Untether: Bike to Work

When I lived in Morioka, Japan in 1991 while in college, the primary means of transportation I used was the bike. It was awesome riding to class and seeing Mt. Iwate in the distance, which I eventually climbed (on foot of course). There was something exhilarating being on a bike no matter what the weather was outside. I used to ride through crazy monsoon downpours and the cold, as well as in super hot and humid weather. I really enjoyed it as I could challenge myself at any moment and get a nice workout in or just blissfully glide through a glorious fall day; I did not know how much I missed it.

After graduating from college I had the opportunity to live in the Bay Area, where I was introduced to Mountain Biking. I bought a basic Gary Fisher mountain bike and biked a some mountain or headland every other weekend. It was amazing!

When I moved back to Cleveland, OH, biking faded as distant memory of something I used to do. Why, I don’t know. Perhaps one simply reverts back to old ways of being and doing when they return to their roots.

The other day I went to buy two new tires for my daughters bike, and could not help but checkout some of the bikes. It is impressive how far bike technology has advanced and I found myself trying a few bikes. It really got me thinking and 24 hours later, I bought a Specialized Sirrus to ride to and from the office.

It was 45 F in the morning and much of the 8 mile journey to work was downhill. Needless to say, it was a challenge and I was soaked in sweat when I arrived. I simply cannot go slow and could not help pushing myself. It warmed up to 53 F for the ride home, which was equally challenging and fully enjoyable.

I needed a change from the normal routine and am delighted to get back into biking. It’s good for the body, Earth and soul; it’s good to untehter from convention!

PS – Foot Soldier AI made the commute easy. I sweat more than the normal person and did not want to bring a change of clothing. No stink and AI dried really fast!

Jay

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