Bicycling
In my ongoing efforts to get more exercise and lose weight, I have taken up the manly sport of bicycling. Not that anyone would confuse me with Lance Armstrong yet, but I have found its a way to get very intimate with your neighborhood. You learn every crack in the sidewalk, every manhole and the names of the local groundhogs and chipmunks. I find it very enjoyable so far. The last two days I went on my longest bike trip so far, about 4 miles round trip (not bad for someone who has been quite a couch potato recently) following the Erie Canal from Edgewood Road to Interstate 390. It’s quite scenic, even if it is manmade. But I do have a few complaints, and if you know who is responsible for these things, please let me know.

First, whose idea was it to put all these hills in my path? I mean really, the worst place you can put a hill is in the path of a beginning biker. And don't give me “those are such small hills�, if you’re going to design a neighborhood to encourage bikers, get rid of the hills.

Secondly, railroad tracks? Come on, folks, crossing railroad tracks on a bicycle is not my idea of fun.

Finally, why is my bicycle seat so hard? I need to get a softer one. And some epsom salts.