Well the threat of rain so far has only been a threat, but the panniers are loaded with gear. I'm ready! Yesterday I counted 15 bikers on my way to work! That was a record. I still don't see many riders once I cross Overland though. On Monday I'll be attending a meeting to learn about the Ada County Highway District bike count that I'll be participating in on Tuesday and Wednesday. I'll be located at Vista/Overland on one afternoon and Emerald/Latah/Americana on another afternoon for 2 hours. I'll be counting the commuters which should be interesting in those areas.
One thing that I pass every day on my ride is the Corpus Christi House which is a daytime homeless shelter. I see the same people there every day, some on bikes, some with cars, some just walking and I wonder about their lives. A bike seems indispensable for someone without the means to buy gas. You can put a trailer on it, load it down and ride it anywhere. You can cross a nation, a continent, a simple street by your own volition. I wish I had my camera today as I saw a lady on an old mountain bike pulling an awesome home-built trailer. It had BMX wheels and what looked like varnished 1 x 2's. It was almost like a giant Radio Flyer wagon and looked like you could haul most anything. I'm proud of the ingenuity of us humans!
I wanted to drive today so badly. I could imagine the comfort of the seat, the thrill of power behind the gas pedal, the good thumping stereo and the roof over my head. Then I thought of my workmate, Ben, who is currently without anything but his bike and my pledge to ride as much as I can. I put on my helmet cover, grabbed my panniers and headed out. To make the morning better I swung into Alia's Coffee House (which doesn't have a website, but does have a Facebook) for a cup o'joe and a bagel. Always delicious and Sheri knows my coffee AND my name. Stop in if you get a chance.
Boise's Pretty Dress Ride inaugural ride will be on Sunday at 10, meeting at Big City Coffee.
That's in the Linen District. It should be a bit of fun, though I might be over my head with this big idea! We'll see.
Until we ride again, Ciao!
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