After my fall from stilts during the Museum Proper I took a hiatus from biking due to having a fairly bummed out knee(s). The time off from having two working legs and biking everywhere, really made me yearn for and appreciate the times when I ride my bicycle everyday.

After a few weeks I climbed back astride my bicycle and began riding again. More energized and stoked to go than before.

My new(ish) commute is awesome (go go summer school!). It’s a straight shot up Telegraph Ave. Gradual incline in the morning and a nice quick jaunt in the afternoon.

I got toe cages. Which have become vital to my increased feeling of in-the-groove with my bike. I’m looking at these Power Grip toe grabby things. I tried out Rubin’s Bike Friday today and it had Power Grips on the pedals. Pretty neat. Simple, does the job. Low profile. I’ve been pretty happy with my standard toe cages though so I’m in no hurry to switch ‘em out.

I am finding that I identify more as a bicyclist now than I have before. It is very pleasing to me to be able to get around most of the time by my own power. No money exchanged (except for food and I need to do that anyway. And of course, there is BART). Good for my body (as long as I don’t overdo it). Freedom to take the route I feel like taking. Also: there is usually bike parking at Berkeley Bowl.

On identifying:

It might also be that I’m identifying more as a bicyclist because I was given a bicyclists cap (see above) and it makes me very happy. But it makes me happy because it fits under my helmet which means I can continuously wear it instead of pulling my hat on and off every time I get ready to ride. Also, now people recognize me as someone who rides a bike. The way people treat someone because of how they perceive them can create a social environment that causes a reflection which shapes how those individuals see themselves (whoa words and ideas). Maybe I just feel bad ass in a little funny biking cap.