New found Hobby

So I've had a road bike back home in Raleigh for the past two years and have always wanted to start biking on a regular basis. Having coached almost every weekend, getting on the bike was a hard thing to do.
This past fall, my suitemate, an avid road biker, was trying to convince me to bring my bike up to the city and ride. He would always say that there is nothing like going through the city on two wheels. I thought that this guy was crazy. I mean riding a bike through the streets of New York seemed like suicide. The amount of cars would scare one enough not to mount a bike and ride.
After constant badgering by Brian, my suitemate, I thought of bringing my bike to the city. He had convinced me that I had to ride up here. So after buying some warm riding clothes and a bike case. I shipped my bike up, got it tuned up and set out on the streets of New York.
What a rush! Brian was right. There is nothing like riding a bike through the city. Having the cars zip by you may scare some, and I thought it would scare me, but in fact, I was filled with adrenaline riding on Broadway. Don't get me wrong, I am petrified when I'm riding, but it is that fear which keeps my senses on alert. I can see sharper, react quicker, and even smell better when riding in the streets. While the streets are fun to ride on, I do try to stay off of them as much as I can, preferring to ride in Central and Riverside parks. Riding in Central Park is great. It's been a great work out as it is filled with rolling hills. If you think the park is flat, guess again.
Just today, I decided to ride along the Hudson river. What a view and a ride. As I rode along the side of the river, I could see the piers, new and old, that once drove the city's economy. Taking a look to my left I could see the skyline of buildings zipping by me. Then just as I am heading towards the south end of the island, Battery Park, I spot Lady Liberty with her arm straight up holding her torch welcoming all into this country. Chills ran through me as it was the first time to catch a glimpse of the statue other than from an airplane.
So if you ever want a hobby to take up, buy a road bike and become one with the road. You will not regret it. (And the picture is not of me!)

Long Winter Break

My fall semester to say the least was one that was filled many things as you all have read in the previous entries. I can honestly say that this past fall was one of the more fulfilling semesters in my educational life. I actually felt that the material I was learning was not seeping in for understanding but it was also information that I hope to be using on a regular basis at school.
Having a month off was almost too much time off, but it was great to have. I had plenty of time to rest and catch up on sleep, enjoying the slower pace of the south. I was able to see many friends and family which refueled my tank for the coming semester. The one thing I didn't enjoy was all the driving. Having accustomed myself to public transportation, getting in a car and driving, although exhilarating, was not much fun after the novelty went away. I think that it was more buying gas and putting up with traffic. It sounds a bit silly since I just finished a fall in a city with the worst traffic. I guess there is some order the madness in the city where it didn't feel that in the south.
Anyway, classes have begun and the grind of studying is back. Oh to have my month back!! Just kidding. This semester seems like that classes will be more practical in nature as to last semester which was more theoretical. Most of the classes are business in scope, learning the ins and outs about running a school.
Enjoy the Super Bowl and those Carolina games. I can't wait for this coming Wednesday when we face the Dookies!