Writing in the Stream

I ride my bicycle every day, to and from work, even in the winter. My girlfriend told me about studded tires, from Finland, that I picked up at Northampton Bike Shop. Before I got them, at the beginning of winter, I skidded out on some ice at the school where I work and fell down. Thankfully, as I wasn’t going very fast, I suffered only from a slightly bruised ego. After getting the tires, I have been able to bike over icy patches and still maintain traction — they’re great! They definitely slow you down a bit because they are so grippy, but if you’re riding shorter distances in places with ice and snow, they are definitely worth the expense.

And now, here’s a link to what I hinted at in the title of this post:

http://bicyclesafe.com/

This website has some excellent riding tips, complete with diagrams, that might even save your life. I highly recommend reading it if you bike at all.

Also, the website recommends getting a headlamp on your helmet to avoid getting hit by a car. The best biking lights, including helmet headlamps, that I know of, can be found here:

https://www.lightandmotion.com/product-category/bike-lights/

(I’m not getting any commission for this. I just think they are really good. Super bright, and rechargeable.)

The United States of America I want to live in is welcoming of all people, regardless of their country of origin or religious background. The best way to experience the world, or to counter terrorism, is through generosity, making new friends, stretching our comfort levels, facing our fears, welcoming strangers — indeed, this may be the most effective way to protect our families, as well as our country and what it stands for.