Thanks to Craigslist and some help with the tune-up, I am ready for summer cycling on my old/new three speed roadster. To me it's a beaut; and so trusty looking. Every time that I ride it I feel as if I could deliver medical supplies to hard-to-reach areas in WWII Italy. And then meet my lover for a picnic. It's just that sort of bike.
And it's cliché but true: the pure pleasure of cruising along, creating your own breeze on very hot summer days. Already it has taken me exploring new parts of town and running errands just for the fun of it. To encourage bike commuting and errand running, the city of Boston even helps you map your route based on various degrees of safety or directness.
Speaking of safety, I was initially a bit nervous about city riding and self-conscious about gear and what to wear to be comfortable riding and look cute upon arrival at my destination (without flashing a line of cab drivers en route!). Lucky for me, some friends have set up a resource especially for the lady cyclist or, more specifically, for Really Awesome Women Riding bikes (RAWR!).
Don't have a bike (or the room to keep such a bulky thing in a small city apartment)? Both Boston and New York have introduced oh-so-Euro city bike programs. While the New York program launched this summer seems to be getting a bit of negative press, Boston's Hubway has been so popular that it continues to expand with stations all over Boston & Cambridge.
I think that you're ready. Now go on and get out there to enjoy a few summer cycling adventures!
