It's now been 7 weeks since I lost my car in a freak accident (a large branch from a tree fell on it and crushed it). This is the longest I've gone without a car since I've been licensed to drive almost 20 years ago.
I've always had an automobile of some sort. In my hometown of Salinas, Calif., it was necessary to have one because the city wasn't built for bicycles (and still isn't). Then I moved to Southern California and OF COURSE you better have a car given the bajillion people who live here and the traffic system.
But somehow, I've gotten by in these seven weeks without a car, and I don't even use the ridesharing services like Lyft and Uber. Part of me is reluctant to try those.
I got a bike, and it's been one of the best things to happen in these seven weeks.
There's something about biking that gets me fired up. I feel free whenever I go for a ride.
Long Beach, the city I currently live in, has dedicated bike lanes and reminders to yield to cyclists, which gives more incentive to riding.
Yesterday, I had time after an interview to ride along the coast, and I had wanted to head to Bolsa Chica State Beach just to prove to myself I could ride that far, so I hopped on the bike and went.
The round-trip ride was almost 25 miles, and it was excellent. The breeze wasn't too bad. The setting was calm.
And I got a picture of the sunset once I reached Bolsa Chica. I could see the Long Beach skyline in the distance.
I said to myself, "Wow, did I really bike from there to here? Almost 13 miles?"
I paused to think how much I've been missing from not riding more. Yeah, I could do the same taking the car down Pacific Coast Highway and then stopping and taking a picture, but it's not the same. Not even close.
When you ride, you have to fight the inclines and enjoy the acceleration down the hills/bridges. You have to yell when you're going as fast as the cars, it's an unwritten rule. You have to enjoy the breeze, even if it becomes a 30 mph headwind.
On the ride back I thought about where I wanted to go next. I could do the same trip again but in the afternoon. Or, maybe I ride from the south bay to the Santa Monica Pier, something I last did eight years ago. Or, maybe conquer the whole San Gabriel River.
Whatever the next trip is, I'm anxious to get on and start riding.