I'm a Mean Lean Cycling Machine!

The first productive thing I did in Holland was buy a bicycle. They have special roads designated for cyclers so just about everyone here rides one. Since I didn't ship my car or have any plans to buy one right away, I decided to give the bike thing a try myself. The first time I was here, I did the bus and tram thing, and that sucked. The last time I was here, I hitched a ride from coworkers and that was a pain in the butt, too. This time I am taking the most economical and efficient way to work.

I bought a used bicycle for 100 euros. Pretty pricey, but new ones cost like 400-600 euros!! You'd think there'd be a market for cheaper bicycles here but I guess you have to get something half decent or the sea breeze will rust it up pretty quickly. Anyways, I rode my new bike around the neighborhood feeling like a kid. It's been a long time since I've ridden one. I was having fun. I also felt a bit retarded though, trying to get used to it. It's not just riding. You have to make sure you don't hit anyone or get run over by a car. A friend of mine used to give another friend and me a ride on his bike (one on the handle bar and one on the bar in front of the seat). As often as we did the three-person bike ride, I'm surprised he didn't get us killed. I suppose by the time I'm done with Holland, I'll be as skilled as him in riding a bicycle.