Today was the first day that I actually got to ride my bike (Fireball) to class. Fireball is now officially a commuter-mtb bike who goes to law school every day. She has been outfitted with a super sweet rack in back and a heavy duty lock for her frame and both wheels. I also bought the sweetest bag EVER. It hooks onto the rack and then unhooks so that I can take it in to class. It's a cross between a laptop bag and a messenger bag. Heavy duty shoulder strap. Velcro flap on the outside so you can roll it up to hook on the bike and roll it down so that you cover the hooks and carry it. It's pretty roomy too. I can fit my laptop and a couple of books in there and use a backpack for my personal stuff. I was so excited to get to ride today. It was gorgeous out and I had quite a load to carry so I was relieved that Fireball was going to help me out with that. However, I was hard pressed to pedal all that weight. Back to the ride.. I live in JP and as I mentioned in a prior post, our house is a block away from the Arboretum. We're also really close to the Orange Line (subway). The MBTA built a greenway for cyclists and pedestrians a while ago to flow along the line and pass all the Tstops along the way. It's awesome. I can ride along it all the way into the Boston area and then ride the rest of the way in traffic. Today, I headed out at 8am in the height of rush hour. The greenway was great - there were very folks riding and walking so I was pedaling fast. It felt so good. Then once I got to Northeastern Univ on Columbus, I had to ride with traffic which can be pretty hairy with all the cabs, cars, buses, cyclists and pedestrians. It was so exciting. I just zipped right along and kept my eyes open for any parked cars that might open a door into me or who are doubleparked and I have to fight my way into the main lane. Turning left in busy intersections is also pretty hairy but luckily there was so much traffic that it was slow. I sure have missed riding. I can't wait to ride again tomorrow. I'll post some photos so you can see my ride in.
