Frost on the windshield again? This is a foreign term for cyclists and we don’t have to spend any time worrying about this. Or warming the car up for that matter. I saw a lot of frost this morning and it made me happy. I know you must be thinking I’m nuts, but frankly, I prefer the cold to the sweltering summer days. Just to reconfirm, I didn’t have air conditioning this summer in my house, or in a car (I don’t have one.) I know, how did I do it? Well, I was used to it, my body became accustomed to it and voila! I used all that money I saved from the electric bills and gasoline on libations and delicious treats all summer long.

Now I’m switching gears and drinking more delicious coffee and teas as well as freshly baked muffins, scones and pie. And to tell you the truth, the freedom of the bicycle is getting me outside more often and venturing further and to other areas I would either A) never have the time for or B) never find due to the hassle of traffic, parking, etc.  For instance, the Arboretum in Jamaica Plain is a beautiful place to wander around in the fall. I stopped by Bikes Not Bombs in JP for a more comfortable seat, some new handlebar grips and just to peruse through their wonderful assortment of used bicycle parts. I figured to make it a day by visiting the Arboretum and stopping by Center Street Cafe for a delicious breakfast of locally sourced food. I wouldn’t have even bothered making the effort if I was a car driver. It wouldn’t have even crossed my mind. When riding a bicycle, everything along the way is a part of the adventure. Just think of how much you are spending just to have the vehicle sit there with insurance, parking, maintenance… my roommate spends about 80 extra bucks a month on parking tickets for not having it parked on the right side of the street for cleaning day.  I park my 3 vehicles in my room free of charge.

This morning while out on bakery duty, I stopped at Petsi Pies and saw the most amazing crescent moon. It was so clear that I could see the rest of the moon in the shadows. I also enjoyed saying hi to about a dozen other cyclists and morning commuters. None of the car drivers said hello because all their windows were up and they had the crazy driving face.

I particularly enjoy saying hi to the crossing guard at 6th and Cambridge on my way back from Equal Exchange. She is the happiest person out there helping all those kids across the street and I feel like I know her so well even though we’ve never actually exchanged names. I’ve said about 100 good mornings to her since I’ve started the bakery runs in the spring and I look forward to the next time.

Oh and finally we’ve started our contract with the City of Cambridge to collect recycling around the squares, so remember throw your RECYCLING only in the blue bins. Whatever else you may be tempted to throw in there – don”t! Just take home with you and put it under your pillow or something. We don’t need to deal with your old shoes, half-eaten food, bags of leaves, etc. ;)

Happy riding and make sure to try the carrot cake muffins at Petsi Pies. They are DELICIOUS!!!