Large Apple

I'm sort of embarrassed by this, but up until a few days ago, I'd never been to New York. I've been to Fiji, spent a few hours in Iceland and lived abroad in Australia, but had never set food in this country's iconic big city. And to be honest, I expected to hate it. I am a big fan of space, and doing things at my own pace, and affordable rent. But against all logic, I adored this place.

After a couple days of learning the ropes from one of my favorite gals, gallivanting around different neighborhoods and eating fantastic food at tiny restaurants that seem like well-guarded secrets, I was enamored. I can't wait to go back and get lost in it all again soon.

In the meantime, I'm spending the next couple of days at Beard's folks' place, in central Pennsylvania, which is on the other side of the spectrum. It's quiet and relaxing and lovely. And there is an Amish buggy museum. 'Nuff said.

Things that are only poigniant if you're on your bike: The underbellies of overpasses.

Soon after moving to Oregon I decided that I wanted to be a bicycle commuter. And I’ll be honest, my motivation was fueled by poverty. The other factors didn’t hurt – a chance to shrink my carbon footprint, trick myself into regular exercise, and take advantage of what is likely the most bike-friendly city in the country. But really, it was about being broke.

Over time I’ve come to realize another benefit, and it’s that from the helm of a two-wheeler, ordinary things sometimes seem remarkable. When I’m pedaling away, making shopping lists in my head or replaying important conversations, I realize I’m looking at something I’ve seen a million times, and thinking about it in an entirely different way. Like the regal freeway overpass, for instance. Have you ever realized how gigantic these structures are? Have you thought about how people actually had to build them? It hadn’t really occurred to me. No, I haven’t been taking bong hits. You have to admit they’re pretty impressive.

Point being, instead of a commute, biking feels more like an “experience.” And I’ll admit, when I’m getting pelted in the face with jagged sleet at 30 mph, I’d happily settle for just a “commute,” but most of the time, especially after a long day, the ride home is an opportunity to defrag, and buffer my time between work and home. I catch myself having these Zen moments, planning my dinner menu while theorizing about LOST (Who the f is Jacob?) – then realizing suddenly that I’m home, and I got there via my own quadriceps.

Anyway. A benefit of slowing down: large scale concrete appreciation. More amazing bicycle insight to come.