Bicycling in Rio.

If there is one thing I strongly urge everyone to buy in Rio de Janeiro (if you live there), it's a bike. Do what I did and buy a used one, preferably looking a little junky-- chances are you're bike won't get stolen when it looks like it might fall apart. I splurged a bit and added a basket and rack for a surfboard-- but you don't have to. On second thought, get the basket. Not only will you look cute, but it's incredibly convenient.

The whole set-up cost me less than a month and a half of using the bus system in Rio, and I'm happy to say that it's actually FASTER to commute via bike than bus. I head straight through Rio Sul to Copacabana and Ipanema, for my yoga and futvolei classes. Yesterday I met up with a friend and we rode to Leblon for lunch. I go to the farmers markets on my bike. I go to the grocery store on my bike. I even put my skateboard on my bike rack to go skateboarding along the paths by the beach.

Really, it's such a pleasure to be able to be outside, get some exercise, and enjoy the bliss that only being on a bike can provide. Really, seriously. Go buy one.

My suggestions to those who live in Rio:

There's a used bike shop on Rua Assunicao in Botafogo. You can also check balcao.com, or ask the porteiro of your building, who will usually know a thing or two about these matters. I bought mine at the shop in Botafogo, and the owners were kind enough to replace the brake, and spruce it up to (nearly) perfect condition.