Bike to Work Day . . .

It is hard to believe that it has been many years since I rode my bicycle to work for the first time–Bike to Work Day, 1993. I will never forget that day because it was clearly a milestone in my life. I had not planned on becoming a bicycle commuter by any means, one ride, one day. That was all. It turned out to be a great morning for a bike ride. The air was crisp and clear, the sun was just starting to rise in the east creating subtle hues of orange, yellow, and red across the valley, birds were singing, and I was on my way.

Because it was a special day, all of the bike shops along the way had tables set up with snacks, bagels, muffins, juice, and plenty of people to cheer us on–congratulating all the riders who were making an effort to reduce our polluted skies.

It was a wonderful thing to have all of these folks encouraging the bikers. People told me how they admired what I was doing and how they would love to be able to ride their bicycles as well. But somehow, for whatever reason, they never seem to take that first step. There’s always an excuse, some particularly great explanation why it just wouldn’t work for them. Maybe it takes a mid-life crisis to get some people moving. For me, it was learning to deal with my new-found freedom and independence after sending my children off to college.

I suppose that people commute on their bicycles for a number of different reasons. Some feel that they are helping to fight pollution by keeping their cars off the road. Some may just not have a car to begin with–my own college-bound daughter was certainly in that category! But for me it was different. Yes, the first commute on “Bike to Work Day” was for pollution’s sake and to take part in the National Bike to Work festivities. But now the rides are purely for me.

When I am on my bicycle early in the morning riding along the coast, I become part of another dimension. There is no hustle and bustle of people rushing to get someplace. It’s just me, my bike, and the nature around me.

Riding through the Torrey Pines State Park has been one of the most special places along my way. At first, it was just the particular challenge it had to offer. Riding to the top of the grade was one of the major obstacles in my way of becoming a bicycle commuter in the first place. But each time I struggled to the top, I became more and more confident in myself. As my confidence grew, my self esteem grew. Soon, there was no obstacles in my way and my rides to work were more and more frequent.

Once I got past the challenge of Torrey Pines, I was able to realize just how much this wonderful place had to offer. The spectacular views of the pines overlooking ocean gives me such a feeling of serenity. And the wildlife is naturally abundant. I have seen numerous cottontail rabbits, families of quail, possums, snakes, and the highlight of my visits so far was a baby bobcat! This is a sight planted in my memory forever.

When I arrive at my workplace, I am invigorated and ready to start my day. And when the work day is over, I can hop on my bike and pass by all of those folks sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic waiting to move a few more inches toward home. Yes!! I have become a bicycle commuter and I’m enjoying every minute of it! And just think, it all started with one ride, one day on Bike to Work Day, 1993!