Things That Can be Carried on a Biike (#505) and a couple comments on how the miles can add up

On the bike...a box containing nearly a full sandwich loaf on its way to a local food pantry.

I live fairly close to most things that occur within the realm of my average daily life (but what is average). I've consciously and gradually changed my life over the past decade to make this happen. This is one of the reasons--likely the biggest reason--I have been able to go car-free. But still the miles/kilometers add up just within daily travel. And this is a good thing as it provides exercise and really interesting views from my handlebars. Here's an example of how I traveled today (distances are approximate).

.75 mi/1.2 km to work this morning.
1 mi/1.6 km to the food pantry
1 mi/1.6 km back to work
.75 mi/1.2 km home after work
1.25 mi/2 km to the community center
1.25 mi/2 km to home again
1.5 mi/2.4 km to meditation group meeting
1.5 mi/2.4 km to a favorite bar for a beer
2.25 mi/3.6 km home for the evening

In total today I rode a bike for more than 11 miles (11.25 mi/18.1 km) and it was just a matter of getting from place-to-place. How often, I wonder, do some wish they had the time to get to a gym and ride a stationary bike for 11 miles? And this is not to mention all the interesting things I saw while doing it. Yes, I realize that on this blog I am likely preaching to the choir, but I was thinking of this as I pedaled and coasted home tonight on a truly lovely summer evening. I'll get off my little soapbox now.

Urban Simplicity.