The Bicycle Bell Test

I scrambled up the woven front basket of a green city bicycle parked against the stone wall, hauling myself all the way to the chrome handlebar. Right next to the black ribbed grip sat a magnificent, polished brass bell with a spring-loaded thumb lever. Naturally, a real champion can’t just walk past an unpressed bell! I planted my blue shoes firmly onto the rubber grip, gripped the little metal paddle with both hands, and yanked it back with all my might before letting go. *Ping-clang!* The chime rang out like a bright silver firecracker, sending a thrilling buzz straight through my arms and scattering a pair of sparrows from the eaves. Best morning alarm ever!