Thursday, August 19, 2010

Lessons This Week:

A few of the lessons I learned today:

1. L.A. is a really hilly city.  It looks like nothing compared to the Bay Area, but those rolling hills are killer on a bike.
2. LA is not a bike friendly city.  There are absolutely no bike lanes, which may be why most people ride on the sidewalk.
3. All bikes are not created equal.  And having a semi-inflated tire is a lot more challenging than a properly inflated tire.
4. Say hi to people, even if they are staring at you like you look like an alien.  They will respond with a 
5. Making exaggerated faces that say, "Holy cow, you're getting way too close to me!!" or "AHHHH", don't work.  People will still drive crazily.  
6. I am so amazingly blessed to have a car at home.  Riding your bike to work or walking is tough work and just knowing that I have a car as a resource is such an amazing thing.
7. I finally understand/realize why some people from lower income situations haven't traveled very far from their cities.  Gas is expensive, cars are expensive, etc.  I knew this before, but the reality of it hit me like a brick today.
8. Walgreens/CVS/etc... mark up prices waaaay too much.
9. Riding into downtown LA can be scary.  Especially near freeway entrances.
10. Bikes are not heavy enough to trigger weight sensored stop lights :(
11. Not really a lesson, but just something I keep experiencing.  Every time I ride to work or to the store, I get so many stares.  It's like I'm not supposed to be there because of my skin color or my hair color or my clothing.  It's sort of making me understand how minorities feel on a daily basis, but not really because I still feel like I must be carrying along that white privilege.  Maybe it's all in my head, but I somehow feel that even though I don't "belong" here, people look at me in a more curious way, not a skeptical or suspicious way. 

*Note to self: unless you want to look like a super prep/Mormon on their mission year, don't wear navy blue shorts, white polo, boat shoes, and a backpack while riding a bike.*


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