Originally Posted by
AlmostTrick
About your bike, your commute, or your philosophy on life.
Post something you feel the youngin's ought to know. Don't be shy, they look up to us... even if they don't realize it yet!
The bike I commute with is one I brought to have as a beater or all around bike. It was an end of year sale in the following year and was as close to a MTB I could get with the funds.
IT looked somewhat like this, which is what it looked like when I started using it for commuting 10 years later:
[IMG]
PA160495w by
superissimo_83, on Flickr[/IMG]
It and I have changed over the years so it looks more like this when I am hauling extra clothes/food, except it has a Brooks Pro saddle.
[IMG]
Truck with packw by
superissimo_83, on Flickr[/IMG]
It has about 3500 miles on it.
My commute is 10.9 miles one way with nearly 15Ft difference depending on direction. It is along the Potomac River along the George Washington Parkway toward Mt Vernon. I drive by Reagan National Airport, cross the 14th street bridge, see the Pentagon, Jefferson Memorial, Bureau of Engraving, Department of Agriculture, Smithsonian and work across the street from the FAA with the Air and Space museum within site. Great ride, especially during the Cherry Blossoms. Of course I see the Capital, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and a host of other famous buildings and memorials riding down Independence Ave.
Philosophy: Be accepting. You are not the only one that exists on this planet. Most people do not share your values or outlook on life, don't force your views on others but learn from others. Covey's 7 Habits are good to practice. Learn to understand what it means to be a systems thinker (Peter Senge and 5 Disciplines).
What you should know: As much as you can. Follow your passion.
Don't stop biking! If you have to commute to stay on the bike, do it. Don't save it for the weekend because often it isn't enough. Biking, and staying in shape is work, just do it. I took a break for 30 years and regret it deeply. I attribute a lot of my good health to the exercise I got when I was in my 20's riding a 25 lb+ bike 50 miles in less than 3 hours, two or three times a week. Riding is great therapy for your mind and your soul, get introduced to yourself!