ON THE PERIMETER

{words by carey}

As urban cyclists it seems we are always on the perimeter - on the perimeter of the lane, on the perimeter of thoroughfares (riding trails), on the perimeter of a car infested culture, and in some ways on the perimeter of life.

The dictionary definition for perimeter is a limit or boundary that defines the scope of a particular process or activity.

Somebody recently tipped us off that just 30ft to the right of the busy road we usualy ride is another that rarely has traffic. On Monday, I rode this alternate route with Brian and Tim; indeed, it was deserted and lacked the whiz of speeding cars on our left. The next day I noticed this road is named PERIMETER RD. I seemed to unconsciously attach this idea of a perimeter to all my doings for the rest of that day. I like being on the perimeter of things rather than on the inside of them - being on the outside seems to allow for observation, freedom, rebellion, exploration, creation, etc. As soon as you cross the line and enter into that focused "process or activity" time speeds up, space becomes tighter, and you just mash until the end. Ever since Tuesday we have been riding on the perimeter and seeing things we have been passing far too long.

Enjoy.

{CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE}

We have ridden by these large concrete structures all winter - they will soon be lifted by a large yellow machine that has been building a light rail.

{perimeters are everywhere}