From Blacksburg to Boston

Tomorrow marks 3 weeks since I've moved from Blacksburg, VA to the Boston area. Before the move, I sat down & made a list of the pros/cons of each area. No sense in moving on if its not going to make you happy. A little snippet:

Blacksburg Positives:

Peaceful* minus shootings/guns

No traffic

Great Bike Riding

Youthful feel

Natural Scenery/beautiful with college town life

Cost of Living is inexpensive

4 hour drive to families

laid back

garden

ability to save money & travel due to cost of living

walk to downtown in safety/stumble home

friends here

simplicity of life/ easy routine Boston Positives: The Phillipi Cultural center food options public transportation progressive politics Major sports venue Wandering ability Entertainment options/music Abundance of townships Bike exploring Bike riding easier/flatter Better economy/more stable due to city More educational options More job options Closeness to major airport Diverse Culture/people Water/ocean beauty Cultural identity Christmas Tons o bike shops Novelty of new accents Ice Hockey Bike commuting

Blacksburg Negatives:

Rednecks/Jesus lovers/dumbasses

Conservative politics

Limited career opportunities

"island effect" of Blacksburg

Distance to major metro area

Limited ethnic food options

transient college population

repetitive entertainment

lack of diverse culture

Good Ol' Boy culture

Love of guns to the extreme Boston Negatives: Sensory overload - sounds, smells Cost of living traffic crime bike riding stop & go winter / short days faster pace lifestyle population density Distance from WV/Travel Distance from families Commuting to work

20 days into the transition & I've logged close to 300 miles on the pedal bike already. I figured the riding would be difficult at best do to some super aggressive drivers, but my preconceptions are totally unwarranted. So far everyone has been very polite, courteous, and even very helpful. It seems having thousands of people on bikes makes drivers used to seeing & dealing with cyclists. Of course we'll see what happens when spring comes and the warm weather lowers the car windows of hatred. Just like the first robin of spring, as a cyclist you anticipate the first "get off the road faggot" yell, as lowered windows compels drivers to share their opinions with all who will listen.

Until then I will continue to enjoy Global Warming & the upper 40 degree weather of the Northeast. See you on the bike path, it's WICKED AWESOME !