The Spoke Propeller

I pushed past the front door crack and trotted down the driveway toward the parked bicycle! Being cooped up all morning was getting too quiet, and the crisp midday air called for real outdoor mechanics. Right beside the bicycle's front tire, I spotted a stiff golden maple leaf and a dry twig lying on the asphalt. Perfect aero parts! Reaching high with both of my long arms, I wedged the sturdy leaf stem tightly between two chrome wheel spokes. Then I braced my feet against the pavement and gave the rubber tire a mighty upward shove! Whirrr-click—the silver spokes blurred into a shiny disc, the golden leaf spun like a roaring propeller, and the whole wheel coasted to a sweet, smooth finish!