The first time I took my daughter out to learn to ride a bike was remarkable. A neighbor had put their kid's old bike on the curb to give away, and on a whim I loaded the bike and my 5 year older daughter in my CR-V and we drove to a parking lot in the Oakland hills for her first lesson. 

Minutes later, I was holding the bike steady with my hands on the front bar and the rear seat as she mounted the cycle. But as I began my orientation, she pushed the pedal forward and simply took off.  No lesson, no nothing. She just started riding. I couldn’t find any words, no cheer nor caution... just ridiculous squawks chasing after her in disbelief, reaching for my phone to record, then reconsidering after what I presumed would be an inevitable accident. She called from some distance: I can’t stop!... I don’t know how to turn this thing!... and then somehow she instinctively U-turned and cruised back down to me. She dismounted, looking just as surprised and frightened of her new ability as I was.  I think I’m gonna take a break now, she suggested with some relief.

I feel compelled to note that this episode was indeed a true surprise and highly unusual – I am by no means suggesting my daughter is advanced in any way, unless sass is something that can be ranked by any current national metric.

Now 7, she just got a new bigger bike for Christmas yesterday and the cycle (pun intended) continues, with her her little sister learning to ride this week. The little one is not so naturally athletic and will start the old-fashioned way with training wheels. I’ll let you know how it goes.


Thank you for joining the unpredictable ride that this little shop has been so far and for giving us the gift of another year. We love being a part of this beautiful community. Here's to another year together and to whatever the road ahead may yield. We look forward to riding together into the new year, whether with training wheels or wild, reckless joy.  


TONIGHT: THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS: Austrian Gruner and Loire Reds
2023 Hiedler Loss Gruner Veltliner
2023 Nigl Freiheit Gruner Veltliner
2023 OTT Amberg Gruner Veltliner 
2022 Chateau St Marie Petite Marie Rouge
2022 Sebastian David Hurluburlu Cab Franc
2022 Les Athletes du Vin Chinon
Flights $15 from 5-9 and wines by the glass until 9pm

SATURDAY 12/28: CHAMPAGNE FLIGHTS!
Get ready to ring in the new year with sparking delights...
Tassin Champagne
Lelarge Pugeeout Tradition
Pierre Moncuit Coulmet
Flights $20 from 2-6pm and wines by the glass until 9pm!

Cheers,

Daniel