Let me say upfront, I’m one of those. I follow the rules of the road and try to be polite as both cyclist and driver. For years I've felt a bit apologetic to drivers when cycling on streets that were narrow or curvy - as if I was cramping their style, slowing them down. I … Continue reading An apologetic cyclist no more
biking
Kids and e-bikes
Sometimes it feels nearly a lifetime ago that part of my job required me to blog weekly, usually about workplace safety or public health. Although I often enjoyed it, I really don't miss it. Especially as I blogged on my own website simultaneously. A few times I knew I had to stay away from too … Continue reading Kids and e-bikes
Coming of age on two wheels
Cinque Terra, Italy, 1983. I'm going to deviate a bit from my normal pondering. As I do, I recognize how infrequently I write about a joyous memory without its accompanying tie to grief. And while processing grief and sorrow in my writing is part of what has been powerful for me, I too have other … Continue reading Coming of age on two wheels
Independence by bicycle: Now and Then
Did you ever watch the 1995 film Now and Then? A captivating movie with bold, adventurous female actors like Christina Ricci, Rosie O'Donnell, Demi Moore, and Rita Wilson. My daughters and I loved watching this flick. And although, like with most books and movies, I'm not sure how it ages to today but one scene … Continue reading Independence by bicycle: Now and Then
Gloveless and out of juice
I found two reasons to return to my office, once it was allowed earlier this summer. Those of us working as "non-essential" or "telework able" for large healthcare institutions aren't wanted onsite during these troubled times of infection and overcapacity. One reason I returned at two days per week –although I'm appreciative to have flexible … Continue reading Gloveless and out of juice
E-bike: my two year review
Hard to believe that nearly two years ago I was dead set against ever purchasing an e-bike. Me, the mostly frugal individual that I am, would never spend more money when I already had a fine bike to both get to work on and get out for exercise. In fact, back then other earlier than … Continue reading E-bike: my two year review
About that e-bike…
Have bike. Will cross rivers. It was exactly one year ago when I changed my mind about e-bikes. Prior to that, when those irritating super-charged-two-wheelers passed me climbing up Terwilliger Boulevard as I sweatily made my way to work, I'd let out a harrumph. (Is that really what we say - or just what we … Continue reading About that e-bike…
Ditching the cross bar
Winter solstice sends ripples of quietness, this year accompanying dripping fir boughs and foggy skies. Early evenings remain perfect for reading, remembering those from our past and meditating on the future. This year there is something else. My still-feeling-new e-bike whispers to me from the corner of my garage, no longer plugged in nightly. I … Continue reading Ditching the cross bar
Like a bridge over troubled water
As I stopped to catch a photo of the cemetery another biker offered to take a picture of me. What the heck? Riverview Cemetery, Portland. My alternative title for this blog was, “E-bike success story #2.” But then I thought, this is more than that. What it’s really about, is how much we all need … Continue reading Like a bridge over troubled water
We are about stories
I stayed up late the other night finishing Birgitta Hjalmarson's Fylgia, a story based in Sweden and published by the same press as my memoir, Bedazzled Ink. I mistakenly drank caffeinated coffee at 4:30 pm, and decided to make good use of any anticipated insomnia. I would have finished the novel, without caffeine. And I am … Continue reading We are about stories
Dede's Books and blog 