycles for adults. Children’s Corner With all due apologies to Debussy… A balance bike is a good choice for a very young child who is just starting out. No need for training wheels! I’ve read that a child on a balance bike learns balancing and steering; and can “graduate” to pedals quite easily. Second step on the path to cycling? Some children have physical issues that make using a two-wheeler impossible; but they don’t have to miss the joys of pedaling: An alternative for a child who can’t use a regular bicycle. Want to fancy up that bike a little? I remember having tassels on a bike when I was about eight. I could keep on with still more bikes; accessories; and what not; but this post is getting too long already. I can see how a bicycle fleet can grow and grow!