The Elkridgean Cyclist - National Bike to Work Day Reflections

I hope everyone is enjoying the Memorial Day weekend, while remembering to give some thought to those who died for our freedom. My husband and I took the opportunity to bike the Rock Creek Park Trail down to the DC Mall on Sunday, intending to visit the various memorials there. The weather was exactly right for such an excursion, but the amazing Rolling Thunder event prevented us from reaching our destination. Hundreds of thousands of motorcycles parading around the area was quite a sight. We neglected to research the time of their mass ride, and ended up there in the middle of it. We had a lovely day, though not the moving Memorial experience we expected. We did see the Washingon Monument, all suited up in its new scaffolding. We returned via the Capital Crescent and Ledo's pizza in Bethesda, a delicious break near the end our 32 mile ride. Something about bike-riding and pizza. They just go together.

I missed my opportunity to write a blog ahead of time about the National Bike to Work events the week of May 13th. I regret it, though it was advertized nationally so hopefully none of the motorists in the area were surprised by the sight of long trains of bike-riders. The main events were held on Friday, May 17th, and as the weather was perfect, I know our group had the best showing we've ever had. I led our "relaxed group" of about 20 people - those who were not worried about taking their time getting to work. It was inspiring to look behind me and see the long line of cyclists trailing behind me. Our ride was only about five miles long, and relatively flat, but those who had not been on their bike for a few months (or years) found it rather hilly, though everyone made it to the gathering point eventually. It being a Friday, the motor-vehicle traffic seemed light, and no one seemed incommoded by us... at least  not for very long.

If you have never commuted by bike to work, and you get the opportunity to ride with a group in a bike-to-work event, I highly recommend it. It is an excellent time to give cycle-commuting a whirl. Some find there is power in numbers. They feel safer in the middle of a pack. Riding in a pack certainly adds to the visibility of cyclists, no doubt (though it can add to the ire of motorists). One of my coworkers wrote about participating in his first bike to work event. He said that when his wife asks him to try something new, his first instinct is to say "I'll never try that," but he always gives it one chance, just like when our parents tried to get us to eat our vegetables. With a similar spirit, he tried biking to work in an event one year, and found that it was quite possible. It saves him a lot of money in gym fees because his exercise is already done by the time he gets home, and of course he saves on gasoline. For this young man, it came down to numbers. He isn't trying to save the environment. He is trying to make the best use of his time and money. I reckon I personally save about $75 a month in gas by cycling to work about 3 times a week (and I have a little Honda Fit!). It also saves wear and tear on my car, upwards of 2000 miles per year, which is estimated to be worth about $1000 by US Government standards.

I have a lot of other reasons to ride to work too. I've blogged about them often. One of the biggies I may not have mentioned is stress reduction. Sitting in traffic in my car really "gets my goat!" My knuckles turn white and sometimes I feel quite angry inside. I can almost understand road rage. Exercise is a natural stress reducer. I'm lucky because my ride is usually on lower traffic routes with beautiful scenery. I'd much rather take the opportunity to "smell the roses" as they say (the wild roses are in their glory right now by the way - in a week or so they will be reduced to the description of "sticker bushes" but for now: heaven). Upon occasion, I'm aggravated on my bike because an SUV will pass me (and as it seems to me, purposefully out of spite) "vrooming" their engine unnecessarily as they go by. But when quiet returns, the incident is blocked from my mind and I'm all happy again. Exercise endorphins work wonders.

I know many people feel like they'd be taking their life in their hands riding on roads. It's true. Bike-riding is not for everyone. But on the other hand, we take our lives in our hands every day, just by walking down steps and driving our cars. "It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door." Anything can happen at any time. We don't know what life has in store for us. My son (who recently turned 21) says he worries about me so much. All I can say about that is "good!" - he's given me many a cause to worry in his short life. I may as well return the favor. We have to find things in this life that make us happy. So my advice, if you do choose to ride, is to be bright and visible, be careful, and be happy.