This mountain hill slope and I, we have issues. It’s steepish, bumpy and often crowded. I’m no longer nervous about riding down it, but climbing all the way up seemed an unattainable goal, until recently.

My first Brompton, an M3L, could get me just over halfway before I had to dismount and trudge. Now that I have six gears, I can cycle to the top! Still not a snap, but getting easier every day.

Last night I took this photo after achieving the summit. (Yes, I know it looks like nothing. Work with me here.)

That dot at the bottom is a girl beginning her ascent. I watched her pedal doggedly upward, and smiled at her when she made it, triumphant with her pink bike and yellow flowered helmet. (She was 9 or 10, I’m guessing.) “Was that easy for you or hard?” I asked. “HARD!” she replied. “Well, then, we are both brave and awesome!” I said. We fist-bumped. I would have asked for a photo, but reason prevailed: no doubt I had already muddied what she’s been taught about talking to strangers, even harmless-looking old ladies.

It was A Moment, even sweeter for being shared.