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I always bike and I'm so involved with dodging traffic and not running into things and people that I don't think about myself or how I look or anything. Its like the world isn't relevant. So yesterday, because I had a flat, I walked and I totally had this major freakin moment of self realization/actualization/recognition.
I also realized that the tan on my legs makes me look like I'm wearing a twelve year old's stay-ups.
The realization was the important and meaningful thing because I'm pretty sure it was the first time ever where I didn't feel like people were staring at me in a bad way. I was comfortable with myself and how I looked(Even in cutoff bluejeans and a T-shirt)And I think most importantly, I didn't feel like a guy in drag.
I just felt like a girl, dressing down.
Anyway, it likely doesn't mean anything, but I thought it was important.
Comments
I assume you have a cyclist's tan.
I never sun bathe and when it's warm enough I wear Shimano sandals (with SPD shoe plates) for cycling so I look very odd in the shower with brown arms up to my biceps and brown legs up to just above my knees with a funny pattern on my feet :) I guess you're the same. In any case, cycling gear is totally gender free; my wife and I are often dressed in virtually identical clothing, particularly when we're on our tandem.
I would think riding a bike is a good way to ease yourself into a feminine persona without too much pain - good luck to you.
We walk a lot but never when out cycling; we always carry at least two spare inner tubes, a pump and a couple of tyre levers. On a long trip we have even been known to carry a spare folding tyre. Still perhaps in this case your puncture had a beneficial effect for you.
Robi
I have a neighbour
who cycles a lot. Apparently it takes HIM at least an hour to decide which outfit to wear.
Me, walk and bus - T-shirt, jeans, sneakers, makeup, fifteen minutes tops. Is there a message there?
Susie
No there isn't a message :)
When I was gainfully employed the alarm went at 6 am, I got up at 6.10, dressed, had a very light breakfast (small dish of muesli) and was on my bike by 6.30 for my 13 mile, 45 minute (usually - record was 39 minutes but longer in snow, wind etc) commute. That was every working day, hail, rain, snow or shine. I had a wash and got changed in the toilet at work. Your neighbour is peculiar - as we all are, I guess LOL.
It was a lot quicker (and cheaper) than the bus by a factor of about 2 I should think as I'd need to change buses.
Robi
Your cycle ride...
...was it uphill both ways? :)
It's amazing what one can do if one tries. I had a contract once in Edgbaston, just over 6 miles from where I then lived in north Birmingham. Since it was across the city centre, I decided that I could cycle it easier than drive.
The route was along the Lichfield Road, through Aston, past the Fire Station, round what was then the Inner Ring Road, right past New Street Station and up Holloway Head. Did much the same sort of ride as you did, all weathers, changed when I got there. One of the express bus routes had a stop about 50 yards from my house, I could usually beat it into the city centre - shows you how bad the traffic was then.
Although I liked the location and the pay, the job was a nightmare. I had been there seven weeks before the analysts created a bug tracking database on an Excel spreadsheet - this was for a piece of financial software that was heavily used in the City of London. I could fill a whole book with WTFs from that contract, but I prefer my sanity. I quit after nine months despite desperate entreaties from all to make me stay.
Fun times.
Penny
Me neither
I drive everywhere!
Mr. Ram
I think
it's a breakthrough of some sort when you realize that you don't have to dress "up" to go out.
Many have said, it really is all about just being yourself. If you want to call that attitude, that's fine, but I rather think it's just being comfortable and not thinking too much!
And I hope you find a Presta tube soon!
Hugs
Carla Ann