I got to train in NY last weekend! I had gone there for three days to visit family. I was supposed to do 30 miles on consecutive days that weekend. Since its impractical to go out biking on two days, I set my mind on completing at least 30 miles. Looked into renting a bike but a fellow climate rider generously offered his bike (bought just a week ago). He also setup a get together with NY riders. It was great to great fellow participants. I also met a climate rider from last year. He took down my name and contributed to my fundraiser the next day. I am moved by his gesture since he is a student.
It was a 23mile ride from
eastside Manhattan to Nyack. We biked north on Riverside blvd until we hit 178street and crossed the Hudson river by riding on
George Washington bridge. The view from the bridge was breathtaking!
Getting off the bridge, we just have to go north on 9N. This route is so popular among cyclists. After about 17 miles, my friend had to return back but she encouraged me to continue. I thought, I can always take public transport back if I need to but I need to finish this ride. So, I continued.
I entered
Rockland county and biked through residential neighborhood. The houses were modest but they have a system that I haven't seen anywhere else. They keep yard ward outside in
paper (recycled)
bags! I was so happy to see this. Why can't this become the norm everywhere?
I don't know if the county imposts this as a law or the residents are taking the initiative to do this. I didn't see a single house with those black plastic bags.
I passed this information to city of Dallas. They told me that in Texas state law prohibits the specification of containers for handling waste. I feel the problem is in our mindset to term it as "waste". It is not. It can be easily composted in the backyard. The dried leaves can be used as mulch in the gardens and it can help preserve water to meet the demand. With so many benefits, why are we eager to send them away?
Where is that away?
Any ideas to make people switch to these recyclable/compostable bags or stop yard waste?
I found Nyack and a nice bike friendly cafe called
Runcible Spoon. Had lunch there and relaxed. Coincidently Nyack had a huge art festival that day. So, I went around and shopped for sometime. It became hot very fast. I was sweating uncontrollably, tried to find public transport or taxi which will take me back to NY. After 2 hours of effort, I gave up and started back on the ride to NY. I have much to blame Iphone for spent energy. There is
no Bicycle direction in Google maps on
Iphone. Buses in NY don't have bike stand.
I was nervous about starting the ride back since I had never attempted this much mileage in one day and I was alone. I reassured myself and attempted the ride one mile at a time. The ride back home had multiple big hills. At one point I remembered that I got a
energy vial from
BEEALIVE. It is an all natural energy drink made of honey and other herbs. I drank that up and got Popeye legs to attack the big hills.
I managed to reach NY city at around 8pm. Even the buses in NY city don't have bike stand. So, I had to ride another 7-8 miles to reach my friend's place. When I reached his place, the bike computer read this.
I felt so accomplished. I am following the climate ride guidelines closely. I should have done 30miles, 30miles on consecutive days but I did it in one day. It took me two days to recover. Iced my legs through the night. I was able to do another 15 miles yesterday.
This weekend I will be doing 40miles and 30 miles. Keep reading and writing comments to show your
support.
