Member-only story
The Perspiration Paradox
Riding a bike to work is the most efficient commute possible. But what if it’s also—er—moist?
In Rhode Island, seven miles is a long way. Not just because the state is small — it is, obviously — but because the landscape changes so radically. When I fasten my bike helmet, I’m standing in front of my house on a residential street.
A few blocks later, I’m pedaling through commercial sprawl…
…then I cut through a school campus and an athletic park…
…I hit the rail-trail, and I coast though the woods for a good mile or so…
…the trail ends, and I navigate a congested highway underpass…
…I weave though deadlock traffic on a narrow street in a dense neighborhood, where the cars are rusty and reckless and pedestrians hurl themselves in front of them…
…eventually I take a bridge over Interstate 95, and eight lanes of morning rush hour roar beneath me…
…I cut through the high rises and office towers of Downcity…
…I cross a stone bridge over the Providence River…
…I skirt the waterfront green space of India Point Park…
…a bike path takes me along the Seekonk River…
