This morning, I didn’t go to my normal job at Central. I instead went up to Joseph E. Coleman branch for a special training session on community-centered libraries.
This is the second round of this training- I missed the first one. It was in west Philly, at Blackwell Regional Library, which is really close to my neighborhood. JEC is… really really far. Google told me it would take about 45 minutes.
Google lied.
In order to get there, me and my squeaky-braked bike had to go straight downhill, over two highway exit ramps, through tons of wet, muddy ground. Then, I had to go uphill through two more highway exit ramps, I think for a second I was actually on a highway, a nearly-vertical bike trail, on a surprisingly warm morning where I am dressed for winter and theRE IS STILL ICE ON THE GROUND.
I had to get off and walk part of the way because the hills were too steep. I guess the Mount in Mount Airy (the neighborhood the library is in) wasn’t fucking around.
Finally, I make it to the library. It’s closed to the public in the morning, so all the doors are locked. Also, I’m late, so there’s no one outside to greet me. Eventually, I find the back door and the security guard brings me in.
Security Guard, seeing my helmet and mud-caked body: So, did you come on your bike?
Me: I did.
Security Guard: Why didn’t you bring it in?
Me: I didn’t know that was an option.
Coworker from Central: Hey Matt!
Me, panting: Sup
Coworker from Central: You didn’t bike here did you?
Me: I did.
Coworker from Central: Yikes. Glad you made it okay.
Me: Me, too.
Coworker from Central: You know, I gave up biking when I moved to this neighborhood.
Me, removing my sweat-soaked jacket and shirt: Is that so
Coworker from Central: Yeah, it’s dangerous. Long, winding roads with not a lot of stop signs. Drivers out here drive fast, it’s not safe for biking.
Me: that would have beEN NICE TO KNOW YESTERDAY