Folding Bike = Freedom

Before I owned a folding bike, I'd say my physical freedom was constrained by motorized transportation. For example, if I bring my car to the shop for tune-up/service, I'd be stuck waiting in the lounge for hours. Sure, there's a shuttle to the mall, but there's a fixed schedule, which is  turn-off. I could take a taxi, yes, but that would cost me P200 roundtrip. Forget about walking, there's no sidewalk. And if there was, it'd be blocked by motorcycles and foodcarts. In other words, I feel trapped and helpless without my car.

But my folding bike set me free.

Last Monday I had my family van tuned-up in the Toyota Service Center in Pasong Tamo, Makati. I brought Brommie Skywalker with me. After meeting the Service Advisor, and instead of heading to the lounge with all the outdated and old magazines, I stepped out of the door, unfolded my Brompton, and biked to the mall.  

I pedaled 4 kms to Cash & Carry in Brgy. Palanan. The mall is folding bike friendly as the security guards let me in. At first they told me to leave the bike outside. But when they watched me fold and cover it, they smiled, admired the bike, and let me in.

I pushed my bike unto the escalator and had lunch at the foodcourt. Afterwards, since there was still time until my car would be done, I decided to watch a movie. The security guard at the cinema told me to leave the bike at the entrance, and I did. In exchange, he gave me a numbered stub. I proceeded inside the theater and enjoyed watching Sherlock Holmes II.

After the movie I biked back to Pasong Tamo.

The service advisor texte me that the car was not done, so I stopped at a Starbucks and had a frap. Again, the security guard was friendly and let Brommie in.

And then I biked to Toyota Pasong Tamo (I had travelled 8 kms). By then my car was ready. I paid the bill. Loaded my folding bike unto the car. Then drove off to the sunset... Err, I mean, back home. : )

A folding bike truly liberates. You don't have to give up your car. Keep it. But get yourself a folding bike. You don't know when it's going to be useful.

You'll thank me later.