Remembering the Bike Man

Last week an elderly couple in Utah died of hypothermia after getting stuck in the snow. It's a sad, tragic story. But it was the life of Reed Palmer that caught my eye. He served in the Utah legislature, worked for a bakery and was a realator.

More importantly, Reed Palmer was the Bike Man in his neighborhood. He'd fix flats, repair bikes and scooters, fix dropped chains and adjust whatever kids needed adjusted on their bikes. If they could pay him, he'd accept it. But, usually a hug would do. He even had a sign outside that read "Reed's Bike & Trike." Admittedly, it wasn't much of a business. But he would rehab old bikes and, I assume, it made him happy.

According to the articles, when a new family would move into the neighborhood he would introduce himself and ask if the kids had bikes. If not, he'd give them one. There were a lot of happy Christmas mornings thanks to Reed Palmer.

More importantly, he passed along the love of cycling to children. This is not the same love that I have, but that which Gert oozes every day. The wind in their face, the freedom of movement, the fun of going as fast as you can under your own control, riding to your friend's house or just riding around the neighborhood with your friends. It's the purest form of cycling. Kids do it not for the exercise, but for the sheer joy of it.

Reed Palmer left an indelible mark on the world and the community he inhabited. He wasn't just a neighbor, he was the Bike Man. He dealt in smiles.

How much of an effect did he have? When he and his wife were laid to rest today, kids brought their bikes in tribute to the man who spread his joy to another generation.

They often talk about the life worth living. Reed and Fae Palmer may have died in tragic circumstances and before their time, but they lived in a way that will be felt through a whole new generation. It's a touching story of a life that was certainly worth living--and well-lived. I didn't know the Palmers, but after reading about them, I wish I had.

The world could use more Bike Men.