Ducks @ Oregon - University of Oregon

Biking in Eugene

Korrin B.

May 21, 2009 - 4:00 PM

So, I have this bike. I bought it when I went to college because I assumed I would just bike everywhere all the time because that's what all of the cool kids do. However, like a lot of things, I haven't actually used my bike quite as much as I would like to. This could be partially due to the fact that there is this huge chunk of the year that is absolutely freezing and filled with fierce winter rains. I love Eugene! Anyway, the point is that whenever I do actually use my bike, take it out for a spin, it's amazing and Eugene is such a great place to do it.

Eugene is very bike friendly. I am amazed at all of the wonderful bike and pedestrian trails it has. Last Sunday, I rode my bike along the Fern Ridge Path. This bike path is about seven miles long, paved, and runs east to west. The path starts in downtown Eugene and stretches all the way out to some wetlands located in the outskirts of Eugene. It is a relaxing ride on a beautiful sunny day.

Sunday was just that. In just a t-shirt and some shorts I was still feeling the heat as I ventured out to the path. I was soon cruising along though. It was great seeing so many other people out walking and biking the path as well. Eugene really comes alive once the freezing rains finally decide to leave us alone for a while! I biked past people gardening and some just enjoying a moment on a park bench. Everything was beautiful. The path goes right alongside the Amazon Creek for a lot of it, so I kept looking over and seeing ducks splashing about in the water. I even saw a blue heron!

Eventually, I decided I needed a break, so I biked over to Monroe Park and laid down in the grass. I love people watching and it was a good day for people watching. Many people were playing Frisbee while others were tanning. A couple of music groups started up on different ends of the park, so I got to listen to drumming, banjo playing, and even a little trumpet. I have decided that I'm going to learn how to play a mean harmonica this summer, so who knows? Maybe I'll have to go join these park players some day! I laid there for quite sometime just basking in the day's glory.

Then, it was finally time to bike back home. I took a longer way and went in a few circles because I wasn't quite ready for my peaceful biking to end. I went through Westmoreland Community Park where lots of people were out playing Frisbee golf. It was fun to see. Then, as I came nearer to the street I live on, a raccoon waddled its way out in front of me! It was very random and all I could think way how I really did not want to get rabies today. It was kind of cute though with all of its fluffy fur, although also very hot I would imagine, since I was sweating in just shorts and a tee.

I finally got home and finished with a cold shower. I felt peaceful and relaxed and once again reminded myself (like I do every time I go on a bike ride) that I should do this more often because it just makes me feel so good.