biking in fla

Pete here and posting on the family trip site.

I got a “new” bike!

A couple days ago I forked over $45 for a used beach cruiser bicycle to get back and forth to the library where I can study.

With only one car, and a limited budget, I set my limit at $50. I spent the last $5 on some handle grips. I am still trying to wedge them on the bike.

Yesterday was the maiden voyage. I rode the bike to the library one mile, two more to the beach and another two back to the condo.

If you’ve ever had a beach cruiser, you are glad the area is totally flat. With no gears, and only one speed, you pretty much are forced to go at a leisurely pace. Slow might be the best word to describe the pace.

It’s interesting to go slow.

Most of life the last 20+ years have been in the fast lane. Going 100 MPH it seems like.

Yesterday, I noticed so much.

I said hello to people at bus stops, many of whom looked pretty hurting.

I noticed the smell of cars, even though this sense of mine rarely seems to work.

I saw all these little shops for varieties of food and services.

I stopped at the top of a drawbridge and just looked at the water and those on their boats for a while. I just breathed in the moment.

I saw a little cigar shop and stopped and watched a guy roll a few. Pretty cool.

This simple one speed bike.

Takes me on a different pace, one I remember from a distant time.

In touch.

Aware.

I am downshifting even without gears.