As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may not be doing your regular commute. I have mixed feelings about not doing mine: a varied route, I enjoyed it--especially the stretch in Randall's Island--but as a result of not doing it, I've had more time--at least when I'm not getting doored or shoveling snow!--to ride for fun.
I wonder whether Abraham Lincoln felt the same way about his commute.
For three summers (1862-64), he moved to a cottage in Petworth. Today it's a fashionable neighborhood in the northwestern part of Washington, DC. In Lincoln's time, however, it was still mainly rural. And, although contraptions we'd recognize as bicycles had been created, they weren't in wide use. So, Abe made the three-mile trip from Petworth to the White House on a horse.
Although he moved to the house for space and fresh air--and, one assumes, to escape from the pressures of leading the nation during its Civil War--he liked the commute because it brought him into contact with those affected by his decisions, according to Jenny Phillips of President Lincoln's Cottage. On his route he would have seen, among other things, the Captiol building, which was under construction. He also passed First National Cemetery, which predated Arlington and where 40 bodies were buried every day.
In the summer of 2018, the Cottage and DC Cycling Concierge hosted a bike tour that re-traced the 16th President's route. Unlike them, Lincoln rode alone--until someone shot at him. (The bullet went through his top hat.) After that, he agreed to ride with a cavalry.
He requested that Mary, his wife, not be told. I suspect, though, that none of the DC Cycling Concierge or the Cottage had to hide the details of their ride from anyone. I'm sure they're wishing him a happy birthday today!
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