Tapioca’s New Hobby

A lot of bad things have been said due to this pandemic. However, I would like to point out the good things that it brought us.
A perfect example would be Tapioca’s new hobby. We thought getting stuck at home will be a horrible thing because we won’t be able to exercise and do the things we used to do freely. When ECQ got implemented, it was a challenge to get supplies and goods especially for our family since we rely on public transportation. Tapioca had to endure the long walks and the burden of carrying heavy stuff from getting groceries, medicine and things we needed for the house. Thankfully, one of Pumpkin’s godfathers gave us his old bicycle. Tapioca made a few modifications. Fixed some parts here and there. Soon he was able to go places for our needs. What a relief!

. . . Tapioca all geared up

Tapioca loves his bicycle rides. There was a point when he would ask me everyday if we needed something so he could ride on his bike.
It started because of a necessity. Then it turned into his everyday exercise. He is so into it like a bad habit. Now he is constantly buying bike parts or tools so he can do something about his bike. He is also planning to invest in a really nice and expensive bicycle. I don’t know if I should be happy or not. I'm not gonna make a big deal out of it, okay? Let alone stress about it. Let me just focus on the positive side. Here I created a list of all the pros of this new hobby of his.
1. We can get supplies without him having to walk far away carrying heavy stuff (e.g. groceries, etc.)

2. Since he doesn't have to walk anymore, it will only take a few minutes to navigate from one point to another. I know it's not fast enough compared to actually using a motorized vehicle but still much faster compared to just on foot.

3. Free ride. No fares or gas to pay.

4. Less carbon footprint and good for the environment since it doesn't use gasoline. 

5. Exercise, which precisely we all needed.

 

the helmet . . .

. . . his cycling outfit, courtesy again of Pumpkin's godfather!

 

And here's the downside:

1. There may be no gas or fares to pay - but he still needs to spend on maintenance, such as tires, tools and lubricants. Not to mention the accessories. Helmets, bell or horn, lock and so much more!

2. As I've said it's not fast enough to go from one place to another like when using motorized vehicles.

3. Though he uses it mostly to carry goods from the grocery, it's capacity is limited. Tapioca had to make sure that he won't overload it otherwise it will damage the bike (e.g flat tires) or worse he might get into an accident.

4. It can get pretty tiring. Tapioca had gone as far as to Quiapo, Divisoria and even all the way up to Taytay Rizal. Over 40 kms in just a day. He said he enjoyed the rides, though. Probably because of less vehicles/motorists on the road and less pollution. But still his legs were screaming from too much peddling.

5. Not enough protection. From sunburn, rain or any elements out in the road (e.g. road hazards and such). Even though he wears sun protection, he still gets sunburnt. No matter if it's cloudy or overcast days. And of course, dangerous drivers. Even if you ride safely, you have to remember that you are sharing the road with other drivers, too.

 

I guess there's really no such thing as a perfect world. But we can all live in it and always look on the bright side. I should be focusing on that instead.