Couple things about biking here. Its hilarious how many amazing old bikes like this are everywhere.
These vintage double top tube wonders are the kind of thing that is prized by commuters looking for a smooth, indestructible single speed set up for city riding. Notice also the AMAZING spring seat! You could take this thing up and down the steps of the Pyramids at Palenque all day and feel nothing. There are so many of these, it almost makes me want to find one to cruise around on.
Oh wait, maybe not. You see, in Puebla (and most of Mexico I'm told) bikes are given less leeway on the road than pedestrians...and pedestrians are frequently seen stuck in the grill of a bus they were trying to board. 5 minutes ago, while walking to the coffee shop, I was practically run over my a moped that was making a right turn through 3 lanes of traffic in order to head directly up on the sidewalk. It was thrilling. Yet, in the words of our esteemed former governor Raging Rod Blago I just don't have the "testicular fortitude" for cycling out there.
I'm going to Chiapas, today at 7:00, maybe I can just keep going and wind up with these folks.
while I admire the soundness of your safety-based decision, I'm a little sad that we won't see pictures of you whizzing around on a little spring seat of your own...
ReplyDeleteI guess there is still time for all that.
I hear ya, biking's dangerous here in the Philippines too, no matter how many old men I see doing it! Just don't want to get smashed by a jeepney...so my bike is quietly gathering dust :-(
ReplyDeleteHope you're fantastic, Brendan! Miss you!