A couple of bike commutes

Today I used my bike as a tool and not just for excercise or hobby!

My mom wanted me to go with her to some place, and even though she would just take me with her on the car, I decided to simply go ahead and take my bike to meet her there.

It has been raining lately, but that only made the weather comfy and cloudy overall. Riding with a purpose felt quite cool, and as always, the ride itself was awesome and freeing. I must admit though, I felt a bit sluggish, as the air was going against me and I had to work my legs a bit more than expected. Still comfortable enough.

I took the ideal path and even though I did arrive later—cars are fast after all—the timing was ideal. And just like that, I had done the first actual trip from X to Y. We went to a park for a class my mom gives to some kids in that neighborhood, it was in a public park and I just left the bike nearby on sight, since there were no good spots to lock it.

When we were done, I took the bike and returned. All this time I’ve rode my bike and went pretty much on a circle, never staying anywhere, simply riding and then going home, until now, a trip with a destination!

Later my church was going to do a small charity at a nearby hospital, giving away food and praying for those in need. I decided to head there using my bicycle once again. This time things got fun.

The waters were set free, and rain fell upon me, but honestly? That just felt awesome, it was a light rain and it didn’t really disturb me much. The feeling of the raindrops against my face felt rather great, I didn’t bring any sort of jacket, just the usual shirt and jeans, but I didn’t care. I made my way to the hospital and this time I decided to actually park the bike. I bought a u-lock a while back, so I locked things up against a hand rail nearby. Since we were outside the building I had it in sight at every moment anyway.

There were not a lot of people outside this time, but after announcing it to some people, even nurses and doctors showed up. It was kind of fun a dozen of them in a row with their medical attire. Don’t worry, there plenty of food for actual patients and people waiting outside.

Then the rain got stronger.

I decided to unlock the bike and bring it closer with me, all the rain soaked it completely, and my seat was not in the most comfortable state. A couple minutes later I was told I couldn’t have my bike in the entrance area—where we were—and that I should go park it in a different place. The guard explained to me that she had no problem but she was told by a superior and I kind of understood. Instead of parking it, I just carried it with me and stayed with it nearby as I judged what to do.

I didn’t want to leave my bike in the rain, but I also couldn’t stay there forever—maybe I could but I didn’t want to get the guard in trouble. I saw a trash can that was located far from the entrance, and decided to just put it there. It was still covered from the rain, although I couldn’t lock it properly. Still, it was on sight and soon enough we were done.

The return home was quite fun! I went ahead and the rain was much stronger, there were puddles everywhere and I had to go through a couple of them. Alas, the commute was very fun! Not a lot of cars to cause me trouble in any of my trips either.

It was not until I got home when I realized my back, and the lower section of my jeans, was full of mud stains…

So, I need to buy fenders now, I guess!

This is day 76 of #100DaysToOffload