Inexplicable as it seems, I always go months without any bike flats and then get three in short succession. Last night I got the second in a week, and when I got home I didn't feel like patching it.

Adversity's flipside is opportunity, and my flat spree offers the chance to walk halfway to work. If biking provides you a greater sense of your surroundings than driving, then walking is the ultimate tactile commuting experience.

Relieved from worrying about sharp detritus to evade and darting squirrels, I could fully enjoy the wonders of the Portland neighborhoods I traverse on my way to the Lloyd Center MAX stop.

It certainly didn't hurt that we're amidst unseasonably glorious weather, but my two mile walk to the MAX was breathtaking.

I gained greater appreciation for the evergreen shrubs like heather and Oregon Grape in people's yards, and I was reminded of the winter-flowering Witch Hazel that my sweetie is dying to plant. I noticed that someone's Red Flowering Currant was loaded with buds, poised to explode in late winter color.

With a brisk pace and amazing rush hour MAX service, my 4.5 mile commute (with two miles walking) took 50 minutes door-to-door. Although twice as long as my bike commute, I got more exercise plus the aforementioned sensory feast.

If you've never walked as part of your commute, I highly encourage you to give it a try. If you're too far out to walk the entire way, choose a bus or MAX stop a mile or two from home as your destination. You can even order a free pedometer and transit route plan from us.

Photos credits: Telegraph and WSU