I suddenly realised I haven't written about riding for a while. Riding my bicycles to work and most places has become such a daily routine for me that it is something I take for granted.
As an update, I have since given one of my mountain bikes away, sold the Dahon Curve to a friend, and bought this Raleigh MV-7 Mini-velo (mini-bike). It doesn't fold but it has 20-inch wheels and an entry-level 7-speed Shimano drivetrain. Not an expensive bicycle but very fun and functional to ride.
I added some bits I had left over, like a brown Brooks B-17 Special saddle and Dia-Compe brake levers, and also bought a cheap inverted handlebar, smaller Tekto brakes, and 1-inch-wide Maxxis Overdrive Elite tires. Not a very expensive makeover as well.
My daily ride is still my Dahon Mu P24 folding bicycle, my workhorse. But it is nice to have a little variety in life.
While looking at mini-velos, I also happened to stumble upon my own site while browsing one of my favourite bicycle sites, Cycle Chic™ from Copenhagen. My site was on the list of Cycle Chic™ Suggests. I am most honoured.
Cycle Chic™ is still one of the leading sites that promote Style Over Speed, a philosophy of riding that I most agree with. I visit the site just to see beautifully dressed people riding their bicycles, instead of the usual sports-and-lycra photos.
You can go on and on about the hot and rainy weather, the road conditions and the inconvenience of riding in Singapore but you won't convince me. I've been doing this for almost four years now and enjoying every minute of it. Every time the COE goes up, or the ERP charges increase, I just laugh it off. Every time the public transport system strains harder under the increased population load, I give thanks for my two wheels getting me where I need to go with minimal fuss.
Yes, I get some exercise too. But that's not my main reason to keep riding. I do it because it still is a lot of fun. Nothing beats the feeling of the cool night air, right after it has rained, wrapping itself around your face as you drive your bicycle at a leisurely pace.
I will leave you with this article from Grist.com, entitled "How bicycling will save the economy (if we let it)". While it is based on the US economy, the lessons there also apply for Singapore.