Ferndale Library Recommends: Jessica's Spring Inspiration

Jessica said she changed "themes" for her round of Patch Picks twice before settling on her springy-bicycle-reverent set of selections.

She couldn't have captured my own sentiments, these days, any better - as I am just itching to get back out on the bike (...preferably in some warmer weather; my pillowy-thick ski gloves make it hard to grip the breaks!).

Ride on, Jessica...

Jessica's "Spring Inspiration" 

By Jessica Keyser

~

Spring is my absolute favorite time of year. The days are getting longer, and we can finally start leaving our heavy winter coats at home and wear light jackets instead. In the Keyser household, this time of year also means we can often leave the car in the garage and take our bikes out instead.

Few things bring me more joy than riding through town with my two favorite guys, breathing in the fresh spring air, admiring the emerging crocuses and daffodils, and counting the robins we see as we roll along. Here are some things that inspire me to make the most of this beautiful season:

Let’s Go Ride a Bike
Online: (blog)
http://letsgorideabike.com/blog/

This blog is written by two professional women who are committed to commuting by bicycle. What sets this blog apart is that the two women make a very good case that one does not need to wear spandex and other special gear to commute by bicycle. They wear very cute, stylish clothes on their commutes.  They do not use a lot of bike jargon, and the photography is fantastic. I always feel inspired when I read this blog. I think to myself, if they can do it, so can I.

Simply Bike
Online: (blog):
http://simplybikeblog.com/

This blog is written by a working mother. She discusses, among other things, the unique joys and challenges of riding with a small child. I particularly like the “Bike 101” section of this site, which has links to articles on many useful topics, including “How to Decorate Your Bike for Spring.”

Fifty Places to Bike Before You Die: Biking Experts Share the World's Greatest Destinations
by Chris Santella

This is a great book to page through and fantasize about traveling the world by bicycle. The photos in the book are amazing, and have inspired me to create a “bucket list” of places to bike.

Miles from Nowhere: A Round the World Bicycle Adventure
FIC
Barbara Savage

This is a travel journal written by a woman who traveled around the world by bicycle with her husband in the early 1980s. This book is inspiring because the author was an absolute novice when they started their journey. She is totally honest about the struggles and doubts they encounter. The story does have a tragic ending, however; after bicycling all over the world and writing this book, Savage was struck and killed by a truck in her hometown in California.

Fairy House Handbook
by Liza Gardner Walsh
J 745.5 W-- Hazel Park Memorial Library

This is a wonderful guide to creating fairy houses using natural materials found in your own backyard. Is there anything more magical than that?

Ferndale Patch thanks Jessica Keyser at the Ferndale Public Library for contributing to Patch! Check back soon for more ideas from library staff. Are you looking for recommendations on something specific? Email jessica.schrader@patch.com, and we'll pass on your questions to the library.