Sunday, October 01, 2006

The Bicycle Holiday

We're hours away from the Jewish Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) here in Holy Land Central (HLC) and things are quieting down as millions ready for the holiest day of the year in the Jewish faith. One of fasting and praying for forgiveness to atone for sins committed against god and humanity over the past 12 months.

Many of us in HLC are secular non-fasting, non-praying and non-synagogue going types. Particularly the younger among us - teens and on down the age scale. So what do they do to mark the day?

Take to the streets on bicycles and rollerblades, of course.

It sounds ludicrous but because the customary manner of marking the day's sanctity includes a ban on motorized traffic throughout the country - 24 hours without cars, buses, motorcycles, taxis, trains, the airport is shut down, etc. (okay, there's the stray ambulance or police car summoned in an emergency) - kids literally get out their wheels and take to the streets, highways and roadways starting at sundown. Everywhere. Kind of eerie when you think of it.

Like sci-fi flick meets ET and Rambunctious Kids Gone Amok

It's a sight to see and the kids are in heaven because they rule the roads for a day

I wish for all to be inscribed in the good book (it's part of the ritual, wink wink). Easy fasting to those who fast, good cycling for those who cycle and a wonderful year ahead to us all!

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