From the desk of the esummer
Having bought a loft at the end of a bike trail in downtown Edmonton, I promised myself I’d buy a bike and ride to work, at the U, daily. A few weeks ago when the weather turned sugary delightful myself and two friends headed down to the redest bike in town, the legend that is the store Red Bike. We were there for several hours and were treated to good conversation (with each other and staff), good advice, good prices, and exemplary service but perhaps best of all was the classical music pumping through the speakers. I found the bike shop for me.
Thank you Red Bike. It's not the best picture but it's something.
It’s busy but not unfriendly. The music provides background rather than being the centre of attention. There’s enough stock but not too much stock; you can see the forest, and the trees, and they’re both shinny and new (and some old but still shimmering). The staff is knowledgeable but not pushy. I bought everything I needed to ride to and from work daily. I uglied up the bike to make it more useful to me and as a deterrent for thieves. I bought a helmet large enough for my XXL head, had a bell installed, bought silicon blinking lights, and got little British clips to prevent my pants for getting in arguments with the gears.
I’ve been riding for two weeks now and it’s utterly lovely. Mornings can be cold but it feels good. This morning I had to walk and LRT it and though I enjoy both (walking and the LRT) they pail in contrast to the freedom that a bike offers. The way I see it, I have four more months of glorious riding.
So, in the spirit of the new found ethereal nature of this blog, I present to you, haiku.
The wind in my hair.
A track of mud up my back.
Totally worth it.
