Looks like bicycles are becoming more scarce than yeast during this pandemic. The only difference is that you can find yeast now. A lot of bicycles come from China or other places overseas. The most important part of the bicycle are the components and most ARE made in China. Ever hear of Shimano? They make brakes, levers, derailleurs, etc … Even carbon wheels come from China. You may have an American-made bike but if it brakes down, you may be waiting for a part a REAL long time …. just like air-bag backorders for vehicles.
I’m amazed at how the New York Times includes daily bicycle stories. It’s refreshing to read these stories. Hmmmm, isn’t this how the Tour De France got started? The Journalist Geo Lefevre created this race as a stunt to boost the circulation of his struggling daily sports newspaper, L’Auto. Henri Desgrange, the director-editor of L’Auto and a former champion cyclist himself, loved the idea of turning France into one giant velodrome. The color of the newspaper, btw, was yellow …. and that is why the winner of the daily stage wears a yellow jersey.
A good article the New York Times wrote on the scarcity of bicycles is, “Thinking of Buying a Bike? Get Ready for a Very Long Wait.” It’s true… New Yorkers are searching for the bikes under $1000 and they just don’t exist anywhere in the City and it will be months before the stock is replenished. According to the article, other states are experiencing the same. My guess is the bikes you see along side the road tossed by their owners will be quickly snatched. My friend, John Carlos, is a bicycle mechanic and at his shop, Eddie’s Bicycles on the Upper West Side, there are no more bicycles. His shop is great for mechanicals and is super busy. It’s a blessing because they thought they might be closing this year.
Why ARE New Yorkers riding bicycles? With this virus, people aren’t taking pubic transporation as much because there’s no work to go to or it’s shut down.
When I lived on the Upper West Side, I rode my bicycle to work whenever possible. I didn’t like public transportation even if it’s supposed to be quick and cheap. Walking is not my thing. Cycling just got me where I wanted quicker. The journey was what I loved – being outdoors.
I’ve always strived to be healthy in food choice and exercise. Cycling is known for fat burning. It’s a cardio exercise which means your heart and blood get an excellent workout. Why would I sit on the NY Subway, “waisting” time and becoming fat from a sedentary lifestyle? Social distancing is not possible in a rush-hour either. On the bicycle, I’m in a happy mood because taking the West Side Bike Path allows me to see nature – sunshine, birds, dogs, Hudson River, etc… I’ve even seen Regis, Bon Jovi, and other celebrities. I can avoid the stress of a traffic jam or train failure. It’s free and I control my time. You never know who you are going to meet or what you will see.
I’m looking forward to seeing how long these newbie cyclists stick with it. I live in Summit, NJ and it’s nice to see families riding together. I’ve know for a long time how cycling changes my mood. Even a friend commented to me how much happier I am after I’ve taken a spin.
Ride safe and may the wind be always at your back.
