3 Days, 3 Ways- McKenna Shaffer

Day 1 Way 1—Biking

Biking is not one of my favorite modes of transportation, but I thought I’d give it a shot anyway. I dusted off my bike, Brenda, and set out on my trip. As soon as I had started, I instantly regretted my decision to bike. The first thing I had done on my initial walk, was walk down the flight of stairs that lead to the bike trail below Kenilworth. Since breaking my face was not on my list of things to do for the day, I cheated and walked my bike down the stairs. I biked on the trail for about a city block and then headed up the ramp near the intersection of Oakland and North. Biking up the ramp by Sil’s Donuts was very difficult. My bike only has one speed and my brain was thinking about one thing—donuts. On the route to the Marsupial Bridge I noticed other things that I hadn’t on my initial walk—things like traffic lights, other traffic, and hills. The Commerce St hill was pretty enjoyable. I didn’t even have to peddle. Biking up the path that lead to the Marsupial Bridge was easier said than done. “Why didn’t I buy a mountain bike?” I thought to myself. Upon reaching the Marsupial Bridge I reflected on my trip. I couldn’t remember anything interesting I had seen and I didn’t enjoy my surroundings. I was also reminded why I never ride my bike.

Day 2, Way 2 – Running

The next day I thought running would be easier than biking and I could enjoy my surroundings more. I found that this was neither easy nor enjoyable. 1.4 miles is a long way for someone who doesn’t run regularly. While running to the Marsupial Bridge I was more aware of things like sun and shade. The sun made me feel hot and tired, and the shade made me feel a bit cooler, but still tired. I also noticed a lot of benches and wanted to take a break at sit on all of them. My main concern while running to the Marsupial Bridge, was getting there as fast so I could take a break. I wasn’t focused on much else going on around me.

Day 3, Way 3—Driving

On day three I had obtained my father’s car-- a Mustang Convertible. I thought that this would easily be the most enjoyable mode of transportation. Since I was unable to drive on the bike path I started driving North West on Kenilworth St. I had forgotten about one thing—one way streets. After circling the block and heading North on Prospect I was on my way down North Ave. I had the top down on the convertible and was enjoying the nice day and the music on the radio. While driving I was more aware of things like speed limit signs, turn lanes, and pedestrians than my previous trips. To get to the correct side of the Marsupial Bridge I had to take an alternate route down Commerce St and take a left on Pleasant St. and then another left on Water St. Although this mode of transportation was the fastest and easiest, I found that I enjoyed the original walk the most. I was able to make more observations of what was going on around me.