Today as I was pumping my way on my bicycle up the hill after a trip to the lake, three separate men offered me encouragement. One gave me the thumbs up sign. It seems that many men really like trailers. The Burley Travoy that I have won an award in Europe. It's an excellent design. Mine has market bags that hook onto it; they fit on the dolly perfectly. My mom bought them for me, when she was still alive. They were expensive, but have been totally worth it. I'm sure she's happy that I'm using them so frequently. She always bought the extras with her purchases, and I'm starting to see why.
As I was pushing myself to make it up the incline, two cars needed to pass each other on our narrow mountain road. I pulled off to the shoulder to let them pass. The first young man said, "You are such an inspiration..." He was really sincere. I thought that was so sweet. I have been pushing my body very hard lately, especially with the kayaking. It feels healthy to get the muscles toned and strong again.
The next driver apologized to me for my having to stop to let them by... I could tell he knew I needed the momentum to keep going uphill. It's not his fault, passing is tight with two cars squeezing by each other. I laughed and explained that it was no problem, and that my sandal had slipped off my heel. Both men seemed athletic, and I could tell they knew about bike riding. I am surprised that I don't see more adults on bikes here. Many of the young boys ride small motorcycles. I guess people are just used to driving their cars. I think a lot of it has to do with stuff, too. We carry an amazing amount of equipment with us to the beach, the lake, and to campsites.
Another lady on my street asked me about the "neat contraption" I was pulling, too. It's a shopping cart that snaps onto the back of my bicycle. I told her that it really saves me money on gas. I love leaving the car at home, and enjoy the intense exercise and fresh air as I cycle around town. Gas has shot up to over four dollars a gallon here in Clifornia. Yikes! I only drive if I have to, and combine my trips.
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I love the idea of a trailer for the bike. I bet it really comes in handy. Petrol is really expensive here. It's around £5.60 a gallon so I smiled when you said it had shot up to 4 dollars.
ReplyDeleteYes, I guess it's all relative, Cherie. I found gas for $3.99 a gallon at an RV park near the hwy, so I filled up my tank there. My car gets excellent mileage, which helps.
DeleteThe people in your area seem to be very nice.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you can ride the bicycle around the town to get things done. I'm not sure about the current gas price here. I don't drive a lot since last March. :)
Have a wonderful week, Stephanie.
Yes, I love living in a walkable town, Nil. It's a relief not to have to commute to work every day, like when we were younger.
DeleteIt's great that everyone seems to friendly and encouraging. It's also great that you are able to cycle to places and thus avoid using the car and the high gas prices.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bless. I combine my errands, as well. The weather is perfect for bike riding.
DeleteThe bike sounds like a double win. Good for your health and good for the budget.
ReplyDeleteThat's true, Anita. It's a used bike that I bought at our local bike shop. It's nice and light, so I can easily lift it up onto the bike rack on my car.
DeleteThe cart is so great. You'll be getting a good work-out pulling that! I remember it was always hard work having Lily on the rear bike seat. X
ReplyDeleteYes, that's how I feel when Lula is in the kayak with me, Jules.
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