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In the summer, Anchorage citizens sprout wheels. They are either on bikes or roller blades all the time. It amazes me.
Thursday was the annual "Ride Your Bike To Work" day. It was cool and rainy that day. As I rode along (in my van!) I looked out the window at all these people in business suits riding their bikes. I almost felt sorry for them riding through the sprinkles and wind.
I think it is just awesome that they rode their bikes. The thing is, I know more than one person who actually does this every day, not just on Bike Day. I envy them thier lower gas bills and exercise.
So, why don't I do it? Well, there are several reasons.
1. I can't ride a bike. Yeah. Crazy, huh? When I was a kid I was on my bike from sunrise to sunset. I even used to ride it all over town. And we lived in the country. My best friend and I would ride for HOURS, even as teens. But, you know that old saying "Just like riding a bike"? The one that refers to the fact that once you learn how, you never forget? It lies. I tried to ride my son's bike to class when I went back to school a couple of years ago and I couldn't even balance. It was quite humorous for our neighbors who were watching me out their windows and laughing at me.
2. I carpool with Hubby. (which cuts down on gas right there, right?) He would LOVE to get a bike and ride to work. But I've never seen a bike with a side car. Motorcycle, yes. Bicycle, no. They do have bicycles built for 2 around here, but there again, refer back to #1.
3. I have also never seen a bike with a side saddle. I can see my skirt either flying up in my face, giving random passersby a show, or getting my skirt tangled in the wheels or something. And high heels would just not work comfortably. Oh my goodness, can you see my waist length long hair after riding 5 miles in the wind...with a helmet on? The top 1/2 would be flatter than a flitter and the bottom half would look like I stuck my finger in a light socket. ;)
4. As my boss put it "Honey, I'd have to get a 2 day head start!" I am overweight and out of shape. I'd have to leave on Saturday to get there Monday morning! I am working on that issue, but I'm certainly not to the point where I can bike 5 miles one way. And besides, even if I WAS, refer to #1.
So, until I lose several more pounds, figure out how to ride a bike in the first place, and then figure out how to do it with grace and style, you will see me chugging along in my gas guzzler van, gazing longingly at the passing bikers while I pump money down my fuel tank.
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Posted by Anonymous
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