February 22 Bike Ride

Having the day off and it being 53 degrees fahrenheit, I went for a bike ride. In February.

I’m quite glad it’s been a warm winter since I waited until November to decide to ride my bike more. The extra rides over the winter has continued to impress upon me how lovely it is to ride bike through the city. I rigged my bike up in November with a basket behind the seat and some bungee cables for securing groceries and a water bottle. I intend to try biking to work once the weather is a little better.

The previous 15 or so years I’ve lived in Minneapolis, I haven’t really tried biking much. Way back when, I had a mountain bike but was so exhausted on my test run to my then office, I knew biking to work was out. Now, thinner but older, an electric bike has made all the difference. I don’t need to exhaust myself on hills and can keep moving if my legs tire, so I can make it a long way without wearing myself out.

I love the experience of riding through the city. Minneapolis has some pretty great bike paths that keep you away from traffic, as long as you have time to take the long way. I enjoy that feeling of being in the city, but on the fringes, away from the car drivers who somehow keep getting worse at driving, or more likely caring. I love the entirely different view of the city that you get. Even in winter, Minnehaha Creek or the Mississippi river are just lovely.