JuanMapu

It seems that I am going to be writing about the bike experience for weeks. It looks that is going to be like my sneakers or house music. It is worth though. F. says that a bike is our sword and I agreed if you believe in seeing things with a sword. Of course a bike changes your view of the city. That is the cliche. It is about noticing stuff that is like new for you.

So yesterday, I rode my bike around Harlem. I had a meeting with Karl at Museo del Barrio, which is 104th Street and Fifth avenue. My house is in 159th and Edgecombe. Here comes the frightening thing: I saw three police precincts during my ride. There are seven of them in the Harlem-Washington Heights area. That is too much. People say those are good for security, but once one sees a block full of cops, patrols and barricades the only image is the casbah from the Battle of Algiers. A totally exclusive situation.

Basically, cops came to shut down the neighborhood with their presence, which also means business opportunities for real state investors. Those precincts and the sense of security increase the value of the properties. At the end, government and developers complete the work by branding. Right now, there is a new Harlem, a very cool one, it is called South Harlem, and it is full of new apartment condominiums. Ugly buildings. Nothing against better and safe streets, but it has to be for everyone, not just for these tasteless newcomers.

Something positive about the ride? yep, Saint Nicholas is a very safe avenue to ride. There are a lot cyclists and cars respect, they notice you.

*****
Today was a weird day. For a moment I thought about running straight to the mental hospital cause I was doing weird things. I talked to a cyclist and I realized I was ok.