In Defense of a Good Walk
I was greeted by sprinkles of rain and wind when I opened the door to head to work the other morning. I do not as yet have a bike with fenders or any rain gear, so I like to take these opportunities to break out the umbrella and get in a good walk.
I love to walk. Walking with friends to our local bakery is, in my opinion, more enjoyable than biking because the bakery is up and over the mountain. I much prefer chatting while walking up rather than huffing and puffing as we crank it (the most I can get out while biking is “can’t…talk”). Walking with friends just because you need a visit is preferred as well – I haven’t really gotten down the biking and talking thing – traffic kind of gets in the way for me. Traffic also makes me ride a lot faster and with much focus when I walk I have the chance to stop – to admire the changing season, to notice the individual playing with their dog in the park – it reminds me why I love my neighborhood.
Walking also allows me to listen to music or the much loved podcast. Today while walking I listened to the most recent episode of This American Life, and laughed out loud (and then immediately looking around to make sure no one was around to hear me) at the scenario of a woman walking up behind her significant other, who must have thought that she was going to give him a hug, and inexplicably performing the Heimlich maneuver. No, he was not choking.
So although this blog is about our love for biking, I gotta say that I love walking too.
A good reminder of the benefits of walking. I admit that usually if the destination is a mile or more, I always take my bike, unless I’m with bike-less friends. Sometimes it’s better to go slower, though.
Love This American Life. The devil episode – wasn’t that Hell House insane? There must be one of those in Alabama
My idea of a full functioning society would have walkers and bikers everywhere – sidewalks full of people under bright-colored umbrellas in all of your photos above. Thanks for this great reminder of the joys of living slow and out in the real outside world. Lovely!
I agree! We have a little bar/restaurant and an ice cream stand a couple blocks away. We love to take a walk around the block and stop for ice cream or a beer. Why drive such a short distance when the walk itself is so worthwhile?!
No need to defend a good walk in my book, it’s just great to mix it up, walking and cycling. I’m with you on too much huffing and puffing on a bike to be able to chat comfortably.
Dottie-I have been to one of those Hell Houses…it was called Judgement house and was exactly how Ira described it. Ick.
Funny I read this today, my bike had a major malfunction and I had to walk it back from Downtown…was a lovely walk! Thank goodness…
I really TRIED to go for a walk! I DID manage to get off the bike so there’s a little progress being made.
You must live so close to me! I live across from Virginia Samford Theater & Episcopal Place. What bakery do you walk to?
Man, you girls make me miss that city!!!
@Dottie: I have actually been a part of one such Judgement/Hell house in my past. And I’m so ashamed. It was really painful to listen to that story.
@ Cyclin’ Missy: ICE CREAM STAND?! I’m so jealous!
@Kelly: I live across the street from Planned Parenthood and Rhodes Park. I walk/ride to Continental Bakery in English Village. Best.Bakery.Ever.
@Rebekka: you should come back for a visit! We’re really good hostesses!
oh, I love Continental Bakery! I find all the breads fascinating. I’ve never thought to walk there, but I probably should. I have friends that live right by you. very cool.