Biked to Work

I feel really strong today. I biked to work (I'm trying to do this once a week) and I fought the wind the whole way (13 miles). I knew I would feel good about it, but the ride was tough. Once I'm out of the city, I try to slow down a bit (not pedal-wise, but mentally) and take in the change of scenery. The lush green colors, the smell of natural lakes (the ones that have been there for years and years), how the cool, heaviness of the trees and plants feel as I bike over a wooden walk bridge. I wish I could be quieter going over it, but I can actually see animals scurry away. I wonder if they are irritated by us humans, or just passively curious. Biking through a suburban park makes me love the city more. I appreciate the break, but I am also resentful that there isn't more of it. I guess it's easy to take the responsibility off of myself if I live in an already formed city, and not a constantly forest/land-demolishing suburb. I realize that by not working in the city, where I live, I also contribute to the environmental issues.

So, I try to not think of these things, but instead meditate on the simple wonders and natural occurrences that take place around me. I even bike on some gravel for part of the ride!!!

I have an interesting route. It takes me from one end of economic status to the other. You can tell by the noise level, the appearance of homes/shelter, the smells, the supervision of children, or lack there of, even by the dogs. I live in the city, and consider myself middle class, whatever that means, and I do feel like I choose to live more simply. I'm not so biased to think that there aren't plenty of suburbanites who also live simply, but from what I observe, I feel much less complicated. That's quite funny.

I hope it doesn't sound like I am just a great, big generalization-er. I can be, for sure, but I recognize that there are pockets of all kinds of people everywhere. I don't actually think that children are always supervised in the 'burbs, or even always cared for. I also realize that there are some well-to-do mofos living in some of those run down houses. Sneaky b*stards, just waiting to jump out at you and yell "JUST KIDDING! I'M NOT STARVING!"
To witness that would be a great Observation While Commuting.



I'll let you know.