Since I moved back to McLean three weeks ago I've been yearning for a commuter bike. The heart of town is one mile from my new place, and there is a trail that runs from here to to there, away from roadside traffic. How nice would it would be to just walk or ride into town?
I started looking around; I wanted to buy the right bike from the right shop. Fortunately, in the DC area, consumers have the luxury of being picky about not only what they purchase but where they spend their hard earned dollars.
Four shops into my hunt, I stopped at Bikes@Vienna, a locally owned and operated shop in the heart of Vienna on Church Street. At first glance I pretty much saw what I was looking for. I stepped out of the shop and thought it through before going back inside 10 minutes later, compelled to at least investigate further.
I asked the guy working at the counter a few questions and then took the bike for a spin. It was like nothing I'd ridden before. Sitting upright gave me a tremendous view of everything around me and I was enthralled immediately. The old school, retro looking Linus Mixte was comfortable, elegant, and simple. It was love at first ride. I bought the bike.
What's more, the buying experience was so pleasant, easy, and casual. The store vibe was really chill. Professional, yet relaxed. As it turned out, the guy working at the counter was the shop owner, Tim—always a thumbs up in my book. And while I was there I met the shop mechanic, Nikki, and her awesome dog, Ripley. It was an awesome small-town buying experience; Bikes@Vienna has definitely gained a repeat customer.
This afternoon I got on my new bike and cruised through the neighborhoods of McLean and Falls Church, road up and down hills, hit the W&OD trail, and then, on my way home, stumbled onto a great mediation spot just a mile from my house. I stopped for awhile to listen to the creek flowing and feel the sun on my face.
When I got home I grabbed my trekking poles—virtually abandoned since the Camino—and went for a three mile walk in the afternoon sun. It felt so nice to slow down and just walk with nowhere to be and no time to be there. My only intention was to enjoy each moment and listen to the rhythm of the tink, tink, tinking of my trekking poles against the pavement. It didn't take long before I realized how much I miss walking every day and how mindful trekking can re-inspire and reprioritize all that matters in life.
Today, I am grateful to all of my friends of Bill, and all the people in my life who have trekked with me and helped me get where I am today. At 10 years it ain't Paris, but it'll do.
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