No-helmet bike riding

Hello all and welcome to my maiden voyage into the blogging world. This is my sixth day in Chico and my adjustment seems to be going fine. It helps a great deal that the weather is just about perfect. Cool evenings and mornings and sunny, bright afternoons. Much of my time has been spent getting settled, including unpacking boxes, finding a bike shop to assemble my bikes, visiting Target for essential supplies, using a laundromat for the first time in decades (no washer and drier here), and beginning exploration of the neighborhoods immediately around our house.

My initial assessment is that 20 Nicole Lane is perfectly situated in Chico. We are just a short walk/bike ride to Bidwell Park, where I will clearly spend lots of time. A favorite coffee shop is emerging, aptly named Beatniks. We are just a block from an area called the channel which has lots of wildlife, birds, flowers, trees, etc. Much to explore there. Our back yard runs right up to an orchard, although a wire fence topped with barbed wire (hidden by our plants) keeps us separated. I want to get on the other side...one of my first neighborhood challenges. We are also only a few blocks from the high school and lots of essential stores (CVS, Safeway, UPS, Mexican restaurants, etc).

My most exciting discovery to date is how relaxing the biking is here, hence the title of this blog entry. I am so far exclusively riding Rachel's cruiser bike, picture attached. It is completely different than riding my LeMond. Heavy and extremely comfortable. I have little need for the speed that the LeMond gives me and the weight isn't really a problem because the terrain here is completely flat. We are truly in the valley. But best of all, I don't feel the need to wear a helmet! As Mark pointed out, the distance to the ground is still the same, but I am hoping that the pace at which I ride will save my head in the case of a crash. I love the sense of freedom that comes with just being able to get on my bike and meander through the park. I'll post more pictures as I get better at this technology thing.

My reward for posting this first blog entry is to go out on another bike ride. While I am enjoying my Chico adventure very much, I also miss my family and friends in Minnesota! So, please keep in touch and come and visit soon and often!