4 years and counting

Last year on a busy Saturday shift I was asked an interesting question: "What are you doing for earth day?" The lady that asked me the question was almost confrontational, as if to one up me when she blurted out eagerly that she had turned her AC off for the day. My response was simple: "I got rid of my car 3 years ago and get around by bike, every day is earth day". She didn't seem to pleased with my answer and stormed off with her nose held high. I'll never understand people.

I woke up at 7am this morning to a cat purring on my chest and the sun gleaming in through the window, it was a perfect morning. I stumbled out of bed, walked downstairs to make a coffee and brush my teeth. I had an appointment for my braces before work and was planning to ride there. I still don't own a car but it's been a while that I've used the bike as a means of transportation when the conditions are less than perfect (I currently live a 5min walk from work). So I get my shit together, drag the single speed out of the basement and set off to the mall. My first deep breath almost kills me, the air is sharp and I am not hardend to the cold like I have been for the past few years, convieninence will do that to you. I pedal on, it's early and the roads are still icy, I up my cadence and scan the road for slick patches. 5 minutes into the ride and I'm already into a groove, the wind still hurts my lungs and my face but I love it. Eventualy I make my destination, a baren mall parking lot that could double as a skating rink its so slick. My rear tire slips out from under me more than once and I'm having fun just trying to stay upright, I get to the rack and I don't want to get off. After doing a couple laps of the ice lot I lock up my bike, snap a picture and go to get my teeth pulled on. While they were adjusting my braces all I could think about was the ride over and how much fun it was, I'm definatly taking the scenic route home. On the way home I cut through a few parks and eventualy I hit some ice and ate shit in front of two families and the kids proceeded to point and laugh. Nothing another cup of coffee won't fix.

Today I was reminded why I love riding my bike. If I were to get a ride or catch a cab I would'nt have felt the cold air in my lungs, I would'nt have smiled from balancing on ice and I would'nt have brought joy to two families through laughter.