May is the name of my bike. I named her May because I got her in May of 2006, and did my first long ride in Maystown, IL.  I decided to get May for several reasons, but one of the main reasons was to have a decent bike to ride to work. I figured riding to work

a) was good for the environment

b) saved me gas money and

c) was good for my health.

So far, knock on wood, it continues to be good for my health. I haven’t had any wrecks. I’ve only had one flat tire, and I’ve only had 1 or 2 car drivers (that I am aware of) yell at me for doing something they felt was wrong.

Fall, spring, and summer riding is great, but winter is more of a challenge. Last Christmas, my xmas wish list included a balakava (a hat which I could easily be misidentified for a bank robber), gloves, and shoe covers.  Biking gear isn’t cheap, and my parents weren’t very excited about supporting my new winter sport. However, my xmas gifts allowed me to ride through all but a couple weeks of the winter.

I will admit, at the end of a long winter day, when it is dark, cold, and windy out… the last thing I want to do at that moment is ride May home from work. A warm car with a radio sounds much  more inviting.  However, after layering up, and 1o minutes into my ride, I am reminded of why I rode in…I am warm, the air is cold, but refreshing on my face, my heart is pumping and it feels good to exercise.  This time of the year is particularly beautiful with Christmas lights decorating houses and lighting my way home. 

For Christmas this year, I won’t be asking for any gear. However, I am thinking of making the leap from a hybrid to a road bike.  If my parents thought the gear was expensive, just wait till they hear how much the road bike costs. I have been saving up though, just don’t tell May.