There are plenty of activities we can do with our free time. Gym, jogging, happy hours, hanging out, watching tv, streaking. Well out of the 12 years of my adult life, I finally found something I can do daily that’s therapeutic, exhilarating, holistic, adventurous, physically conditioning, and FREE!!! The #BikeHype.

The #BikeHype is simply a random adventure on a bicycle (GO GREEN!!!)

I’ve officially been on the #BikeHype movement since June, when I rented a bike in San Francisco and #BikeHype’d it with the homies through the City from Embarcadero to Twin Peaks (most elevated part of San Francsico) and back. It wasn’t until I rode down the highly elevated Twin Peaks that I fully appreciated the joy of biking. Granted, going up hill was a serious challenge (but very worth the physical exercise), the reward is going down. There’s something spiritual about going 35 mph down a steep ass hill on bicycle for what felt like a mile. As a bonafide adrenaline junky, it’s the moments like these that I feel the most alive. (Day after, I felt muscles I didn’t know I had)

There are other aspects of the #BikeHype that are just as liberating as going Evil Knievel down steep hills. You get in tuned with Mother Earth, and find the little things to appreciate while listening to the wind whisper sweet nuffings in your ear about the secrets to serenity and smelling the sexy aromas of nature (ok, this obviously doesn’t apply to routes on E. 14th, San Pablo, or around dog parks, but I’m sure you catch my drift)

Previously, I believed I seen all of Oakland (and other pockets of the Bay), via driving and walking. That belief quickly got debunked. On the #BikeHype I saw neighborhoods, stores, houses, parks, and landscapes I never knew existed.   When you’re driving, you cover more ground quickly but you’re confined to paved areas,  too focused on the road & vehicle safety, and moving too quick to gaze at the subtle things. When you walk,  you have the convenience of exploring paths cars can’t and you get to see and appreciate the subtle things, but are limited by the inability to cover a large amount of space in a timely fashion. #BikeHype provides that fine balance between both, where you get to cover more infrequently explored paths and see more at a speed convenient for you.

Another thing I love about the #BikeHype is, it is a communal, bonding type of experience. You get to take adventures with people that have similar interests and passions. There’s a mutual appreciation for the finer things in life that I consider the simple, everyday life that is our playground should we choose to exercise that option. Plus it’s your opportunity to be environmentally friendly and GO GREEN!!!

The #BikeHype has been the most satisfying and revitalizing experience to my bottomed-out, tumultuous 2011.

So get yo ass up so we can get on this #BikeHype.