Bike ride

Lille's public transportation system consists of subway, bus, and tram lines but also bicycles. I finally checked out the bike system this week. You don't have to return the bike to the same place you got it, just to any open bike lot spot anywhere around town. You can get an annual or weekly pass, but if you rent one for a single use, it's the same price as a subway or bus ride. However, if you return it within a half hour, it's free. There is an English language option on the rental kiosk, but it still took me four tries to get a bike checked out the first time I tried. 

I walk with Bailey every morning and again every evening, but I need something to do during the day to burn more calories. Bike riding seemed like something to try. I've ridden a bike since I was a kid, even won second place in a city-wide bike skills contest when I was in elementary school. But I hadn't been on one in years, and it took a little time before the confidence returned. I felt a renewed and even deeper connection with Bailey, because my first instinct was to head for the woods at the Citadel, I did not want to ride in town. I did want a smooth, paved surface however, so I took the most direct route to the Citadel and made my way to paths that run on either side of the Deule Canal. 

The canal paths are flat, hard, smooth surface, and are not heavily used in the middle of the day. One thing I realized on my first ride is that I needed to buy a helmet and we did so the next day before my second ride. I felt more confident and competent on the second ride, the helmet helped, I'm sure. 

The bikes are pretty nice. The seat height is easily adjustable, they have three speed gears, and basket on the front for carrying stuff. I'm not sure how often I'll be riding, but it's nice to have the option. There is a rental kiosk very near our place and there are many of them all over town. 

iLevia is the name of the company that operates the transportation system in Lille.

I haven't fallen, but this gives me a sense of security.

My second bike ride, 10.08 km. 

This is one stretch of the path along the canal.

That's enough of that, here's some more pictures of walking with Bailey.

And I think this sums it up pretty well: