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Cycling in the city

bike-fashionConfession: I’m completely lazy.  If I do something, it’s because I enjoy it, not because I feel I should or it’s good for me.  So when it comes to physical activity, I have to find something I like and enjoy, or else I won’t do it.

Considering how expensive public transit is getting in T.O., and considering I refuse to drive downtown, the most sensible decision that combines transport and fitness is cycling.  And I figure if it’s 2 hours round trip, that’s a pretty excellent fitness regime. In the month or so since I’ve gotten back into it, here are some random cycling notes:

  • It’s scary.  It’s soooooooooooo scary.  Toronto is not the most cycling friendly city in the world, and when you have to cross a 16-lane highway into the bargain, it just complicates things on a whole other level.
  • Scariest part of all?  The pedestrians.  And the other cyclers.  I hate to say it, but some of us are nuts.  On the other hand, drivers aren’t angels either – I live in fear of some jackass opening his door without looking for the cycler.  I’ve seen it happen, and it’s not pretty.
  • It’s bad enough making roadkill with your car.  It’s even worse, let me tell you, when you can see the squirrel is inches from death from your wheel tread.
  • That chick at the top, looking all beautiful on her $2000-bike?  Yeah, that’s not me.  Biking is messy, and sweaty, and requires a whole other level of organization.
  • Cycling is a fantastic way to see things around you.  Faster than the foot, slower than the car – a perfect combination.
  • In the past two weeks, I’ve gotten soaking wet, scratched my glasses, lost my padded gel seat, had someone lock his bike to my own, and crashed my bike bad enough to bang my knee and keep me off my feet for two days.  I’m fine – I consider them well-needed badges of honour and a heap of experience.

Best scenario of all?  When the cars are in a traffic jam, and you just cruuuuuise by on your two-wheeler.  Love it.

Do you cycle at all?  What’s your take on city cycling?

– Jean AAR

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