I Heart Bike to Work Day

By Kendra Smith

How much more motivated would I be to ride to work if,
instead of my green guilt and that bag of Lay’s I ate
this week calling me out of bed and onto two wheels,
there were people standing on the corner cheering,
offering me free bananas and bagels and entering me to
win prizes? This is why Bike to Work Day is heaven.

And today was so gloriously warm, no wind. I learned
something about myself, too: I am a cyclist. The ride
actually felt easy. I had been dreading it, putting
off my first ride of the season until I could no
longer fake it. "I have to go. It’s Bike to Work Day."

I may have stood out at the Energizer Station as the
only person whose bike had a kick stand (don’t ask),
but it just shows that you don’t need fancy equipment
to cycle anywhere. Although I did finally get those
pants with the puffy crotch. You need those pants if
you’re going 13 miles. Trust me.

My favorite moment: As I turned the corner onto the
Bay Trail by the Marriot Residence, 2 bikers passed
me, then 2 more, then 7 (all in a line, wow), then 2,
then 3. Usually I pass just one other cyclist and a
guy exercising his collies. For a second there, I
thought I was in Holland. It was awesome.

So, thank you to those sweet Peninsula Bicycle
Coalition volunteers from San Bruno, the guy in front
of Summit Bicycles in Burlingame, and all those other
bikers who waved at me as I made my way.

And now, my wish: Can’t every day be like Bike to Work Day?

Let’s stay in touch.

Comments

[Brenda]

Just found your site and am really enjoying the posts! I can really relate to this one and the motivation that is sometimes lacking for me to do those things I really should do.

[Fritz]

"gloriously warm" -- hah, it's downright hot now. At least the humidity isn't so bad. And happy BTWD!