When Jeremy and I got engaged three years ago, my grandfather gave us some money as a present, and we bought bikes. It was a present that will last forever – not the bikes themselves (I already sold mine and upgraded), but a new hobby that we could share, that would keep us active and healthy together. It was also a fitting gift from my grandfather, who was always very active.

Of course I rode a bike when I was young (loved the paths in the Loantaka Reservation), but it seems different when you’re an adult and have so much to think about, so much to do. Maybe you never forget how to ride a bike, but you may forget how to let it have a place in your life.

Last year, I started commuting to work on my bike. I’ll admit that I’m still a wimp and let RIPTA do the driving  in rainy and cold weather, but even commuting about 30% of the time has made such a positive impact on my life. I get to see my neighborhood through the seasons, breathe some fresh air, get exercise, and never have to gas up! My commute is about 4.5 miles each way. Usually, I’m so excited to get on my bike that I’m at work at least a half hour early, and I’m awake enough  that I’m not aching for coffee. Did I mention that my travel time is much shorter than the bus and often faster than driving (especially at rush hour)?

May is National Bike Month, so I thought I’d write this little tribute to getting back on two wheels. If you’d like to try biking to work, Providence Bike to Work day is on Friday…