Lately we’ve been taking lots of bike rides, because we want to explore this city beyond the scope of what we can easily walk. Lately we’ve been appreciating how much DC clears out in the evenings, and on lazy Sunday afternoons, when the tourists are back at their hotels and the commuters have fled across the Potomac. Lately we’ve been marveling at the how green this city is, how elegant, and how surprisingly small it is when we can fly down the mall on our bikes. 
Lately we’ve been taking lots of bike rides because the exercise is good, and you hate running (and we can be honest, I hate running with you), but I don’t want to give up time when you are home to run. Lately we have been getting lots of exercise, and we love it, because then we don’t feel bad getting pints of ice cream on the way back.
Lately we’ve been taking lots of bike rides, and you are always so much faster than me, but I blame it on how much nicer your bike is. We both know that’s a lie, and it is just that you will always be better at anything sporty, but you let me declare it anyways. I don’t really mind, because I like following behind you, watching you ride with no hands, and hearing you call back to me. I like when you circle back, and we try to hold hands why we ride, even though we both know that this is a terrible idea because I am miserably uncoordinated and we could both go down in a pile of rubble. But you smile and convince me to try, and I know we look so ridiculous, but I don’t care.
Thanks for slowing down when I get whiney on the hills, and for always carrying all the stuff.
Lately we’ve been passing on nice dinners out so that we can bike along together and grab a picnic to take down to the Lincoln memorial, or whatever beautiful destination we happen upon. Lately we’ve been eating lots of Sweet Greens and caprese salad and whatever fresh summer bounty we can get our hands on. We don’t need fancy restaurants right now because it’s summer. Biking with you and a fresh bite to eat and a summer evening.
That’s enough for me.
PS: Lest you think that this is about to become one of those trendy blogs where we bike everywhere looking impossibly chic and cool, don’t worry. I have no clue how people look cute when they bike because I sweat like a man and have to wipe my forehead on my sleeve every three minutes. And those cute helmets that are all retro and dome- like and colorful? So expensive, not to mention the impossibility of cute hair post bike ride. Nope, not this girl. You will have to go elsewhere for your hipster biker-blogger fix. But on the plus side, I do kind of think that this counts as us having a hobby!
The Art in Life 
I love the color of your shorts! They’re fabulous!
Thanks! I am almost ashamed of how much yellow clothing I have… it is kind of an addiction.
Is that a tattoo or dirt on James’ leg? Also you have me wishing Columbus was half as awesome as DC is. I may just have to come visit and go riding with you! 🙂
It’s bike grease… you think I would let him get a tattoo??? ; ) And you HAVE to come! Bring that man of yours! Or leave him and we can kick out James and have girl time.
I didn’t! That’s why I was confused! (not that I disapprove of or dislike tattoos, just didn’t seem very James-like). And I willl come! It will just have wait until after the wedding!
This is great. I also live in the DC area. I’m not comfortable riding around the city, but I love riding the many bike paths and trails around here. Have fun!
Believe me, I am too scared of the crazy drivers to do lots of road biking. We stick to the mall and touristy areas because those are pretty dead in the evenings!
Just have to say hello, (I recently found your blog) and tell you your bike trips look fabulous. Such pretty DC summer scenery. My husband has recently decided he’s taking up biking, so this post made me smile. I tag along & am also whiny on the hills. It’s fun to follow him, even when I could definitely catch up, and watch his antics. 🙂
I think that biking is one of those things that people just DECIDE to take up one day and that’s that. : )
Your shoes match 🙂
To James’ eternal shame, yes, yes they do. : )
I commute by bike, and yeah, how do people look all cool and hipster while they bike? I’m always hauling a backpack that’s like having another person on my back, and those hipster bikes are far too slow. I’d take my hybrid bike any day. 🙂
Seriously! This is yet one more mystery of the hipster life, up there with how they wear so many layers without dying of heat exhaustion in the summer.
Love this! We keep saying we’re going to get bikes but haven’t put the time in to find them
That was us for a full year! Then finally my older brother just built James a bike and announced that we had to come and pick it up, and then we had to start riding!
after reading the heading of topic i remember of my childhood beautiful memories of riding bikes
ok your last paragraph made me laugh because I always think the same thing! I have always thought it would be great to be one of those adorably green bike commuters to work but then realized I would be nasty everday and that just wouldnt do. I don’t know how they do it? Anyways, love that you guys are making the most of the summer in DC 🙂
Sounds awesome! Before I took a job on the other side of the river, I used to love biking into work from Alexandria. No better way to enjoy the city. Even better to have someone to ride along with you! Hope you get in many more before the weather gets colder.
I am so glad that you and James have a shared activity that you both enjoy especially something that can be done whether you are 25 or 55.
This is sweet. I like it.
So my husband and I used to do a lot of exploring on our bikes, such a great way to see new places and see them in a new way. One of my favorite rides we did in the DC area was the path from Alexandria to Mount Vernon, beautiful ride. Just wanted to throw that out there as I have so many fond memories of exploring DC on bike. We lived there just 6 months and are now in Colorado.
We are planning on trying out that route on Labor Day!