Being on a bicycle is something that's very special to me.
I was raised as a mountain biker by my father who began racing when I was very young. As I grew up, him and I were always out building trails in local, sanctioned parks, occasionally racing, or just having fun on a ride.
When I began driving, I unfortunately forgot how much I loved being on a bicycle. Engine swaps, car meets, and drag racing took precedence over most of my other hobbies.
However, when I jumped back on a bicycle in Fall of 2013, that all changed. Commuting on two wheels just makes sense for me. It's practical, it's relaxing, it puts me in a better mindset, and it's of course free. I don't get bothered by traffic, I don't get distracted by modern technologies, and I don't get stressed out thinking about the other burdens of everyday life. I LOVE being on my bicycle. It simply makes me happy.
One of the main principles that I always try to enforce, both with myself and with those close to me, is that if something makes you happy in life, DO IT. Do it always, and don't make excuses.
My dad said something to me the other day along the lines of, "I wish the weathermen would stop giving Winter such a bad reputation. They need to quit telling people to stay inside all Winter long, and start suggesting that people bundle up and get outdoors to enjoy it. It's not impossible."
...and I couldn't agree more.
This is what riding 12.5 miles in -1°F weather looks like when the windchills range from -15°F to -25°F:
(My entirely-stock-component Matte Black 4 from State Bicycle, utilizing an Origin8 rack, aftermarket lights, fender, and saddle.)
(My new bag from Forest City Portage got it's first taste of Cleveland weather.)
(Smile more.)
"If you love being on your bike, then go be on your bike." - J. Unoriginal - Ride on. Xx
Wow, thanks for the kind words. And you are right. Get out and do it.
ReplyDeleteOf course! Thanks for the constant inspiration.
DeleteMy dad was always into learning new things and sharing them with my siblings and I; bike riding was one of his favorites (rest his soul). He was such a great teacher that after not riding a bike for over eight years, I was able to get back on as if I had never stopped.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I don't know how traffic must be in Cleveland, but I can't stand people riding their bikes on the street. :( They really have no respect here for cars and I'd rather ride my bike on the sidewalk than hold up three cars just because I want to make a turn. (It happens a lot here [Los Angeles]).
Anyway, I've never experienced snow before, but I can't imagine how it must feel to ride a bike in that weather. Hahaha
Stay warm!
Vegetarian Courtesy
That's adorable, and I'm so happy to hear. That's definitely something that will stay with you the rest of your life. =]
DeleteTraffic in Cleveland is NO WHERE near as bad as LA's, but it can get a bit clogged up at times. Regardless, I have to disagree with the whole riding-on-the-sidewalk thing.
I'm not sure about California laws, but in Ohio (and I believe a majority of other US States), riding your bike on the sidewalk is illegal. As a cyclist, I am considered a "vehicle" and have to obey the exact same traffic laws.
I know there are plenty of case where (unfortunately) cyclists fail to do so, and therefore become a pain to vehicular and pedestrian traffic, but people in cars often forget about he laws as well (making it hard for bike and pedestrian traffic), as well as pedestrians that forget about the laws and make it hard for bicycle and car traffic. So who knows. Hopefully, one day everyone can commute how the wish with peace and unity, but unfortunately that's not yet the case.
Thank you for the well wishes and the continued support! =]
I know how to ride a bike but when I tried riding a mountain bike I just kept falling off. haha. This is really cool. I didn't know you can ride on snow. Great post.
ReplyDeleteWould you like to follow each other?
http://heidepadilla.blogspot.com/
Haha, be safe! And you sure can! I'll be sure you take a look at your blog. =]
DeleteThanks!