'On your bike mate!'

Living in Beijing is a delightful experience and one of the daily fun ones is watching the commuters in the morning, riding their bicycles to work in assorted attire. Seeing ankle clips
with trouser (pants) legs folded back, doesn't exist, it seems that these employees manage to
keep their clothing clean. There is an art to doing that, known as the 'bandy knee' as the cyclist
opens their legs wide, knees out and seems to ride along at an awkward pace! Skinny legs and
ankles is another, together with high heels, no scuff marks appearing on the heel as there is no
foot rubbing against the floor of the car when one changes gear, but unlike other travellers in far
off lands, they do not feel the necessity of riding in sport shoes, they have mastered the art down to a fine pedal.

So, here are a few examples of those bicyclists that I meet on my route to the bus stop.
There are the chatters, these are male and female or two of the latter, riding leisurely side by
side, hugging the door handles of the cars parked off on the side. They are in no hurry to get to
work and keep up their pace to the determent of others.

The business types though, have a folding bike, that can fit into a small bag and be kept under
their desks. These make them look like odd dark birds as they are conservatively dressed and
appear almost perched on their seat as they ride.

Now the 'stompers' , they have a heavy tread on their pedalling, they seem to slam down their
feet as they furiously pedal, appearing in an odd slow motion, bringing to mind the phrase
less haste, more speed.

Runners, they speed along as if they are going for gold, whisking past you in a rush of wind as
they ride along at top speed. The Sunday drivers are the worst, they are so intent on not
having an accident, that they leave a wake of wobbly cyclists and pedestrians shaking their
fists after them.

The most amusing are the laid back ones, they seem to have the longest arms, as they lean
back as far as they can, as if they are lying on a sofa. The moms on the other hand, they are
a serious breed, they have proper seats attached to their bicycle frame, to prevent their
precious parcels from slipping off.

Shoppers, they carry their wares anywhere they can hang them, in the front, in the back, on
their back... a leaf of lettuce draped around their ear and a bunch of radishes being worn as a
hat! Workmen are an art unto themselves! Whatever, however, whenever... all seems to find
its way to their bike, an amazing feat of balance and even engineering as they successfully sway
their way along.

Lastly, there are the lovers, not quite on a 'bicycle made for two', but rather 'two made for a
bicycle', as they drape their arms around each other, glued as if as one. And the 'smoothie'
usually a male, sporting black leather and dark flashy glasses, his hair sleeked back in Elvis
Presley style!

A 'sight for sore eyes' as the saying goes, a way to brighten up the early morning day.