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Friday, November 14, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Spook Street
Last week I was out of town so it was a pretty easy way to not ride after having the accident. There were a couple of days of soreness and I had some pretty nasty bruises, but I'm okay now. Though, I did do a little riding when I was in Seattle.
Anyway, I got back on the bike on Wednesday and it was very scary. I kept on seeing all these parked cars and feeling just a little terrified that they could come out at me at any moment.
So, then I was thinking about a "Spook Street," for cyclists. This street would have grooved pavement, a couple of open grate bridges, lots of cabs and drunk pedestrians wandering around and of course random car doors flying open.
I get feel shivers just thinking about it.
Anyway, I got back on the bike on Wednesday and it was very scary. I kept on seeing all these parked cars and feeling just a little terrified that they could come out at me at any moment.
So, then I was thinking about a "Spook Street," for cyclists. This street would have grooved pavement, a couple of open grate bridges, lots of cabs and drunk pedestrians wandering around and of course random car doors flying open.
I get feel shivers just thinking about it.
Monday, October 13, 2008
I had been on a big updating kick...but then I had a really craptastic biking week...you know, when you're just angry at everyone and everything. People don't say, "On your left." Or someone just goes at JUST the wrong speed and you keep having to pass them and pass them and pass them. That kind of stuff.
I spared the blog that stuff and now I'm having another crappy bike week, well, really day. I'm done riding for the week and that's probably a good thing. I'll be in California for work for the week. Maybe I'll give the stationary bike a spin, but I don't know about my luck.
In the past 24 hours:
I was biking on the Lakefront trail and was going north at Museum Campus. A little two year old darts into the path right in front of me. I manage to stop and swerve, but I end up taking a fall in the meantime so I don't clip the kid.
Then there are the various groups on the trail and my friend and I continually keep having dummies almost walk right into us. Now I remember why I don't take the Lakefront more.
Then this morning I go off to bike to work. I notice that my car looks a little funny so I look again and notice that somoene has cut off my bike rack. All of the little clips are there. I'm guessing that someone stole it for scrap metal. Fuckers.
And then on my bike ride home the worst of all happened, I had my first, real, fall off of my bike car collision. I'm okay and I think my bike will be fine, but wow, that was not fun.
I was going North on Welles and was going through the light where it turns into Lincoln. I was going pretty fast, but I was under control when a car pulls out of it's parking spot right into where I'm bike. My front tire hits the front part off there car and I think I totally flipped over. Somehow my brief aikido training paid off and I think I did a pretty good ukemi. My helmet made contact with the ground, but it wasn't a big crack. My elbow is a bit scraped and both my thighs are a little sore and I'mg getting some bruises, but I think that's all my damages.
The people in the car immediately stopped and helped me out. I stayed on the ground a bit and took assessment, but I didn't feel too bad. Someone else called 911 and a firetruck and ambulance came, and checked me out. I declined to go to the hospital since I felt okay and couldn't find much wrong other than the scrap on the elbow.
The police also came and we did a police report.
As for my bike. I didn't examine it too closely, I think the front wheel might be a little bent as it doesn't spin very well. The chain derailed, but everything seemed to be in one piece. The drivers were really nice and offered to pay for any repairs that needed to be made, and Zach's going to take it to the bike shop for me while I"m on my trip. The wife of the guy driving the car also gave me and my bike a ride home, which was really nice of her.
I'm fairly certain that I'll be more sore tomorrow, but at least I know why I wear a helmet...I'm definitely not going to give that up.
Be safe!
I spared the blog that stuff and now I'm having another crappy bike week, well, really day. I'm done riding for the week and that's probably a good thing. I'll be in California for work for the week. Maybe I'll give the stationary bike a spin, but I don't know about my luck.
In the past 24 hours:
I was biking on the Lakefront trail and was going north at Museum Campus. A little two year old darts into the path right in front of me. I manage to stop and swerve, but I end up taking a fall in the meantime so I don't clip the kid.
Then there are the various groups on the trail and my friend and I continually keep having dummies almost walk right into us. Now I remember why I don't take the Lakefront more.
Then this morning I go off to bike to work. I notice that my car looks a little funny so I look again and notice that somoene has cut off my bike rack. All of the little clips are there. I'm guessing that someone stole it for scrap metal. Fuckers.
And then on my bike ride home the worst of all happened, I had my first, real, fall off of my bike car collision. I'm okay and I think my bike will be fine, but wow, that was not fun.
I was going North on Welles and was going through the light where it turns into Lincoln. I was going pretty fast, but I was under control when a car pulls out of it's parking spot right into where I'm bike. My front tire hits the front part off there car and I think I totally flipped over. Somehow my brief aikido training paid off and I think I did a pretty good ukemi. My helmet made contact with the ground, but it wasn't a big crack. My elbow is a bit scraped and both my thighs are a little sore and I'mg getting some bruises, but I think that's all my damages.
The people in the car immediately stopped and helped me out. I stayed on the ground a bit and took assessment, but I didn't feel too bad. Someone else called 911 and a firetruck and ambulance came, and checked me out. I declined to go to the hospital since I felt okay and couldn't find much wrong other than the scrap on the elbow.
The police also came and we did a police report.
As for my bike. I didn't examine it too closely, I think the front wheel might be a little bent as it doesn't spin very well. The chain derailed, but everything seemed to be in one piece. The drivers were really nice and offered to pay for any repairs that needed to be made, and Zach's going to take it to the bike shop for me while I"m on my trip. The wife of the guy driving the car also gave me and my bike a ride home, which was really nice of her.
I'm fairly certain that I'll be more sore tomorrow, but at least I know why I wear a helmet...I'm definitely not going to give that up.
Be safe!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Fall is here!
Today I'm riding the train to work since I'm going to a party tonight. It makes me so sad not to be riding but sometimes sacrifices must be made.
Yesterday was one of my pay enjoyable rides in some time. I was actually a little bit chilly. It wasn't bad...just enough to encourage me to go a little faster to keep warm.
I can't wait to be on the bike again!
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Boulevard lakefront tour and fall approaching.
This past Sunday I rode farther than I ever had in one day and now I think I'm hooked on distance riding.
I met my friend Anne at 5:30 to ride down to Hyde park. We me a couple of her friends along the way and made it down just in time to pick up their packets and start the 62 mile course. We split up pretty early into the ride and I kept pace with one of Anne's friends who is a really good rider. At the first reststop I ran into Ellen, whom I had met on some previous rides and we rode at a comfortable pace for the rest of the course.
The course really felt like it went all over the city. We saw castles and mansions in Beverly and lots of waving people in other parts of the city. We even rode right by the jail and courthouse.
Later in the course we met up again with Anne and Rachel and finished the ride and got lunch. Food felt so good. I'm definitely going to bring more food next time. The rest stops were a little sparse on sustance towards the end of the ride.
I took the following day off of riding but now I'm itching for another long ride!
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I met my friend Anne at 5:30 to ride down to Hyde park. We me a couple of her friends along the way and made it down just in time to pick up their packets and start the 62 mile course. We split up pretty early into the ride and I kept pace with one of Anne's friends who is a really good rider. At the first reststop I ran into Ellen, whom I had met on some previous rides and we rode at a comfortable pace for the rest of the course.
The course really felt like it went all over the city. We saw castles and mansions in Beverly and lots of waving people in other parts of the city. We even rode right by the jail and courthouse.
Later in the course we met up again with Anne and Rachel and finished the ride and got lunch. Food felt so good. I'm definitely going to bring more food next time. The rest stops were a little sparse on sustance towards the end of the ride.
I took the following day off of riding but now I'm itching for another long ride!
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Saturday, September 06, 2008
Maintenence
Today, I spent some quality time with the bike. I feel that it's important to do this on a regular basis. There had been quite a few bike tasks that I had been putting off for some time. Tomorrow I'm doing a long ride, so I probably should have done it earlier so that I could get used to the changes but que sera sera.
Firstly, I did my regular chain cleaning and oiling. Since I bike in all conditions, I'm worried about my chain getting rusty. What I do is oil the chain, clean it off, and then oil it again. It doesn't take much oil at all. I also just use an old teeshirt cut into rags for my cleaning. It always makes me feel really good to see all the grime left on the rag.
I also wipe down the bike and get gunk off of other parts. I like my bike to look pretty.
Today I added an extra layer of bartape to my handlebars. This gives me something bigger to grip so that my hands don't get tired on long rides.
I also went ahead and swapped out the seat for the one on my old bike. The seat that came with the bike had some serious squeaking sounds. It feels good to ride quietly.
I also took off my lock mount. It really gets in the way and I think it will be easier to just thread it though my rack.
In addition I mounted some lights on the bike to use in addition to my helmet lights. I'm going to be a disco party wherever I go.
Speaking of discos, I also did some experimenting with installing a radio on my bike. I found a little battery powered radio and I'm thinking it will be good to get my NPR on during my commute. The little radio fits nicely in the frame of the bike, but I need to figure out some ways to make it a little more secure. I'm working on it, and it's going to be the most awesome thing when I finally get it figured out.
Firstly, I did my regular chain cleaning and oiling. Since I bike in all conditions, I'm worried about my chain getting rusty. What I do is oil the chain, clean it off, and then oil it again. It doesn't take much oil at all. I also just use an old teeshirt cut into rags for my cleaning. It always makes me feel really good to see all the grime left on the rag.
I also wipe down the bike and get gunk off of other parts. I like my bike to look pretty.
Today I added an extra layer of bartape to my handlebars. This gives me something bigger to grip so that my hands don't get tired on long rides.
I also went ahead and swapped out the seat for the one on my old bike. The seat that came with the bike had some serious squeaking sounds. It feels good to ride quietly.
I also took off my lock mount. It really gets in the way and I think it will be easier to just thread it though my rack.
In addition I mounted some lights on the bike to use in addition to my helmet lights. I'm going to be a disco party wherever I go.
Speaking of discos, I also did some experimenting with installing a radio on my bike. I found a little battery powered radio and I'm thinking it will be good to get my NPR on during my commute. The little radio fits nicely in the frame of the bike, but I need to figure out some ways to make it a little more secure. I'm working on it, and it's going to be the most awesome thing when I finally get it figured out.
Friday: To the dentist and beyond!
So, yesterday I had an appointment with an oral surgeon so that they could tell me that I needed to get my wisdom teeth out. It was a fast appointment, but I decided to go ahead and to bike there. Good times!
I gave myself an hour and a half to get to Oak Park, but it only took about an hour. It was a very nice ride. I went all the way west out to Harlem. Then I had to go back to downtown.
Check out my route:
Also of note. I did bike through some kind of sketchy neighborhoods, by myself, on the bike. I know a lot of women are pretty concerned when they bike through iffy areas (and these weren't all that bad considering everything). The key thing I feel is that you want to pick your times. I probably won't have felt as comfortable in the afternoon, but since it was early there were lots of commuters and kids heading to school. It was great to see so many people around. When it was midmorning and there were fewer people about, I definitely kept myself much more aware of my surroundings.
Between biking to the oral surgeon, and then to work and then back home, it was just under 30 miles for the day. I wish I could I have more days like that!
I gave myself an hour and a half to get to Oak Park, but it only took about an hour. It was a very nice ride. I went all the way west out to Harlem. Then I had to go back to downtown.
Check out my route:
Also of note. I did bike through some kind of sketchy neighborhoods, by myself, on the bike. I know a lot of women are pretty concerned when they bike through iffy areas (and these weren't all that bad considering everything). The key thing I feel is that you want to pick your times. I probably won't have felt as comfortable in the afternoon, but since it was early there were lots of commuters and kids heading to school. It was great to see so many people around. When it was midmorning and there were fewer people about, I definitely kept myself much more aware of my surroundings.
Between biking to the oral surgeon, and then to work and then back home, it was just under 30 miles for the day. I wish I could I have more days like that!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Thursday Rides
I've somehow managed to misplace my cyclocomputer. It's making me really sad. So ironic that I removed it from the bike so it wouldn't get stolen and then I go and lose it on my own.
Today was overcast and rainy. I don't know why people are so adverse to riding in the rain. It's really not that bad. The wind is almost always much worse than the rain. When I got home, I was soaked, but that's not such a big deal.
The biggest challenge is that people don't seem as aware of cyclists when the weather is bad. That was certainly frustrating today. Even my bright yellow jacket didn't seem to help people see me.
HOpefully the cyclocomputer will show up...for now I'll have to be patient.
Today was overcast and rainy. I don't know why people are so adverse to riding in the rain. It's really not that bad. The wind is almost always much worse than the rain. When I got home, I was soaked, but that's not such a big deal.
The biggest challenge is that people don't seem as aware of cyclists when the weather is bad. That was certainly frustrating today. Even my bright yellow jacket didn't seem to help people see me.
HOpefully the cyclocomputer will show up...for now I'll have to be patient.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Windy ride
I managed to beat the rain home but it was certainly getting windy this evening. Also there was a cubs game today. I wish they didn't have to be so obnoxious. I think I may be developing a phobia of people in blue and red shirts.
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Wednesday Morning
I sure was running late this morning! I made it to work now. I may get showered upon on the way home. I'm kind of looking forward to it!
Shopping by bike
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Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Labor Day and Tuesday Morning
On Labor Day I took a short ride over to Rogers Park and helped a friend move for a bit. On the way back I talked to some guys who were on their way back from a ride to Highland Park. I don't think that they really approved of me biking around town with a pannier. Silly them.
Later Zach and I rode to a BBQ. I practiced riding no handed. I have a ways to go.
This morning's ride wasn't too eventful. There were lots of kids walking to school this morning and there did seem to be more traffic on the roads. I wonder how many parents still take a short drive to take their kids to school? Is that a contributing factor to all the congestion?
I can't wait for the ride home tonight....or may I just can't wait to leave work!
Later Zach and I rode to a BBQ. I practiced riding no handed. I have a ways to go.
This morning's ride wasn't too eventful. There were lots of kids walking to school this morning and there did seem to be more traffic on the roads. I wonder how many parents still take a short drive to take their kids to school? Is that a contributing factor to all the congestion?
I can't wait for the ride home tonight....or may I just can't wait to leave work!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday Ride: Just recreational
Yesterday, I went for a short ride with a friend. The ride was really nothing special, but we did see a guy pulled over on McCormack St. My friend noted that one of the officers had unholstered his gun and was keeping behind his bike. I noted that the guy was black. Coincidence?
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday Evening: Critical Mass
Just woke up from a great night. Last night was Critical Mass, a bike ride which occurs on the last Friday of the month in cities around the world. It's free to participate and there isn't an organizational structure to the Mass. If you want to lead, then you make a map, or get in front and lead the people. The Chicago Critical Mass is pretty popular and in warmer months attracts thousands of cyclists.
Many serious cyclists are anti-Critical Mass because they feel that it reinforces stereotypes that cyclists are fringe, law-breaking assholes who don't care about who they inconvenience and who have no problem fueling animosity between cyclists and non-cyclists and motorists. I totally get that and I myself feel a little conflicted.
I've thought it over and I feel a little differently about the matter. Critical Mass doesn't have a specific agenda. So you can make it whatever you want for it to be. I think it's a great way of showing that bikes are fun and they can get you anywhere you want to go. It's especially effective when we go to neighborhoods that I don't usually visit. The people there are always excited to see all the bikes ride by.
I definitely like to play up the fun factor. I decorate my helmet with balloons and it's really great fun. It brings a smile to people's faces and it really just looks cool. Bonus points for making yourself more visible and being able to find your group in a crowded area.
After work, I met my friend Lisa in Daley Plaza and set to work customizing her bike. I'll look for pictures of it later. It looked good. I then did my helmet and fulfilled my promised Bike Salute for Dubi Kaufmann for his Bike Salute project:
After customizing the helmets of Zach (my boyfriend) and his brother, it was time to take off from the plaza.
We were all in front for the first couple of miles or so. I saw my friends Colleen and Dana on the sidewalk. Lots of people got a kick out of our helmets. I wanted to fall back so we could see more people, so we did. I talked to some guys who were biking from LA to NYC. I was impressed.
I saw some more people whom I had met on previous rides including John Greenfield and Ellen and some other assorted people from The Chain Link.
We made it to the final destination: Garfield Park. After milling about a bit, we took off to Lisa's place and ordered a pizza. The way home was great. It's always fun to ride around with the balloon helmets without the mass.
What a great night!
Many serious cyclists are anti-Critical Mass because they feel that it reinforces stereotypes that cyclists are fringe, law-breaking assholes who don't care about who they inconvenience and who have no problem fueling animosity between cyclists and non-cyclists and motorists. I totally get that and I myself feel a little conflicted.
I've thought it over and I feel a little differently about the matter. Critical Mass doesn't have a specific agenda. So you can make it whatever you want for it to be. I think it's a great way of showing that bikes are fun and they can get you anywhere you want to go. It's especially effective when we go to neighborhoods that I don't usually visit. The people there are always excited to see all the bikes ride by.
I definitely like to play up the fun factor. I decorate my helmet with balloons and it's really great fun. It brings a smile to people's faces and it really just looks cool. Bonus points for making yourself more visible and being able to find your group in a crowded area.
After work, I met my friend Lisa in Daley Plaza and set to work customizing her bike. I'll look for pictures of it later. It looked good. I then did my helmet and fulfilled my promised Bike Salute for Dubi Kaufmann for his Bike Salute project:
After customizing the helmets of Zach (my boyfriend) and his brother, it was time to take off from the plaza.
We were all in front for the first couple of miles or so. I saw my friends Colleen and Dana on the sidewalk. Lots of people got a kick out of our helmets. I wanted to fall back so we could see more people, so we did. I talked to some guys who were biking from LA to NYC. I was impressed.
I saw some more people whom I had met on previous rides including John Greenfield and Ellen and some other assorted people from The Chain Link.
We made it to the final destination: Garfield Park. After milling about a bit, we took off to Lisa's place and ordered a pizza. The way home was great. It's always fun to ride around with the balloon helmets without the mass.
What a great night!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Friday Morning: almost no stops
One of the things I challenge myself to do on my commute is to try to not come to a complete stop. It makes it more entertaining for me.
Today I made it from the intersection onto Lawrence by my place all the way to Ohio and Wells downtown without having to put my foot down.
For some reason that gives me quite a bit of satisfaction.
Today I made it from the intersection onto Lawrence by my place all the way to Ohio and Wells downtown without having to put my foot down.
For some reason that gives me quite a bit of satisfaction.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
My first collision
Well, it has finally happened to me, and I am certainly feeling pretty lucky.
I was biking down Lincoln and going at a good clip towards the light at Diversey. I see a black SUV parking and it looks like it's finished, so I'm keeping on going. There's a line of cars waiting for the light, but the bike lane is clear other than the parked car. I approach the car and at some point when I was really close, it pulls back out into the bike lane. By this point I'm between the SUV and there's another car approaching the light. I manage to swerve and break, but I start fishtailing and my thighs brush against both cars...I think. I also feel the back of my bike hit something. I'm still going forward and fortunately I have the presence of mind to unclip from my pedals and I'm able to come to a stop.
I check to make sure I'm okay and the bike is okay. It seems that it was just my rack that hit the car and it's fine.
I went back and I think I was pretty calm. I was definitely shaking and probably talking ridiculously fast. The lady was really concerned and didn't care at all about the scratch on the car. She said that she was going to be a lot more careful. She even offered to have me go and get a manicure with her at the salon, which I guess was her destination. SInce I was okay, I declined and biked home.
Now I'm realizing how much I really lucked out. It's not very often that one can come away from an incident and have it be the suv that is damaged more than the bike. I'll probably be a little more careful when threading the needle.
At least I know my reflexes work. Yay for instincts.
I was biking down Lincoln and going at a good clip towards the light at Diversey. I see a black SUV parking and it looks like it's finished, so I'm keeping on going. There's a line of cars waiting for the light, but the bike lane is clear other than the parked car. I approach the car and at some point when I was really close, it pulls back out into the bike lane. By this point I'm between the SUV and there's another car approaching the light. I manage to swerve and break, but I start fishtailing and my thighs brush against both cars...I think. I also feel the back of my bike hit something. I'm still going forward and fortunately I have the presence of mind to unclip from my pedals and I'm able to come to a stop.
I check to make sure I'm okay and the bike is okay. It seems that it was just my rack that hit the car and it's fine.
I went back and I think I was pretty calm. I was definitely shaking and probably talking ridiculously fast. The lady was really concerned and didn't care at all about the scratch on the car. She said that she was going to be a lot more careful. She even offered to have me go and get a manicure with her at the salon, which I guess was her destination. SInce I was okay, I declined and biked home.
Now I'm realizing how much I really lucked out. It's not very often that one can come away from an incident and have it be the suv that is damaged more than the bike. I'll probably be a little more careful when threading the needle.
At least I know my reflexes work. Yay for instincts.
Thursday Morning: No Scrubs
So, this morning I was thinking about the TLC song No Scrubs. You know:
I don't want no scrub
A scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me
Hanging out the passenger side
Of his best friend's ride
Trying to holler at me
I don't want no scrub
A scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me
Hanging out the passenger side
Of his best friend's ride
Trying to holler at me
Well, I wasn't being hollered at, but I sure got held up by some idiots cruising down the street yelling at girls on the sidewalk. I tried to pass them, but there was oncoming traffic...and I felt a little ogle coming my way. Come on! It's 8 am, save it for the evening guys!
Other sights: A dog going after a squirrel when his owner seemed a little unprepared for the morning walk; three uniformed school kids looking really sad at having to go back to school and one mom seeming pretty frustrating at having to get them going.
The ride was nice. I hit most of my lights, though I always feel like kind of a jerk when I pass faster riders who get to lights when they are still red. I always coast or slowly approach a red light so I can get going again without having to actually stop. Invariably I pass someone who went fast the entireway to the light, but then had to stop. I try to reason that they just need to learn the routes better. The lights are on timers people!
I saw one of my co-workers on the way in. I just said hi since i needed to get to work and shower and she was alreay dressed for work. Today was humid, and I was sweating buckets getting ready in my apartment...so I decided a shower was necessary today. I'm guesing that pretty soon it will be cool enough for me to do all my showering at home and skipping the at-work rinse.
I don't want no scrub
A scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me
Hanging out the passenger side
Of his best friend's ride
Trying to holler at me
I don't want no scrub
A scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me
Hanging out the passenger side
Of his best friend's ride
Trying to holler at me
Well, I wasn't being hollered at, but I sure got held up by some idiots cruising down the street yelling at girls on the sidewalk. I tried to pass them, but there was oncoming traffic...and I felt a little ogle coming my way. Come on! It's 8 am, save it for the evening guys!
Other sights: A dog going after a squirrel when his owner seemed a little unprepared for the morning walk; three uniformed school kids looking really sad at having to go back to school and one mom seeming pretty frustrating at having to get them going.
The ride was nice. I hit most of my lights, though I always feel like kind of a jerk when I pass faster riders who get to lights when they are still red. I always coast or slowly approach a red light so I can get going again without having to actually stop. Invariably I pass someone who went fast the entireway to the light, but then had to stop. I try to reason that they just need to learn the routes better. The lights are on timers people!
I saw one of my co-workers on the way in. I just said hi since i needed to get to work and shower and she was alreay dressed for work. Today was humid, and I was sweating buckets getting ready in my apartment...so I decided a shower was necessary today. I'm guesing that pretty soon it will be cool enough for me to do all my showering at home and skipping the at-work rinse.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Wednesday Evening
After work, I biked over to my swing dance class in the West Loop. It's so much easier than having to figure out public transit to areas that aren't exactly close to el stations.
Later that same night I took Halsted up to Lincoln. Wow, there was a lot of broken glass on the street? Did I miss some kind of celebration where you throw bottles at the ground? Is this guerrilla warfare against cyclists? I know one street that is in need of a street cleaning.
When I almost was up to Lincoln, I heard squealing tires and almost witnessed an accident after a car almost blew a stop sign. No collision, but it certainly made me scared for a moment.
My arrival onto Lincoln Ave is always kind of like coming home. I know that street. Those lights. Those cabs parked in the bike lane. Aw.
One sad note. I didn't make it though the light at Irving and Lincoln, I had to stop, so I rolled by the bus shelter and was surprised to see a cat laying at the stop. Dead of course. Poor thing even had a collar. Poor thing. It kind of reminded me of my cat, Napoleon.
Here's a salute to the fallen.
Later that same night I took Halsted up to Lincoln. Wow, there was a lot of broken glass on the street? Did I miss some kind of celebration where you throw bottles at the ground? Is this guerrilla warfare against cyclists? I know one street that is in need of a street cleaning.
When I almost was up to Lincoln, I heard squealing tires and almost witnessed an accident after a car almost blew a stop sign. No collision, but it certainly made me scared for a moment.
My arrival onto Lincoln Ave is always kind of like coming home. I know that street. Those lights. Those cabs parked in the bike lane. Aw.
One sad note. I didn't make it though the light at Irving and Lincoln, I had to stop, so I rolled by the bus shelter and was surprised to see a cat laying at the stop. Dead of course. Poor thing even had a collar. Poor thing. It kind of reminded me of my cat, Napoleon.
Here's a salute to the fallen.
Wednesday Morning
I'm really loving the cool weather that we are having this August. The wind wasn't bad this morning, which makes it easy.
I took my normal route, but I saw a couple of new characters.
One was an older gentleman who was quite the rider! He had a very good, fast cadence, which is something I'm working on developing. He said good morning at the light at Addison and then I breezed by him...but lo and behold! He caught up and we stayed together until Lincoln turned into Wells and he got kind of confused...it must have been a new commute for him. So I told him that it was in fact Wells and then I hurried up so I could make it through the light at North and didn't see him again for the rest of the ride.
So, I made it through the light and I'm enjoying the ride for a couple of blocks and I go up to pass a guy who was already dressed for work. I say "on your left" and pass and look back to make sure that I can safely take the bike lane and I see that it's actually someone I know! It's Chris.
Chris is a guy who's in my concert band. He had used to ride a lot, but then he said he was too old for it. It was so great to see him back on the bike. I slowed up and chatted a bit. However, I was running late and today was a day I planned to shower at work, so I had to take off. I'll be looking for him in the future.
Today was definitely an A+ ride.
I took my normal route, but I saw a couple of new characters.
One was an older gentleman who was quite the rider! He had a very good, fast cadence, which is something I'm working on developing. He said good morning at the light at Addison and then I breezed by him...but lo and behold! He caught up and we stayed together until Lincoln turned into Wells and he got kind of confused...it must have been a new commute for him. So I told him that it was in fact Wells and then I hurried up so I could make it through the light at North and didn't see him again for the rest of the ride.
So, I made it through the light and I'm enjoying the ride for a couple of blocks and I go up to pass a guy who was already dressed for work. I say "on your left" and pass and look back to make sure that I can safely take the bike lane and I see that it's actually someone I know! It's Chris.
Chris is a guy who's in my concert band. He had used to ride a lot, but then he said he was too old for it. It was so great to see him back on the bike. I slowed up and chatted a bit. However, I was running late and today was a day I planned to shower at work, so I had to take off. I'll be looking for him in the future.
Today was definitely an A+ ride.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Perimeter Ride
I've had some biking epiphanies lately and so I hereby am recommitting myself to updating this blog.
About my recent cyclying activities: I recently participated in the 7th annual Perimeter Ride, let by the amazing John Greenfield. This ride started at the Hollywood Grille on North and Ashland and went around the general perimeter of the city.
What a ride it was! Over 60 people started the ride and it looked like there were about 30 when I broke off to head home.
So, meeting the wonderful people there led me to desire to start getting more serious about the biking thing. So I'm going to do some century rides.
I also recently hit the 1000 mile mark on my new bike. I got it on May 20, 2008 and hit the bike one oh oh oh on August 20, 2008.
Anyway, my new commitment is just going to be to write about my rides, be in commute, recreational, training or whatever. Sometimes it may be boring, sometimes it may be interesting, but it will get me writing. Here goes!
About my recent cyclying activities: I recently participated in the 7th annual Perimeter Ride, let by the amazing John Greenfield. This ride started at the Hollywood Grille on North and Ashland and went around the general perimeter of the city.
What a ride it was! Over 60 people started the ride and it looked like there were about 30 when I broke off to head home.
So, meeting the wonderful people there led me to desire to start getting more serious about the biking thing. So I'm going to do some century rides.
I also recently hit the 1000 mile mark on my new bike. I got it on May 20, 2008 and hit the bike one oh oh oh on August 20, 2008.
Anyway, my new commitment is just going to be to write about my rides, be in commute, recreational, training or whatever. Sometimes it may be boring, sometimes it may be interesting, but it will get me writing. Here goes!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Wimpy me
I took a couple of months off from biking...December, January and February. I biked a bit in March, more in April, a little more in May and now that it's June I'm back to biking just about every day to work.
Speaking of work I have a new job. I'm actually spoiled now, the new job actually has a free gym with showers for employees. While it isn't necessary to shower on site, it is very nice.
I also have a new bike. I splurged and got myself a brand new touring road bike. It's a Jamis Aurora and I'm loving it. I probably won't do any long trips this summer, but next summer I'm hoping to maybe take a week long biking and camping trip. As of now the bike is making a great commuter. Check it out:
Happy riding to all!
Speaking of work I have a new job. I'm actually spoiled now, the new job actually has a free gym with showers for employees. While it isn't necessary to shower on site, it is very nice.
I also have a new bike. I splurged and got myself a brand new touring road bike. It's a Jamis Aurora and I'm loving it. I probably won't do any long trips this summer, but next summer I'm hoping to maybe take a week long biking and camping trip. As of now the bike is making a great commuter. Check it out:
Happy riding to all!
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