I always loved to ride my bike when I was younger: to go to a friend's house, my local pool, or to get some exercise. Once I got a drivers license, my bike just started gathering dust, probably because, in our culture, one is almost expected to drive everywhere, no matter how far it is.
Last year I got a new job and we bought a house relatively close by -- 7 miles. So, when the good weather came around, I decided to give it a try and bike to work.
It was great to be back on the bike. Granted the first few bike rides weren't the best, since my bike really needed tuning-up. Having a large back-pack on my back made me feel very unstable on the bike.
Since then, I have tuned-up my bike. I enjoy fixing things and working with my hands, so this was an added bonus. I learned to bring my clothes and food to work the day before so that I don't have to carry anything on the days I bike. I've read up on good cycling techniques (riding a bike well is not as simple as it seems) and my bike rides have become a lot more enjoyable.
So, Dump-the-Pump, enjoy the fresh air, and help keep it that way for generations to come.
Jose
Philips
Andover
