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Life on a bike

So, on tax day last month, I was given the unexpected and delightful gift of a fabulous new bike! (to be exact, a 2007 Fuji Absolute LX silver hybrid.)

I was slightly intimidated at first, because I had almost never ridden a bike in my adult life (I think a total of 5 rides, from the time I was 16 until now). But I've gotten the hang of it: riding in traffic, going up hills, wearing clipless pedals (after falling over in front of traffic at red lights only about 7 times), and all; and I absolutely love riding on a bike.

This bike has really changed the way I think about exercising, the concept of fun, driving, getting around, and freedom. It is awesome. And, at the end of the year, it will make me a bit richer: My boss, who is an avid rider, has an employee "health incentives plan" of forking over $0.10/mile to a biking employee at the end of each year. Well, 28 days later, I've earned $19.45! (and that includes one week that she was busted in the shop (we won't talk about why.))

I've decided that it's worth my while, time-wise, stress-wise, health-wise and air-wise (and just about breaking even cost-wise, comparing a long and somewhat expensive train ride with the outrageous cost of Bay Area fuel), to ride my bike to Caltrain and take the train into work. It's a short bike ride to and from the station from my house to work, but at the end of the day, I can get off a few stops early and go for a nice, long twilight ride before coming home (and burn like 500 calories(!) at the same time, which makes for a much more satisfying workout than sweating on the elliptical machine for 30 minutes at the gym).

So here are some pics of me and my new baby:


On one of my first rides, to Peet's.



Taking a break on one of many trails in the hills around my house.



Looking ahead on the bike path. I absolutely ADORE these trails!



If you ever needed a reason to start biking, this would be it.