Back on My Bike

[mlerules]

I finally got back on my bike and rode about 2 miles today with a Dear Friend. We cruised down Clinton Avenue to Clinton Coffeehouse (and a bit further), stopped for cold beverages, then pedaled back to mi casa. It felt great to get back to it! My legs felt it. I look forward to adding this to my exercise regimen.

In 2011, I got back into it: cruised the entire Leif Erikson trail in Forest Park (10+ miles), made it over several bridges on the Providence Bike Pedal (before leaving the ride when a co-rider friend fell ill), and took s'more bike rides, too. I last rode it to visit friends (and back again) in October 2013 (<3 miles).

In Junior High, I biked LOTS. Many weekends I'd bicycle from home (near Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley) to Lake Merritt, all around the lake, and back again (over 13 miles, with some hills). I also biked a fair amount in 9th grade (4-5 miles R/T to school & back again). Then we moved to a very hilly area, where all bike rides required going UP on the way home, so I didn't bike much again for several years.

I had no car my first couple of years at UCLA (1983-1985), so took the bus or biked to school (about 2 miles each way).

Comments

[garyomaha]

That's great that you're biking again! I'm going to let you in on something that's not exactly a secret to friends here but I don't talk about it often -- I never learned to ride a bike. (pause for effect) I cannot remember if it was my "fault" or my parents' "fault" -- we were not at all a high physical fitness family, my parents were older, and they ran a store that took much of their time and energy. I rarely felt ignored BUT looking back alllll these years, a few things like never learning to ride a bike make me sad. As I got older, other stuff kept getting in the way, and when I learned to drive, that was that. Today I miss it more for an alternative to getting around than anything else (bike lanes are just now appearing around here). At this age I wouldn't dare try learning because every fall could break something permanently. So, I respect those of you -- and that's MOST of you! -- who do bike.

[mlerules]

Thanks for the attagal. :-)

Yeah, biking's a good alternative for getting around faster than walking without having to deal w/parking or as much traffic. Luckily Portland's pretty bike-friendly. Still, I plan to stick to bike lanes and fairly protected areas rather than going all over everywhere like some of my friends. Seems wise not to add it to your ToDo list at this point. Do you e-scooter around town, or is that too close to biking?

(I have another friend who never learned how to swim.)