snowy bike ride

I had my first snowy bike commute today.

Actually, when I road in it was pretty dry - most of the early morning snow had melted. On the way home I got a bit of snow, but that let up maybe 1/2 way through my ride.

I was bundled in:
two pairs of socks
tennis shoes
track pants
jeans over the track pants
a thermal long sleeve shirt
a t-shirt
a fleece pullover
a medium weight hoodie
medium weight gloves
wool bike cap (from Octopus Inc. - I *heart* this thing already).
bike helmet

On the way in I also had a fleece scarf to cover my face and ears. My glasses kept fogging up. So on the way home I pulled up the hoodie and did without the scarf.

I actually got a little toasty on both rides. I didn't completely hate it, and actually think it's probably easier to get around in crappy weather by bike. I still prefer summer, though.

awesome

There's something quite addictive about bike riding all in itself.

But I've discovered the joy of riding in a group over the past couple weeks, thanks to the Sunday Nite Ladies Ride.

Large groups taking over the streets. Smaller groups stopping in the park to share wine. Taking in the unexpected with excitement, amusement.

I think I'm officially a bike addict.

reasons to bike

Riding a bicycle is the definition of freedom. Freedom from the oil companies. Freedom from monthly car payments. Freedom from expensive car maintenance. Freedom from monthly insurance payments. Freedom from obesity and all of its associated health risks. Freedom from bus schedules. Freedom to stop and admire the view any time you want. Freedom to choose your own route. Freedom to go at your own pace. Freedom to be yourself.

This was posted on a bike geek site among a list of reasons to ride a bike.

My other favorite reason posted is:

The wheeeeeeee" factor.

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...

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).

information overload

The problem with not updated regularly is that when I finally sit down to write something, my thoughts are all over the place.

I'll start with today. I decided at about 11 am to attend the Ohio Folk Life Festival. I primarily went to hear a bit of folk music and attend the bodhrán workshop. It was a beginners workshop, and started out with a decent turnout (especially considering no one really advertised the festival). Most of the people filtered out after 30 minutes, although a couple new faces showed up towards the end. I learned a bit, and got to play a few different drums. The workshop was led by Tim O'Neill, the bodranii who plays in Knot Fibb'n. He was a really easy-going guy, and you would never suspect how much he can rock on stage.

Thursday night I attended Bardic Circle, a local Irish music session. I was invited by a bodranii on one my music geek sites. There were ~10-12 other people there. Everyone was friendly and I had a great time. Thursday is often reserved for quintet rehearsals, but I'm going to try and attend more sessions in the future. Best way to learn is playing with others.

I've been doing a bit of bike riding lately. Here's the new bike:



You can see even more photos here. Holly and I have been trying to master the bike path at Sharon Woods Metropark. There are two hills, and one kills us every time. Well, the two or three times we've been there it's killed us.

We're heading out Sunday morning with 1 or 2 other bike newbies to see if we're finally able to conquer the whole trail.

I think that's enough of an update for one day...

bikes!

I can't believe I forgot to mention my new bike! It's a vintage looking Schwinn from Target. It's also a men's bike, but whatever. It's fun and comfy. I've had it a few weeks. At the moment I'm waiting for a phone call to maybe go riding with my friend Holly.

I'll try to remember to post photos soon.