Bike Culture

I left on my bike Monday for an appointment. The day was stunning and I left at the last minute wanting as much time in the warm sun that I could get. I would be able to make my appointment on time if I stayed on track.

My mind was filled with ideas for our fall trip. One of my business goals is to place my books Outside. Alaska has been good to me and Signore Greve but there is a big world out there. My hopes are to visit places with a true biking culture, Portland, Seattle, Denver.

Does Anchorage have bike culture? There are groups here trying to make it so. Teaching people that being a cyclist doesn't mean spandex. Teaching cyclist and drivers how to respect each other. The city is putting in true bike lanes here and there. It's a start.

My thoughts were interrupted with a small group gathered on the trail. A mother moose with twins was dining on the side of the trail. One baby on the left of the trail, one baby on the right. Great, so much for being on time for my appointment. As I stood there trying to judge the danger of pedaling past I became aware of something quite amazing.

With traffic on both ends of the trail suspended it didn't take long before quite a group of cyclist had grown. What started with three on my side quickly became 7. The other end had a crowd of about 14! Some were in spandex like me, some were with kids. Some were on cruiser bikes enjoying the sunny day. All had the enjoyment of bicycling in common.

As I was planning and plotting my journey to other bike cultures I had a tasted of the growing culture here in little ole Anchorage. I was quite proud of be a part of it.