Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Packed Paniers Provide!

I take pride in grocery shopping by bike. As I grab items from the aisles, I envision whether the next can or box will fit in the limited space hanging over my rear wheel. And then there is the excitement of buying a little toooo much, and bargaining that I can find space for it atop my bike rack, secured with my ailing bungee cord.
After securing everything, I roll out among the evening commuters, sliding through the parking lot satisfied I do not need a car to feed my family's bellies.

6 comments:

anniebikes said...

It's like a big puzzle and when the pieces all fit it's satisfying...

Ben said...

thanks annie...i feel energized when i can sustain myself without a car! there is so much momentum among things that don't help us: driving, traffic, parking lots, lack of exercise, everyone closed up behind windows in cars....

Melanie Suzanne said...

Good on ya for shopping by bike!

I praise the bungee every time I overshop at the grocery. The only thing I have tried transporting by bike is cat litter. One of these days I'll throw caution to the wind and figure out a good way to secure it.

Unknown said...

It's when you buy that 12-pack of Biker's Thirst Nutbrown Ale that things get really dicey!

Ben said...

an excellent observation Dave! certainly such ale is good for after the ride, but i doubt you'd see a 12-pack lashed to my handlebars!

She Rides a Bike said...

I enjoy grocery shopping on my bike as well, though I challenge myself to just buy what I need for the next few days. It's not that I can't carry quite a bit in two panniers but bike commuting has prompted me to think more about my role in consumerism and being more conscious of how much I buy and why.