On the Trail Riding Bikes in California

Bicycle Tips from C. MacDonald whorides bikes in California.

--REMEMBER, MOST PEOPLE ARE TUNED OUT WHEN THEY NEAR THE BEACH
Some have things in their ears, listening to music or talking; some are chatting with their friends alongside them; some are mesmerized by the beautiful Pacific, the waves or what's in the water (I even saw a whale last week; dolphins are much more frequent); some think they own the spot they grace and everyone else should stay clear; some are inebriated and don't know what's going on; some are walking with a dog (one woman had 5 canines), if another dog comes along, there may be a peaceful get-together or one may viciously attack the other; some cyclists are racing along the trail at high speeds, others may be doing stunts, as if practicing for the US Open....

--DON'T TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED
One huge football player-type guy was walking innocently in front of me, then turned to the right heading for the sand. (Seems simple enough.) But right as I start to go around him to the left, he decides to spin left and we both got knocked to the ground. (I needed to whistle to let him know I was there.)

--WATCH OUT FOR GROUPS
If you see a bunch of people, they may act like a Slinky--they could break like bowling pins, heading in different directions; a kid might all of a sudden dart away from the pack and run right into you; some are carrying things and might walk faster to get rid of their load sooner, while others dawdle. At Christmas time, I came up upon a group of probably 30 dressed-up Santas on rollerskates. You really never know what's going to happen. That's both good and bad. Variety and the unexpected make life exciting but it can also ruin your day.

--ALWAYS KEEP A POSITIVE & PEACEFUL ATTITUDE
One thing I've learned in many decades as a bicycler, I try not to let anything get me down. It's great seeing several of the same regulars each day. I smile and say, "Good Morning" to nearly everyone. Remember the phrase: "A stranger is a friend you haven't met." If someone does something really dumb or outrageous, I don't let it bother me (at all or for long, depending on what it is). I keep focused on the trail and if it's uncongested, I look for the good and the beauty around me--newborn ducklings waddling with their mom, pelicans gracefully soaring through the sky, whale's spouting offshore, the fascinating tide, coming and going. You never know what odd things you might see. Sometimes movies and TV shows are being filmed; a couple of days before the recent Academy Awards Show, I came upon Sandra Bullock, walking in a black tight outfit in Sunset Beach. She was alone and I really wanted to wish her good luck in getting the "Best Actress Award." But I didn't. I decided I'd play it cool, give her her privacy and I just smiled. Thought maybe I'd see her again around there. Little did I know....

--DO IT EVEN IF YOU DON'T WANT TO
Some days, I really don't feel like going on a bike ride; maybe I'm 1/2 asleep; maybe I have a headache; maybe I'm lazy and just don't want too, period! But almost always I kick myself in the behind and get the heck out there. Hey, life's short. You gotta grab for the gusto; you gotta realize how darn lucky you are, even having the opportunity to go on a ride. And, you know what, I'm ALWAYS glad I climbed up on that bike and headed out.

--IT HELPS YOU "LIVE"
"Exercise is the best medicine." (I think Jack LaLanne said that and he's almost 96.) And bicycling is one of the best exercises you can do, not only for your body but your mind. I'm a writer and I think up all sorts of new ideas, while on my bike. Sometimes, I'm able to develop an entire story, song or poem on my trip. This "creativity while crusing" should carry over to any occupation from homemaker to psychiatrist. My dad used to say, "If you have a problem, ride around the block 10 times and you'll either be able to figure out how to solve it or at least you'll feel a lot better." He's right.

--DON'T HAVE A BIKE?
If you don't have one, check out bikeshops in your city. Employees often are very helpful in assisting you in finding just what you're looking for at the price you're able to pay. If you find things too expensive, try garage sales, swap meets (like Golden West College in HB every weekend), police auctions, thrift stores or a neighbor may have an extra to give or sell you cheap; sometimes it's just a matter of opening your mouth to your friends or co-workers.

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