Jackson Free Press

For the past few weeks, I kept saying I was going to ride my bike to work,but then each day I found a reason preventing me from doing so. So many factors prevented me from just doing it, but I am proud to say that this past week I rode my bike to work twice!

A few of the bike-to-work problems I encountered: First, the weather was too hot, then it rained; I tend to stay at work until its dark out and felt that my reflector vest (a present from my dad) was just too unfashionable. I like to wear strappy high heels that are not conducive to biking. I tend to hit the snooze button more than the average person and must speed-in a car-to get to work on time. September humidity and my hair are not friends. State Street looked scary. I worried that my coworkers would run from my post-bike sweat.

Then, last week It finally happened. A friend showed me a shortcut from Belhaven which cuts through UMC by way of Peachtree Street. The ride took less than 10 minutes, and I wasn't a sweaty mess by the time I got to work. It was so easy. I questioned all my prior hestiation. Why do we make so many excuses when it comes to changing our routines and life habits?

I won't be able to bike everyday because of appointments I have to drive to, but I am going to aim for twice a week. I am also installing a light on my bike so that I won't be intimidated to ride at night.

What I enjoy most are the moments of clarity during my rides to work. I can think about my day more calmly and peacefully than when I am in a car—as I am usually annoyed by other drivers and stoplights.

Previous Comments

ID

152146

Comment

Nicely done. I hope you're wearing a helmet, and please be careful, especially when riding at night. I rode a BUNCH this weekend, and it was great.

Author

bill_jackson

Date

2009-09-20T19:31:44-06:00

ID

152147

Comment

Beautiful. Congratulations: and I echo the "be careful" comment. :D

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2009-09-20T21:42:22-06:00

ID

152148

Comment

For the most part, Jackson isn't bike friendly. A few years ago I chose to ride my bike from home (Main Harbor area) up to Colonial Shell where my car was being repaired and that ride on Old Canton scared the bejeebus out of me. On the bright side, there's tons of new bike path out this way under construction, in addition to the existing.

Author

bill_jackson

Date

2009-09-20T21:58:57-06:00

ID

152156

Comment

Funny how things change- 35 years ago on the day I turned 18, I rode my bike from the Colonial Mart area up to Main Harbor, went inside and had my first legal beer. Old Canton was two lane then, and traffic wasn't a problem at all! Thanks for the memory...

Author

Rico

Date

2009-09-21T09:52:17-06:00