Read or Ride?

I often face a dilemma. And it is a pleasant dilemma to face. Should I ride my bike or take the subway to where I am going?

I actually don’t mind using the subway. I’ve lived all my life in Toronto and am well used to being in crowds. So a crowded subway doesn’t bother me. Ironically, riding the subway is actually a good way for me to get some alone time.  And what I most enjoy doing with this time is reading. Reading on the subway is something I really look forward to. If I forget my book on a subway trip (a very rare occurrence) I am very annoyed.

However, the downside to taking the subway is that there isn’t very much exercise involved; aside from walking to and from the subway, I’m just standing or sitting. So I often have quite a debate in my head before going to a location that I could as easily ride my bike to. I ask myself which I want to do more: read or exercise. Usually the bike riding wins out because I often think that I am not getting enough exercise. Also, I save the cost of two fares—$5.20 in Toronto nowadays. 

What does happen each trip is that is that if I’m riding, I wish I was on the subway reading, and if I’m on the subway, I wish I was riding my bike...