“Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all. “
–Stanley Horowitz
Be part of the scenery, don't just look out the window.
Now that it’s fall, too many people put their bicycles into the garage until spring. You may not want to bike in the snow (I have to check to see if my studded tires arrived at the store yet.), but don’t your bike away too soon. Put on a sweater and pedal out. This morning I rode my bike to work through the woods along the Raccoon River and realized how much I enjoy biking in the fall.
Why should you bike to work this fall? It’s–
Fresh
Leave your stinkbox at home. You know how bad your car smells. Which do you dislike more, the smell of burned gasoline or the toxic ‘new car smell’ of plastic and adhesives? And, don’t get me started on ‘air fresheners.’
Fun
WTF? A detour! Where should I go? Oh, I have to find my way? But, then I would see something…different. I crossed over a different bridge, but found my way. Hey, I got to explore. For a few minutes, I got lost, then found my way. Doesn’t that sound like more fun than the same ol’ boring rouitine to work? No? You need to get out more.
Sunny
Or at least overcast. Either way you need the sun more than you need to spend more time inside your home, office, or car. We don’t get enough sun during the winter. Not enough sun, not enough vitamin D. What does that mean…less sun, less vitamin D, more depression.
Beautiful
This year, after 20-plus years of California’s un-fall, I’m enjoying the changes. I had forgotten fall’s messiness, the sound of leaves, and the crispness in the air. Sometimes I meet deer in the woods. I enjoy the scenery much more than staring at the car ahead of me.
Healthy
My bike ride today took less time than my usual morning run. Do NOT go to the gym! That smells as bad as your car. No, you’re not too obese to ride a bike. Waddle down to WalMart or your local bike shop. Buy something cheap so that you can give it away in a few months after you’ve lost a chunk of weight.
Did you enjoy your drive to work today? Tomorrow, ride your bike.
Post a Comment