I’ve been commuting to work on my bike for just over one year now and as I speed into my second year, I decided to share my experience as a biking newbie.
The entire world of biking seems overwhelming at first, the folks in the banana yellow jerseys speeding by in a pack every weekend. But in truth, biking can start with just a garage sale bike (Craigslist for me) and a Target bike helmet, no spandex or huge investment necessary.
Phase 1:
You assess your sanity and think there’s no way you can do that next hill.
“Damn my legs burn” keeps running through your head
Phase 2:
Stamina is discovered.
Your appetite increases, dramatically.
You reconsider your biking attire–those padded shorts don’t look so silly anymore.
Phase 3:
You find serenity and peace of mind, a la bike.
The seasons and natural growth of plants becomes obvious and beautiful.
You consider new luggage.
Phase 4:
Days off leave you jonesing for a ride.
You seek out longer, more challenging rides.
You eye (maybe drool) over the “fancy” bikes at the high-end bike shops.
You keep on ridin’, season through season.
Interested? Already biking and have more phases or observations I’ve missed? Share them with me.
Loved seeing your face! I am waiting for the troops to return from the
Detroit Marathon. Steve, Kathy and Loren walking half marathon. Steve
was signed to run but couldn’t. Russ(Steve’s buddy) and Shaun doing
marathon. Russ’ wife doing half marathon and kids 5K. Kathy was to
run but didn’t and it is beautiful day here so they decided to walk and
Loren went too. He has not done anythng like that for long time but he
works out at fitness center so will do fine. Michele is with Shaun as usual
as his support. I am cooking them dinner when they return. I understand
Laura is trying biking to work also. And your dad is now ‘dog handler’.
Wish I could see you all in person. Give Mike a hug. love
Comment by Gram — October 21, 2007 @ 7:04 am
Westi, I admire you so much for persisting with the considerable scruz-aptos commute.
I would add to phase 4, “You find yourself doing more and more errands by bike, and dreading the thought of driving and having to find a parking place.”
Comment by Jessi — October 22, 2007 @ 6:09 pm
Jessi, you are *so right* about the addition to phase 4! I totally resent it when I have to drive these days.
Comment by westi — October 22, 2007 @ 9:41 pm
Phase 4b or phase 5 You start to wonder just how many bikes you can store in your garage.
Comment by Kate — November 29, 2007 @ 6:14 pm
Kate, I just read an article last night in Bicycling Magazine that said the average biker owns at least 4 bikes. We just slimmed down our garage from 5 bikes to 3 recently. Now I want another. =)
Comment by westi — November 30, 2007 @ 8:10 am
I only have one, but my landlady and her husband make up for my deficiency! And they have more than enough bike shoes, water bottles, etc to go with.
Comment by Jessi — November 30, 2007 @ 8:20 am