I live in a rather rural area in Tokyo, so I used to have to take a bus to get to my nearest station. But bus service is limited, especially at night, so I didn't want to stay out too late. However, I've had to stay out late these days. My younger sister has been hospitalized, and I sometimes have to take care of my niece at her house to help out my brother-in-law. So, I decided to ride my bike instead of taking a bus. It's about a half-hour bike ride to the station. That's an hour round trip. I didn't have much stamina, and I didn't know the way to the station or where to park my bike. That's why I was avoiding biking to the station, but I gradually gained knowledge and confidence.

Most of the terrain from the station to my home makes for a gentle downhill ride. I carefully control my speed, but there aren't that many cars or pedestrians at night, so I enjoy going a bit faster. Kurt Vonnegut wrote that speed is like a drug in one of his essays, and I agree with him. I'm really careful and my speed is moderate, but when you bike, your speed is special. It's powered only by your own energy and the laws of physics, unlike a car running on gas. On my right is a quiet road. On my left is a hill with perfect black trees. I feel two kinds of fear — one reasonable, one primal. They stimulate my brain. I feel sharp and alert, and strangely joyful.

The last part of the route is a steep uphill climb. I couldn't manage it at first, but now I can. Now that I can ride longer, I want to explore more places.