If you’ve been following me on Twitter lately, you know full well that I am looking to buy a bike and learn how to ride it. Furthermore, I am hoping to meet this goal fulfill this lifelong dream by summer’s end (dramatics never hurt). If you know me personally, you know this is a tall order. But, hey. This blog is named i-cant-drive because I didn’t face my fear of driving until the ripe old age of 26 (ah, to be young again). And now, I’m a total road demon.

Bike riding presents different challenges than driving, of course. There’s more chance for physical injury. Holes in the road present more danger. And I loathe bikers (bicyclists?) on the city streets. There’s a lot of yelling, a lot of “drive or walk instead!” and “I’m so gonna hit you!” So, why the sudden urge to ride?

First, the obvious: I’m 28 and I can’t ride a bike. Come on already! (Believe me, I would buy a tricycle if I could.) Second, I live in the city now and, while there’s plenty within walking distance, a bike would be a nice mode of transportation for moving around the ‘hood. In addition, I live on Lake Shore friggin’ Drive, and I could easily go for a bike ride on the lakefront. Third, I know that meeting this goal will make me feel really good and change my life much in the way that finally driving changed my life.

So, there’s another challenge – I need to buy a bicycle. Dang, those suckers are expensive! And, of course, I want a really cute bike. But I don’t know that I want to shell out $$$$ for someting I may or may not use. If my sister is willing to part with her bike, I may buy it from her, or at least borrow it while I’m learning.

Next steps? I already talked to my cuz in North Carolina about renting bikes while we’re vacationing at the beach. She says she’ll laugh at me all day. That’s totally reasonable! But at least I’ll be on vacation and with family who will support me. It will be a fun time if we’re able to do it. In addition, I will do more research on bicycles and such, maybe check out Craigslist for a bike, etc.

P.S. Anyone know if someone at Johnny Sprocket’s is willing to teach a 28-year-old basketcase how to ride a bike? They’re right in the neighborhood, so I can at least walk home if the bike riding doesn’t work out.

P.P.S. and excuse the language, but, legally speaking, do I need to wear a fucking helmet? Not that I won’t, but it’s good to know. I’ll put elbow and knee pads on my list as well. Don’t want to damage my already rickety body.