Meet Mr. Bike

Despite working four part time jobs during the summer (FOUR!), I am still making only enough money per month to pay for rent, hydro, phone and internet, and groceries (not eating out, only groceries). That's it. I don't even have the money to buy gas or TTC tokens to get to and from work!

So what's a girl to do? With gas prices soaring and the threat of yet another TTC fare increase always looming, I don't have much other choice...


Meet my bike.


This one isn't my actual bike, because mine is a lot dirtier. It has been living in the garage collecting dust, grime and cobwebs all winter. But, it's the same kind :)

I bought this bike 2 years ago when I moved to this area, because I hadn't owned a bike since I was 12 and figured that moving to High Park meant it was damn near time to get one. I also didn't realize at the time that I have an immense fear of going down hills, and riding on the road. Let's not even talk about riding down a hill in traffic O_O

I have decided that me and Mr. Bike need to be better friends. I still have a car available to me for the times that I need to go far away (e.g. Mississauga or North York) to work, but I think that the bike might be my main mode of transportation from now till it gets cold again. I've mapped out my routes to and from work at WW, yoga studios, and the place where I volunteer, and it looks like I'll be riding around 50+ km per week. Hmm... This doesn't sound like a lot for someone who rides their bike a lot. I have ridden my bike a total of 5 times since I bought it two years ago.

I'm starting slowly. Today me and bike went out to the local hardware store to pick up some last-minute needs for New Orleans. It was 4.5km, so 9km round trip. Of course, it started to rain while I was doing it. And of course, the route on the way back involved a) heavy traffic, b) a large downhill, and c) ripped up/crappy road conditions because that main road leading directly to High Park does not have a bike lane (thank you, Rob Ford). Despite thinking that I might die, I managed in the end and got home safe and sound.

Extra bonus - bike riding is free, and awesome exercise. Double win!