I live exactly one mile west of Pacific National Bank. I know this because on my property is a concrete marker, similar in style to the more famous (and obvious) “ pi “ marker on Milestone Road. Which is 3.14 miles from the Pacific National Bank. Have you ever noticed that marker?
Living one mile from town has a lot of plusses. I have found that I can ride my “commuter” bike in to the office in 10 minutes, including traffic and parking. I can often get around road blocks and house moves with just a smile and a wave. Avoiding cobblestones is easy and a good idea on the thinner tires of a road bike. It is simple to stop and chat, or take a look at something that might be missed while trapped in a vehicle with the windows up and the AC on. The addition of a pannier (a bag attached to the frame in which to safely put things) allows me to carry my important stuff back and forth and even do a few errands if necessary.
While I am usually headed to work for a specific time or event, the ride home is much different. I try to do a different route home every day – not necessarily the shortest distance between two points. I know how to avoid hills and busy intersections. Some days I wind up through the old historic district and check the progress of projects being done to clients homes. Cliff Road has been very busy with bike path construction and other large building projects. Westchester St to Crooked Lane can lead to a nice long ride.
Heading out of town, I can use my off-road bicycle and extensive “shortcut” knowledge to go the back way to my favorite south shore beach. When in exercise mode, the warm up on the bike bath and then the many, many dirt roads and trails through conservation are unbelievable. Even in the high-season, I can go for miles and miles without seeing another person. Starting and finishing one mile from town.
-Alison K. Forsgren