Bicycling This Week

I've pedaled all over town for many different purposes this week, at least 50 miles total. Some trips have been short, some much longer. Some days have been sunny, others cloudy. I love the cloudy, breezy days because it's easier to keep cool even when I'm working up a sweat. I love the time I have on my bike to relax and ride, watch the scenery go by, and think about the beauty of the day. Here's a short summary of the week:

Where did I go?
* The farmers market, a bookstore, a bank, and a bakery
* Our CSA farm along the Sammamish River Trail
* Two libraries, the post office, another bank, and an office store
* The grocery store and a take-out restaurant

Who and what did I see?
* Two lakes, a winding river, and woodsy neighborhoods
* Geese, roosters, wildflowers, and a variety of gardens
* Friends, farmers, shoppers, and construction workers
* Families riding bikes and people walking side by side

What did I carry?
* A whole bunch of fruits and vegetables
* Books, bread, mail, printer ink, and paper
* Groceries for camping and dinner for the evening

One of the things I love most about riding my bike is the people I see. Sometimes I have chance meetings with friends when I'm outside a location like the library or the bakery, and they often notice me first because I'm on my bike. The red hair/Xtracycle combination probably helps. Also, when I stop in a store or at the farmers market, if I forget to take off my cycling gloves or I'm carrying my helmet, people strike up a conversation about bike riding. Clerks or other shoppers notice how much I'm carrying and wonder how I can carry it all on my bike. It's fun to tell them. Then of course, when anyone sees me with the bike and everything I'm carrying, they often do a double-take and inquire about it. I like this because it makes shopping and doing errands a friendly, people-centered activity instead of just something to get done. It's a good thing.