Power to the Pedals!

Returning from a recent trip to Portland, OR, I reflect on the differences in lifestyle there vs here. Apart from the enormous prevalence of coffee shops, I note that portlanders seem to embrace the concept of self-propelled transportation (indirectly fueled by the caffeine, I'm sure)-- specifically bicycling. I find this so inspiring and impressive not just because it is so obviously the way to go, but because the portland mantra: "It rains a lot here" at first encounter might make one think that doing the bike-to-work thing might be unusually UN-appealing. Not so! More people ride here than in Sunshiney Colorado where I live, and they do it rain (the rule) or shine (the exception). Testaments to the veracity of this truth are found everywhere: waterproof messenger bags, rain ponchos available in grocery checkout lines, BIKE LANES everywhere, bike chain-ups everywhere, and sadly, the occasional Ghost Bike conspicuously placed on tragic street corners and intersections about town, reminding us that cyclists [were] people, too.

Since I've been home again, I've tried to be more diligent about using my bike to commute around town, for whatever reason I go out. Coffee shop, grocery store, gym, dinner out. Of course...it's great! I am noticeably happier when I ride my bike. Seriously! Why? Who cares! But I am.
Another unexpected bonus despite the hot weather is not climbing into a mobile steaming oven after an errand. Just hop on the bike and start pedaling, and whoa-no stifling heat, no scorching steering wheel or seat, no need to ventilate the car for 5 minutes before driving off. Fabulous!

I wish I could ride to both my places of work instead of only one, but one is a good 64 miles away by highway--a highway I am frightened to drive on, let alone ride. But it's ok.
I feel good for doing a small part to protect the globe from warming, pollution and parking lots; to de-plaquify my arteries and to keep my mind clear and body less fat; and to set an example for my patients and fellow grand junct-ians, all of whom I will tell should be doing the same.


Time to hop on and head home. ciao!