One of the primary joys of driving is experiencing the interaction of road and ride, whether it be following the curve of a mountain ridge, or man-made freeway ramp. The other joy is the vistas along the way. Bridges generally span interruptions between those engaging roads, and quite frequently they can be visual celebrations unto themselves. There’s something special about crossing a bridge, whether it be a picturesque covered bridge in New England, or the venerated Golden Gate out west, each is an experience that is unique and to be savored. One of my favorite bridges is the Colorado Street Bridge, more colloquially known as Suicide Bridge, in Pasadena California. Opened in 1913, the gently curving concrete ribbon spans the Arroyo Seco canyon and offers expansive views of the Rose Bowl and San Gabriel mountains to its north. Despite a decorative barricade installed to prevent people from jumping off of it, the bridge still earns its scandalous nickname, the most recent occurrence taking place in October of last year. Bridges bring us together, both physically, connecting otherwise separated geographies, and socially, as we all marvel at their engineering and appearance. Driving across them connects us not just with a destination, but the designers and builders that made it possible. With all that in mind, do you have a favorite bridge? Image: Burberry Italy via Twitter
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