Biking Thru The City : Night Rides & Nostalgia

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته أختي  مرحباً

 Memories stay with us—even when time fades, and people and places change and grow. They linger, quietly weaving themselves into our lives.

Last summer, I found myself reliving a piece of my childhood. I was out for a bike ride through my neighborhood, and for a brief moment, I felt like a carefree kid again. The air was warm, the night calm, and bedtime? Not even a thought. My bike was too cool to walk away from.

Riding through the suburbs of Pennsylvania—just a few miles from the city—I couldn’t help but notice the occasional stares. As a niqabi in full jilbaab, that’s something I’ve grown used to. It’s just part of being who I am: a Muslimah in America. Still, I felt safe. The night sky was beautiful, and joy flowed through me freely.

But let's be real—riding a traditional bike while wearing an abaya is no easy task. The fabric tangles, and the motion can feel awkward. That’s when I remembered something I saw a few years ago: a man gliding through the streets on a bike-like machine that looked more like an elliptical you'd find in a gym. He was standing upright, and it looked... effortless.

That memory stuck with me.

For over a year, I toyed with the idea of getting one of those elliptical bikes. They weren’t cheap—most cost thousands—and I live in a small apartment, so storage was another concern. I started comparing two models: a two-wheeled version and a three-wheeled one. The three-wheeled option won me over. It offered more support for the knees and mimicked a full-body gym workout. Plus, it just felt safer and sturdier.

Eventually, I found one on Facebook Marketplace—80% off the retail price and in pristine condition. It felt like a blessing. My little brother, who’s also my trusted travel buddy, hopped in the car with me, and we made the two-hour drive to pick it up. It was totally worth it.

That ride sparked something in me. A new chapter toward a healthier lifestyle. One that fits my values, my wardrobe, and most importantly—me. 

Since choosing to follow my heart and finally put myself first, I’ve come to truly enjoy this new chapter. Riding this elliptical bike has brought me so much joy—especially with my little sister and nephew trailing behind.

We’ve spent summer nights cruising through the neighborhood, soaking in the warm air, the quiet hum of the evening, and the feeling of simple, carefree freedom. It was the perfect summer vibe—reminiscent of those sweet childhood nights when my auntie and uncle would let me ride my bike up and down the block long after sunset.

Now, I get to recreate those cherished memories with my nephew and little sister—passing down not just moments, but a feeling: that joy lives in the little things, and you’re never too grown to chase it.

Pic Of My Bike