Five Other Things to Do

There are things that keep us from riding our bikes. Injury. Broken equipment. Ennui. Weather (although there's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing). Sometimes, these things keep us from riding our bikes for a long time. Unable to concentrate, we pace about like a dog that's missed his walk. Here are ten things you can do to occupy yourself, provided your injury doesn't involve a full body cast.

1. Read The Better Angels of our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined  by Steven Pinker. If, say, the reason you're not riding your bike is injury, you may be spending more time in the car than you were, which would mean that you're seeing a lot of humanity at its worst and barely avoiding accidents far more often than when riding a bike. Should this be the case, Mr. Pinker's book will remind you just how lucky you are to live where and when you live. If you did not get shot, stabbed, or tortured today, you are ahead.

2. Watch all three seasons of Louie on Netflix. It's a wonder that this show can be so funny and serious at the same time. If you don't like laugh tracks, this show is for you.

3. Call three friends you haven't spoken to in a month. They will likely be out doing something fun and active with their uninjured bodies, but hey, at least you tried. 

4. Cook a really good meal. Spend a few hours in the kitchen making something from scratch. Since you're not riding your bike, you'll be putting on weight anyway. Why not do it right?

5.  Clean your bikes. Sometimes parts fall off. Cleaning your bikes will help you to notice these things and prevent future injury. If you like your front teeth, you won't want to ride without all of your chainring bolts.

So take it easy. You deserve it, you crusher you.