Explain what McBride meant by his mother’s bicycle riding, “typified her whole existence to me."

James loved his mother but also found he eccentric. After the death of her second husband Ruth began riding her bike through the neighbourhood. A white woman on a bicycle stood out in a black neighbourhood. Ruth Knew she was different and she didn't hide it. The bicycle also became a symbol of movement which Ruth embraced. Movement and change meant hope for a better day. This constant movement also meant life. James' home life was a steady stream of movement with so many children. For Ruth, this movement meant energy to move forward be it in her kids or on her bike.