Biker Chick

I rode my bike to my internship for the first time today – a little over 3 miles. Then I rode to school – about 2.5 miles. Then I rode to a meeting with an adjunct professor – about 2 miles. Then I rode back to school – about 2 miles. Then I rode home – about 1.5 miles. Over 10 miles on the bike today. So I’ve spent a significant amount of time today with one pant leg rolled up and a helmet on. Hot.

There are a few really good things about the bike riding today:
1. I’m alive.
2. I did not give anyone the finger. (Really only because I would’ve fallen off my bike if I had tried, but that’s beside the point.)
3. I bought this snazzy bungee net thing that holds my backpack on the back of my bike, so my shoulders don’t hurt.
4. I saved $4.60 in metro fares.
5. I didn’t have to ride the metro.
6. I’ve done it. First time is over.
7. The helmet hanging off my backpack gives me street cred. Or makes me look like a geek. I’m not sure.
8. I discovered that riding without the funny bike shorts is actually more comfortable than riding with them. Interesting.
9. I don’t really stink that much. Quality deodorant, and maybe the whole backpack thing.
10. My new helmet doesn’t leave a dent in my forehead.
11. After a reception this evening, I rode home in a wrap dress. That’s just awesome.

There are also a few not-so-great things:
1. Rude people honked at me and yelled at me out their car window. (See good thing #2)
2. Putting the lock on and taking it off gets sort of old and irritating.
3. I had black grime on my hands every time I got off my bike. I think it’s from the lock.
4. I worried about my bike when it was locked up and was scared that it wouldn’t be there when I got back, or that some part of it wouldn’t be there.
5. I was hungry all day.
6. Butt sweat.
7. Getting my bike up the stairs to my apartment at the end of the day is a PAIN IN THE ASS. I have a bruise on my foot and a scrape on my leg. Boo.

So, the good outweighs the bad. Guess I’ll do it again. :)