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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

summer is an empty basket

For much of fall and winter thus far (and usually well into spring) I’ve carried, at least, a bag with wool gloves and hat and a rain/wind cape/slicker/jacket in my rear folding basket – attached to the right side of the rear rack. Why right side? I’m not sure. I had to pick that or left when I put it on (with zip ties, of course) about eight(?) years ago. Today, on the lunch/recycle ride I didn’t tote along any extra layers. Shorts and t-shirt were fine for this warm winter midday. It’s up to about 83 degrees. On the outgoing ride the basket was over filled with the recycling load and a library book to be returned. Once that was all dropped off, though, the basket was empty and I suddenly felt free. I folded it up and when spinning lightly along in the warm sunshine. Not that gloves and a hat and a cape weigh much of anything but there’s just one little extra notch of carefreedom when the basket’s empty and tucked away and nothing rattling.

4 comments:

Vertigo said...

ah, I know the feeling! When I go to the library, I bike there and usually return a whole bunch of books/DVDs that I put inside my bike bag. After I return those stuff, I do feel 'lighter', both the bike and myself. I thought it was more psychological since the weight difference is not that great. Anyway, empty baskets are great.

mindful mule said...

Thanks, Vertigo. Yeah, it’s amazing how much weight our minds can carry around.

amidnightrider said...

Hey Vertigo what are you doing here?

Basket on the right? What were you thinking?

mindful mule said...

I think I found Vertigo through your blog, Midnight. Or did she find me? Who can remember…

I wonder if the choice of side for a basket has any impact of political leanings? Oops, I used the C-word.