Not being a morning person and shock horror, also not liking coffee (you can still be a cyclist and not like coffee), there’s not a lot that can help kick start my day in an upbeat fashion. However there is one thing that can stop the zombie walk lasting until 10am and my third cup of tea, it’s commuting by bike!
Some people love the self righteous feeling of shunning the pollution causing cars and public transport and don’t get me wrong, anything that reduces pollution is great, but I am not a member of the cars are coffins club. I simply love riding my bike, I always have and always will, whether that’s a downhill bike, a BMX, a road bike, or anything with two wheels, it doesn’t matter, they all give me joy. So what better way to start the day than with a small dose of joy?
Lots of people are put off riding in a city, but I have found it safer than walking! Over the past year the number of close calls I have had on my bike, have been less than I have had on foot in the last week! The main culprit is crossing busy roads whilst motorist are turning right and not paying attention to the crossing signal, an issue I don’t have on two wheels.
If it’s not the traffic, then it’s the sweat that keeps people away. Some are lucky and have shower facilities where they work, for the rest of us a packet of baby wipes and a can of deodorant cater for almost all scenarios!
The joy of commuting by bike is not just a feeling confined to pre-work rides, after a long day those self propelled miles do wonders for de-stressing, allowing you to arrive at home ready to enjoy the rest of your evening fully switched off from the working day.
In our busy lives it’s sometimes hard to find time for a mid week ride, this way I get to do it every day and when time allows I opt for the scenic route, you can miss some beautiful sights sticking with cars.
It’s a great way to really get to know where you live, I may not remember the road names, but cycling around Columbus has really helped me to get to know my new home.
For me it’s not always where you ride, what your ride, or even who you are riding with, sometimes it’s just the fact that you are riding that makes you feel great, although I wouldn’t pass up the chance to ride some Alpine switchbacks!
Give it a try, you may be surprised how easy and rewarding it is to swap four wheels for two.
Originally published at medium.com