Alternate Transportation

I've been trying to incorporate my biking into everyday activities as much as possible. My goal is to make the bike my primary method of transportation. (I may will almost definitely wuss out come winter, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it). I want to relegate the car to trips 10 or 15+ miles, events that require instruments, events where I can carpool, or as a back-up for really nasty weather. Right now I'm comfortable biking up to 8 miles roundtrip in a short period of time.

I have 4 reasons for this new way of thinking:

1. To save a little money on fuel



2. To be a little 'greener' in my everyday living

3. To get some exercise - I actually enjoy the gym, but I really love being outside in nice weather

4. I just enjoy riding a bike

I think #1 is going to become a huge issue for a lot of people over the next few months. What will be interesting is to watch how the majority of Americans change their lifestyles to adjust.

The first way of change would be to see more + more people using alternative fuels, hybrid or electric vehicles, walking, biking, using public transportation, etc. All positive changes to reduce our overall footprint, get more involved in local living (a byproduct of limiting your fuel consumption seems to be that you travel less for everything), and in many cases be a little healthier.

The second way of change would be to see people adjust to paying more for fuel by reducing their other expenses. While reducing your expenses is never a bad thing individually (it's typically a great thing!), it will affect the economy as large chunks of people stop spending money on entertainment and "extras". And/or use even more credit for purchases, which they then can't afford to pay off. And it will continue to deplete a limited resource, feed into the oil industry's grasp on our economy, limit research into alternative fuels, and drive up the cost of petroleum-based products EVEN MORE.

Sadly, I think it is more likely to go the way of the second option. It's promising to see a lot of people are starting to think 'green'. But Americans in general seem to be really, really in love with their big, gas guzzling vehicles. Usually with only 1 person in them.

I didn't intend this to turn into a rant, rather just a "I'm trying to bike more + more" post. So to lighten the mood: random comics to make you think about fuel consumption.

And a side note on the subject of being green: I am attending a BBQ later today (who isn't?) and checked Google Maps for directions. I was given the option of "driving directions" or "public transportation directions". Incredibly awesome. I was actually considering pushing myself to bike to the BBQ (10.6 miles each way) but I'm also going to be hauling at least 1 instrument and it's probably going to be nasty thunderstorms later. C'est la vie. Maybe the rain will pass tonight and I can bike to work all week.

helmet head

I've always thought bike helmets a little on the lame side. I grew up in a motorcycle family, where you wouldn't even consider getting on a motorcycle sans helmet. But growing up with those heavy-duty lids just made me think the slight foam and lightweight plastic of bike helmets is kinda useless.

My commute takes me through a short stretch with not one, not two, but THREE highway exits. Those cars fly of the interstate. Often right at me. So I've done a bit of research and am reconsidering my previous position on bike helmets. At least for busy city biking. Especially because I found these: Nutcase Helmets.

The only problem? I can't decide which one I like the best! I was drawn to the clover design. But I learned my lesson on the motorcycles - black helmets get freakin' hot in the sun. Any dark colors, really. The candy swirl is weirdly whimsical. But there are several I really, really, really like. This one is a close match to my bike.

*Sigh*.... decisions, decisions...

music in the air

Musicians and the (lack-of-)pay issue:

I don't mind playing some stuff for free - charity, donations, etc. Because I do enjoy it and I don't mind giving back a little to groups that deserve it. (Heck, Brazen Brass played a free benefit last night). But organizations, even non-profits, have budgets. That (should) include entertainment. They pay for other services, food, space rental, etc.

Musicians are offering a (good) service. The more they choose to play for free, the more people expect it. And playing for free devalues music in general. (I've heard professional musicians argue that amateur groups playing for free also drive down their prices, making it harder for them to compete and make a living).

Musicians put work into creating our product, collectively and individually, to bring an experience to our audience. We should be compensated for our work, our time, our talent. This goes for any musician or artist.

new bike!

Yay! I got a new bike this weekend! It's a Schwinn Cimarron. Designed for women. Aluminum frame so it's lightweight. Shocks. Wide seat that is pretty comfy. Made for roads and light trails (which is where/what I ride). I think I'm in love!


(more photos)


(In case you're wondering, I sold my old bike to a friend).

May also happens to be National Bike Month. And this week is National Ride Your Bike to Work Week. I have stuff going on every night except Tuesday, so I'm planning on riding to work tomorrow (provided I wake myself up by 5:15am).