Are you one of those people who gets annoyed when they see a cyclist on the road, even though they are clearly obeying the rules? Do you curse under your breath as you try to maneuver past them and then speed on by?
I admit I used to be one of them. Learning to ride a bike (no training wheels, baby!) was like a rite of passage in every person’s childhood. If you do not know how, for whatever reasons, I definitely recommend you learn. It became my mode of transportation in university to and from campus. I would ride it to get from one class to another because there were only 10 minutes between the two classes and of course they were on opposite ends of the campus. It wasn’t a very nice bike. Heck, it was a crappy Supercycle bike from Canadian Tire, but hey it was on sale and it got me from point A to point B.
Transition to the Car
The inexpensive mode of transportation took a back seat once I got my first full-time professional job. It was in another city. The new mode of transportation became a status symbol. I drive to work. My commute is 1 hour each way by car. Yikes. The new mode of transportation was expensive but necessary. It became even more expensive once I bought my own car (new). My current job is in another city that is 15-20 min drive by highway, depending on traffic. There is no way I can bike to my work unless I am willing to wake up at 4:30 am. Pass.
Back to the Basics: Two Wheels
Even when my bf who is a bike mechanic master fixed it, it still didn’t make bike riding very fun. I had gotten into spin classes at the gym. Although it was several steps above just getting on the stationary bike by myself, I still found myself longing to have a decent bike to go outdoor bike riding with. I got a hybrid high-end bike from the bf for my birthday this year and have slowly gotten back into riding.
Riding a bike is like “riding a bike”, you never forget how.
City Riding vs. Trail Riding
For me, its trail riding hands down. I have biked in a few cities, with and without bike lanes. When there are no bike lanes and you are biking with moving cars on one side and parked cars on the other side, you can’t help but feel trapped. It’s even worse when parked car doors open or when parked cars start to become a moving car. Dog walkers, joggers, strollers, and other non-bikers rule the sidewalk. You are reprimanded most times if you attempt to bike on the sidewalk. I almost always have a heart attack when I see cyclists biking late at night on the road with no helmet and no reflective clothing on. I have even seen a cyclist texting and riding at the same time!
I love trail riding because the path almost seems endless. You don’t have to worry about the bike lane ending or almost being hit by a taxi. You can relax and enjoy the ride. You don’t have to be as aware or as defensive compared to when you are on the road. You can stop whenever and wherever you want. There is so much more freedom when you are on a trail. Sadly, there aren’t too many long scenic trails or designated bike paths where I live and you have to drive to conservation areas to get to trails.
Remember the days when people would say let’s go for a drive? I’ve only done that once- My bf and I had a HUGE fight and then made up and went for a drive. To my alma mater. But I don’t know anyone who says that anymore. Gas is expensive! I would think in my head, I could do so many errands on the way during my “drive”. Maybe I’m too practical.
Every time I see someone biking, I often think I should go for a ride. Whereas people go for a run to clear their head, I find going for a bike ride clears mine. There’s just something about the “whoosh” as you go downhill.
When was the last time you went for a ride?
Image Courtesy of Sira Anamwong/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I used to love riding my bike to and from school – but sadly, it sat unused so long in our garage that we gave it to my in-laws to free up some space. Running became my go-to way to escape for a while, though sometimes in spinning class I miss being able to ride with the wind in my hair… well, the hair in my ponytail that sticks out of my helmet. Gotta ride safely! =)
For sure! I remember when I was a kid before the helmet law was mandatory, that I would ride without a helmet, thinking it was dorky. Now I can’t even imagine riding without it. Oh, the silly things kids do to be cool.
I love riding my bike! I do live in the middle of suburbia, so there aren’t many places I can ride to, so I use mine for exercise and just riding around with my kids, but I really wish I lived in a more biking-friendly location! Our neighborhood is on the top of some big hills and the streets are very narrow, two-lane, hilly roads. When I see someone riding a bike, I always slow down and wait until there is a wider place in the road for me to go around if I’m going faster, but I have heard of people being SO rude to riders! It’s kind of ridiculous that we’re taught in kindergarten how to share, but forget the lesson once we’re adults!
-M
That’s awesome that you’re active with your kids. Neither of my parents were bike riders. It was one of the neighbour’s kids who actually taught me how to ride a bike. Glad to hear you’re cautious around cyclists. More drivers need to follow your example and share the road.
Gas is expensive, but also, my wife and I don’t “go on rides” becuase traffic sucks. Go on a ride to sit at stoplights? No thank you!
It’s nice to hear from the biker perspective that riding bikes along the road is as uncomfy for you as it is for me (the driver trying to get by). It’s too bad that there aren’t more bike lanes or places for bikers. But it’s great that you can trail ride becuase that sounds much less stressful!
It really does bother me that there aren’t more bike lanes. If there were, I could bike to the grocery store if I was just picking up a few things or going the gym. Then I could save on gas.
I am NOT a fan of all those bikers! I feel like they think the rules don’t apply to them. Perfect example is when they don’t stop at stoplights and just kind of blow through them and expect everyone driving in cars to avoid them.
I’m getting upset just thinking about this! : P
Lol. Sorry didn’t mean to upset you. I believe it should work both ways. Drivers AND cyclists should obey the rules of the road. Sad to say, there are also reckless bikers out there. Maybe they have biker road rage.
I couldn’t do it in my city; too many massive hills. Massive. I wanna be in good shape, but maybe not that good. I get really annoyed with cyclists, but only if they’re not obeying the laws of the road. Which most of them around here don’t. Love trail riding, though!
I only get mad at dangerous bicyclists who are not following the rules. otherwise, I just think to myself, “I could never do that, I would probably get hit by a car and die” Trail riding does sound much more fun. My wife and I have bicycles, but haven’t ridden all summer. Maybe need ot bust ’em out this week 🙂
I’ve always wanted to learn how to ride a bike – I’m 31 and I don’t know how – yikes. Trail riding seems really cool as I love hiking…. biking is such a frugal hobby and a great alternative to driving cars for small errands. Great post – I’m happy to find your site!
Nothing wrong with not knowing how to ride a bike. I’m not a very good ice skater and I grew up in Canada, so its almost a given that I should be able to ice skate fairly well. haha.
I agree with biking being a frugal hobby. The only big purchase really is the bike itself. You can get accessories such as helmets, bells, baskets, water bottles and their holders for a decent price. Glad you stopped by! 😀
Holy moly, I haven’t been on a bike in YEARS! I always see people on them on vacation and they look fun. I’m a walk everywhere kind of guy …
I used to be a lot more into cycling when I dated my ex because he was really into it. To be honest, I was never as happy doing it as he was, so after we broke up I sold my mountain bike and road bike and bought a beach cruiser. I don’t ride it as much as I should. I seem to come up with a lot of excuses, but I really should!
You should! I’m sure you don’t have to go very far to enjoy some nice scenery as you bike. 😉
I don’t think I’ve ridden a bike in like 20 years. I used to love it when I was a kid though, I’d ride it all day long and have the greatest time. 🙂
An actual bike, NOT one at the gym? And you’re right. Who says let’s go for a drive anymore? With gas prices, you’re more likely to hear, “Want to go for a walk?” Great that you brought this up. Maybe I’ll break down and get a real bike the next place we live. It does clear the head. Cute pig, btw!!
Thanks! 🙂 I go to spin classes here and there, so
I’m not totally against stationary bikes.