There can’t be many places left in the world where bicycles out-number cars on a Sunday afternoon. Well at this time of year they certainly do in my neck of the woods. But it’s not just any old high nellies taking up the road-space, it’s serious folk attired in high-tech biking gear sporting strange helmets and odd backpacks sitting on saddles that make me wince just looking at them. While Norwegians are not to be congratulated in general for their sartorial elegance, when it comes to sport, winter or summer, they think nothing of shelling out for the appropriate gear, and the more ridiculously looking the better. Now that the sun is out – and boy is it OUT! hurrah – every man, woman and child in possession of a pair of lycra shorts with padded bottoms (those saddles really do look painful) is out pedalling.
I don’t own a bike – it wouldn’t work too well with the platform heels and three kids – and so have not been tempted by two-wheeled travel. But a glance at the roads, as we waited for the school bus this morning, made it seem like I might be in the minority. Oslo isn't just full of Sunday-cyclists but commuter cyclists too who, presumably, have shower faciltities at their offices. I get tired just looking at them.
3 comments:
i get tired just looking at your pictures of these very industrious and enthusiastic cyclists! x
Ah now Jo.
Us cyclists just like combining the best parts from a free gym membership with SUV ride height with wind-in-the-hair convertible, but without the guilt of their cost in €$ or the environment...
That said, they're too easy to give up once a car is bought....
Alan
You make it sound so....sensible. I must say that my husband's car is parked at home nearly every day now as he cycles into work. After riding up the hill home in the evenings he's nothing short of euphoric - which is very, very annoying when you're not getting the same endorphine rush.
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