Pearls of Wisdom from a Cycling Philosopher

 *

When I bought my bike, Harold at Earle Industries told me “now you have a car!”. I’d bought so many extras: headlight, 2 tail lights, reflectors, helmet, mirror, etc. I may have added weight to the bike, but I also have much greater peace of mind.  Drivers here just aren’t used to seeing bikes on the road, and so by helping them see me, I help myself.

*

The steepest uphill climb on my journey is the long driveway where I live. I’m pushing so hard at such an angle that I get to the top panting. That’s just the warm-up.

 *

It may be summer, but during my first weeks of teaching it felt like 2°C (35 °F) in the morning with highs of 11°C (52 °F). I prefer it cool, but like to be comfortable. So that meant equipping myself with the right gear – gloves, ear protector for under my helmet, etc. It was worth the investment. I hate wind in my ears. I also appreciate my new matching padded bike pants and long-sleeved high-collared sport shirt that protects me from cold and sunburns. And those saddle bags are perfect to carry my school books, wardrobe, and groceries – they’re sparing my neck and shoulders after decades of heavy backpacks.  Plus we’ve got a great gravel trail on the old railway bed. My old 10 speed road bike just wouldn’t cut it here. I’m so glad I got a hybrid with hydraulic brakes and a front shock to spare my carpal tunnel from a bumpy ride.

 *

There’s no way I can bike to school in my teaching clothes. I have to give myself a sponge bath when I get there. So before classes started, I brought enough clothing for 1.5 weeks to give it time to de-wrinkle hanging on the clothes tree in my office. It’s a good system.

*

I’ve got 24 gears on this bike. I use ALL of them! I just couldn’t stay in the same gear for the variety of terrain on my journey. And when the bike works, but I don’t, it’s OK to get off and walk.

*

One reason I bought my bike was to get in shape -legs, cardio, etc. I didn’t expect that the sorest part of my body after my first few rides would be my thumbs from changing gears so much on the hills of St. John’s. I’m improving my hand-strength and manual dexterity too. Bonus!  To add to that, my arms get quite the workout, both pushing the bike up 2 steep hills and keeping myself from flying over the handlebars on the one roller-coaster dip down 18th St.

*

There’s a reason St. John’s doesn’t have a cyclist-friendly reputation. First, there are so few bikes on the road that drivers aren’t used to them. Second, cyclists don’t always follow the rules of the road and lose the respect of drivers. On my first day, when I used my hand signals to indicate a turn, a driver slowed beside me, rolled his window down, and thanked me for signalling. I’m not sure why, but that brought tears to my eyes – maybe because I’d heard of drinks being thrown at cyclists. I appreciated the kindness. If you want to share the road, show respect.  It’ll be returned. I’m also grateful for the many cars that have stopped to let me to turn left in traffic.

*

St. John’s is hilly! You got that. I live in the Waterford valley at sea level, and campus is on the other side of a big hill. Although there’s plenty of walking and peddling uphill, there’s also coasting and braking downhill, no matter which direction I’m coming from. It only takes me 30-40 minutes to get to my destination, but it’s a workout both ways. I’m happy with this balance. I’d hate for it to be all uphill one way and all downhill the other. It’s fun to know though, that if I’m working hard on one stretch of my journey to work, I’ll be coasting there on my way home.

 *

I may be able to make it 3/4 up a long steep hill before walking the rest one day, but only 1/2 the next. That’s OK. My energy or physical stamina aren’t the same every day. Not surprisingly, I’ve noticed that hill is easier on Mondays, once I’ve given my body a break.

 *

Newfoundland is infamous for its winds.  It wasn’t unusual to have 70km/hr (44 miles/hr) gusts in the forecast my first weeks of school.  External circumstances out of our control can turn what was once easy into a challenge. Don’t quit; just do what you need to do move forward the best way you can.

 *

I had a choice. I knew it’d be raining and cold the next morning. It may have been July, but we were still getting frost warnings at night. I could have dreaded my bike ride or even backed out, but instead, I looked forward to it. I saw it as an adventure. What a feat! I geared up with my rain pants, Gortex, gloves, hiking boots and headed out. It was actually the happiest I’d been biking to work to that point. I may have looked soaked, but I was dry and just so proud of myself.  Sephira handled herself great too in the rain! Fun!

*

I’d made it my goal to bike to campus every day during my 5-week contract. I was committed. But there are times you’ve just got to be flexible.  With a storm watch, heavy rainfall warning, and risks of flash floods, heavy fog, and winds up to 100km/hr, I reluctantly yet gratefully accepted my housemate’s offer to drive me. Cycling that day wouldn’t have been nice to myself or drivers.

 *

I’m no stranger to Cashin Ave., a long wide hilly road on my trajectory. But on the first Friday of classes, I wandered just one block off my familiar path to discover Ropewalk Lane, a commercial street with several malls, a big grocery store, and most importantly, a delicious and affordable Filipino restaurant. I’d usually avoid such a street, but it’s great to know it’s there when I need it.

*

I made the mistake of biking at rush hour once. It frazzled my nerves and I’m sure drivers’ nerves too. So I’ve chosen to bike between 6-6:30am to avoid traffic. I then have lots of time at school to let my hair dry after I get rid of that helmet imprint,set up the classroom, and correct essays. It’s more relaxing that way. Plus, I’m an early bird by nature.  And luckily I finished classes before rush hour.

*

Many wouldn’t think that my goal to bike to work every day this summer was a big deal. So what!? … an hour of biking a day. But for me, it is! I used to bike all the time, but that was in Ottawa or the flat prairies. It’s hilly here! I also used to walk 1-2 hours a day to work or school for most of my life. I’d choose my housing location to ensure it. Since moving to my current home 2 years ago, however, I’ve been much more sedentary. It’s too far to walk to campus in the summer, and the rest of the year I work from home. So biking to work this summer was a big deal for me. My goals are mine. It doesn’t matter what others think.

*

I can be very goal oriented, forgetting to enjoy the journey. If I could, I’d bike without stopping until I got to where I’m going. I’m finding myself thankful though when the light turns red at the top of a hill. It forces me to stop and take a breather or a sip of water.  I can feel my heart pounding, and it’s a nice break. Be grateful for your stop signs.

*

Even if drivers mean well, they’re often oblivious. I’m so glad for my mirror. But still, there was this one time when I was just standing still beside a car – slightly behind the front seats –  at a red light. The driver decided to make room for cars in the next lane (very polite of her) so she squeezed me against the curb and didn’t hear me shout. Be aware of your environment. Make eye contact. Learn from your lessons. I sure have.

*

It’s thrilling to pick up speed going downhill, but you need to do 2 things.  First look ahead to make sure cars aren’t about to cut you off from upcoming side roads and intersections. But also look right in front of you. It’s amazing what you’ll find: potholes, nails, broken glass, toothbrushes, banana peels, and more large machinery bolts than you can imagine…

*

It was the bliss of my leisurely bike rides on an island resort in San Diego that inspired me to buy a bike. Biking to campus on city streets, however, feels like work – or at least a workout. It’s a whole different feeling when I take Sephira for a ride on the Trailway or up to Cape Amhearst to sit by the lighthouse and contemplate the open seas. I need more of that.  Our relationship isn’t only functional; it’s meant to be uplifting and fun!

*

I love my solo bikerides. But I’ve enjoyed sharing the adventure too. My friend Leslie and I have plans to explore different trails this summer. She’s got a rack for the back of her car, and I foresee a few seaside cycles this August. Yay!

 *

Biking is not only about sharing the road with cars, but sharing the trails with pedestrian. What a difference it makes to smile and say hello, or use my pretty sounding copper bell instead of shouting that I’m coming up behind someone.

*

I may invite Archangel Michael to ride with me and guard my bike when I’m shopping, but I also have 2 locks to keep it safe. One’s a U-lock for the frame and the other’s a cable lock for the wheels. It’s just best not tempt those who, for their own reasons, choose to take others’ belongings as their part-time job. That’s why I was relieved to find out I could lock Sephira in my office while on campus. More peace of mind.

*

You know me. I’m all about signs and symbolism. Everything has meaning. So I couldn’t help but laugh when the wind blew an empty chip bag from up high to right under my wheels when biking to school one day. I’m both a health food nut and a chipaholic, so the message was clear. Sephira’s helping me make up for my chip cravings.

*

After 4 weeks, my bike rides are much less exciting. I’m not collecting philosophical gems like I used to. Instead, I think of what I’ll eat when I get home. Biking to work has become routine. It’s just something I do – that’s gotta get done. The honeymoon stage is over …  How can I add variety or mindfulness back in my ride for my last few days of work? How can I avoid the rut of routine? I don’t want to take Sephira or this opportunity for granted. That’s my responsibility. My choice. We both deserve it.

 *

This is the last week of my teaching contract. I skipped a day because of severe weather, but made it up when I joined my class for a whale watching trip on the weekend (photos below). I’m thrilled with my results. No wasted time waiting for the bus. No nauseous bus rides. Freedom. Better health. More fresh air. It’s all good! Thank you Sephira for a great ride! I’m so glad I invested to bring you into my life. We’re worth it.