Wednesday was intense for working out. I biked to work, walked roundtrip downtown, and played a soccer game. I'm a little sore today...
But I did test out a new route home from work. I went down Broad (on the sidewalk, though I saw 2 bikers use the road - whoa). Instead of taking Dexter, I headed up Eastlake. The hill really wasn't too bad. Not nearly as bad as I expected. I continued across the University Bridge. Here's where I was unsure - I wanted to cut over to campus and go up 20th. For lack of a better idea (and to get off 11th), I cut over on 42nd across the Ave and up by the law school. This certainly wasn't the most efficient route, but it got me off busy streets. I got home in 45 minutes, which was faster than going all the way around to Fremont and to U Village on the Burke.
Next time (Saturday), I'm thinking of going home on Dexter to Fremont, but using the bike lane up Stone to Green Lake and then going east on 65th. We'll see how it compares!
Erin just got a new job in Belltown, so we're hoping to bike commute together sometimes. It will be nice to have some support and a buddy. That really ups my motivation.
Looking forward to lots of riding this weekend: to work on Saturday, to Bothell on Sunday, and to Issaquah to visit Dave at work on Monday. If I still have it in me (let's hope so), I'll bike in with Erin on Tuesday. Whew! Wish me luck!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Gregg's, Gas Works, UW, Burke-Gilman, and The Ram = A good biking weekend
Dave got his new bike! Check it out:
Aww...doesn't he look like a biker? I love it. :)
It was a great (but busy) weekend. Having Friday off provided some (much needed) rest. On Friday afternoon Dave and I went for a short, but nice, bike ride over to Gregg's Cycle. We both got biking shoes. His bike came with clip pedals and I bought some for mine. I also got a new lock and flat repair kit materials. Dave got a helmet - I was glad because I was worried about him!
From there we rode down Stone Way to the Burke Gilman trail. We passed by tons of people headed into Gas Works Park for the fireworks. Early in the afternoon we had seen the hill filling up from the freeway, and it was clear that things would be crazy down there by the time the fireworks started. Luckily we made it through the crowd relatively easily, and went over to the UW. I gave Dave a biking tour of campus and showed him so of the different buildings I took classes in. We tried out Erin's route home from school up 20th, which was a really nice ride.
Friday night we went to the Olympic Sculpture Park for fireworks - they were beautiful and we sat right next to the Calder. Saturday I had Kendra's bachelorette party - limos, wine tasting, games, and Pioneer Square - oh my! After cleaning up and decompressing a bit on Sunday, Dave helped me get up some momentum and we went for a ride.
This was the first time Dave had used his clips for riding, so I was paranoid about him getting stuck. He did a fantastic job, though (now I'm going to feel ridiculous when I fall on my face). We went north past Lake Forest Park and found a grassy hill to lay out in the sun for a bit (and take some adorable pictures - see the right column). We were getting super hungry at that point, so we started back towards home. Dave succeeded in talking me into going to the Ram - to satisfy my veggie burger craving - even though I was gross, sweaty, and sans-makeup. Oh, not to mention that I was wearing spandex bike shorts...ugh. We went for it, though, and I was so glad we did. Delicious! I was concerned about hauling ourselves back up the hill to my house, but Dave's response was, "We can always walk the bikes." Hehehe. Nope, no need to restrain ourselves on eating. We'll walk the bikes. We were actually fine, despite our milkshake indulgence, and made it back up no problem.
It's a bit overwhelming buying all this new equipment, but every piece is so helpful once I figure it out. I'm getting there!
Aww...doesn't he look like a biker? I love it. :)
It was a great (but busy) weekend. Having Friday off provided some (much needed) rest. On Friday afternoon Dave and I went for a short, but nice, bike ride over to Gregg's Cycle. We both got biking shoes. His bike came with clip pedals and I bought some for mine. I also got a new lock and flat repair kit materials. Dave got a helmet - I was glad because I was worried about him!
From there we rode down Stone Way to the Burke Gilman trail. We passed by tons of people headed into Gas Works Park for the fireworks. Early in the afternoon we had seen the hill filling up from the freeway, and it was clear that things would be crazy down there by the time the fireworks started. Luckily we made it through the crowd relatively easily, and went over to the UW. I gave Dave a biking tour of campus and showed him so of the different buildings I took classes in. We tried out Erin's route home from school up 20th, which was a really nice ride.
Friday night we went to the Olympic Sculpture Park for fireworks - they were beautiful and we sat right next to the Calder. Saturday I had Kendra's bachelorette party - limos, wine tasting, games, and Pioneer Square - oh my! After cleaning up and decompressing a bit on Sunday, Dave helped me get up some momentum and we went for a ride.
This was the first time Dave had used his clips for riding, so I was paranoid about him getting stuck. He did a fantastic job, though (now I'm going to feel ridiculous when I fall on my face). We went north past Lake Forest Park and found a grassy hill to lay out in the sun for a bit (and take some adorable pictures - see the right column). We were getting super hungry at that point, so we started back towards home. Dave succeeded in talking me into going to the Ram - to satisfy my veggie burger craving - even though I was gross, sweaty, and sans-makeup. Oh, not to mention that I was wearing spandex bike shorts...ugh. We went for it, though, and I was so glad we did. Delicious! I was concerned about hauling ourselves back up the hill to my house, but Dave's response was, "We can always walk the bikes." Hehehe. Nope, no need to restrain ourselves on eating. We'll walk the bikes. We were actually fine, despite our milkshake indulgence, and made it back up no problem.
It's a bit overwhelming buying all this new equipment, but every piece is so helpful once I figure it out. I'm getting there!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
I guess this is how I'm getting my bike around in NY...
MTA Helps Commuters to Bike-and-Ride
from Carectomy.com by Kate Trainor
May is bike month, and the New York City MTA is celebrating with the launch of its Bike-and-Ride initiative. Last week, the city published a web site to encourage commuters to combine their trips on public transit with cycling journeys.
The site also tackles some of the practical problems that biking in a big, traffic-snarled city brings (i.e. being doored by taxis, dodging wayward trucks, or wedging your wheels into a crowded corner on a train at rush hour). Mainly, the MTA spells out the nitty gritty on how to bring your bike aboard various NYC transit systems and offers a roster of helpful links.
Bikes are always allowed on the NYC subway (though it’s best to avoid bringing them on during rush hour), and bike commuters can purchase a lifetime pass for $5 for most other NYC transit systems (i.e. Metro North and LIRR).
“When you use transit and your bike,” boasts the MTA site, “you’re making a transportation choice that’s inexpensive, healthy, and good for the planet.” Despite the disappointing outcome of NYC’s failed bid for congestion pricing, New York deserves hearty applause for its earnest efforts to become a more bike-friendly city.
from Carectomy.com by Kate Trainor
May is bike month, and the New York City MTA is celebrating with the launch of its Bike-and-Ride initiative. Last week, the city published a web site to encourage commuters to combine their trips on public transit with cycling journeys.
The site also tackles some of the practical problems that biking in a big, traffic-snarled city brings (i.e. being doored by taxis, dodging wayward trucks, or wedging your wheels into a crowded corner on a train at rush hour). Mainly, the MTA spells out the nitty gritty on how to bring your bike aboard various NYC transit systems and offers a roster of helpful links.
Bikes are always allowed on the NYC subway (though it’s best to avoid bringing them on during rush hour), and bike commuters can purchase a lifetime pass for $5 for most other NYC transit systems (i.e. Metro North and LIRR).
“When you use transit and your bike,” boasts the MTA site, “you’re making a transportation choice that’s inexpensive, healthy, and good for the planet.” Despite the disappointing outcome of NYC’s failed bid for congestion pricing, New York deserves hearty applause for its earnest efforts to become a more bike-friendly city.
Bikes Not Bombs
http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/
This group is amazing. I've been paying more attention to bicycle advocacy groups and I've been fascinated. What an amazing invention! I definitely feel inspired to improve my cycling skills and try out biking as an alternative transportation option in more and more ways.
This group is amazing. I've been paying more attention to bicycle advocacy groups and I've been fascinated. What an amazing invention! I definitely feel inspired to improve my cycling skills and try out biking as an alternative transportation option in more and more ways.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Climate Ride updates and tickets booked for NY and DC
Today I received an update e-mail from Climate Ride with travel information. I learned:
- Registration and bike drop-off in New York will be on Friday, September 19 from 4-7pm, followed by a kick-off party from 7 - 10pm.
- The ride begins at 7am on Saturday, September 20 (my birthday!).
- The ride ends at 6pm on Wednesday, September 24 at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
- Our campsites along the way will be:
Night 1—Princeton, NJ
Night 2—Valley Forge, PA
Night 3—Holtwood, PA
Night 4—Baltimore, MD
- In addition to getting my bike (and biking equipment) there I have to have a tent and sleeping bag. There are specifications about how to package things. I'll really have to plan it all out!
I went ahead and booked my tickets. I'll be flying into New York and out of Washington, D.C. I haven't planned my hotel in New York yet. I'll arrive in the morning on Thursday, September 18, so I'll have Thursday and Friday to get situated and tour the city (I've never been).
Sarah is going to come see me ride into D.C. (yay!), and I'll be staying with her from there. Little does she know she's getting me and a giant bag of stuff...I'll have several days in D.C. - Wednesday night through Saturday morning. I'm really excited to see Sarah again - we had a blast last August when I was in D.C. for work. I'm hoping to see some of the sites I didn't get to visit on previous trips.
Airlines really vary in how much they charge to accept bikes on the plane. Northwest was quite expensive, so I'll be packing and shipping my bike. Climate Ride has a recommended shop to have my bike sent to and reassembled, so I think I'll do that. Plus, they have people at the end to help you disassemble, pack, and ship your bike home. It will be really weird to see my bike in pieces, but it seems to be the best option.
Now the bad news...it sounds like I won't have internet for the ride. Electricity is fairly limited in some places we are staying, too. I think I'll have enough to keep my phone charged (don't worry Dave), but I don't think I'll get to blog during the ride. We'll see. There may be opportunities, but at this point I'm planning on writing and putting stories on the blog when I return. Perhaps I will see if Dave will help post! :)
- Registration and bike drop-off in New York will be on Friday, September 19 from 4-7pm, followed by a kick-off party from 7 - 10pm.
- The ride begins at 7am on Saturday, September 20 (my birthday!).
- The ride ends at 6pm on Wednesday, September 24 at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
- Our campsites along the way will be:
Night 1—Princeton, NJ
Night 2—Valley Forge, PA
Night 3—Holtwood, PA
Night 4—Baltimore, MD
- In addition to getting my bike (and biking equipment) there I have to have a tent and sleeping bag. There are specifications about how to package things. I'll really have to plan it all out!
I went ahead and booked my tickets. I'll be flying into New York and out of Washington, D.C. I haven't planned my hotel in New York yet. I'll arrive in the morning on Thursday, September 18, so I'll have Thursday and Friday to get situated and tour the city (I've never been).
Sarah is going to come see me ride into D.C. (yay!), and I'll be staying with her from there. Little does she know she's getting me and a giant bag of stuff...I'll have several days in D.C. - Wednesday night through Saturday morning. I'm really excited to see Sarah again - we had a blast last August when I was in D.C. for work. I'm hoping to see some of the sites I didn't get to visit on previous trips.
Airlines really vary in how much they charge to accept bikes on the plane. Northwest was quite expensive, so I'll be packing and shipping my bike. Climate Ride has a recommended shop to have my bike sent to and reassembled, so I think I'll do that. Plus, they have people at the end to help you disassemble, pack, and ship your bike home. It will be really weird to see my bike in pieces, but it seems to be the best option.
Now the bad news...it sounds like I won't have internet for the ride. Electricity is fairly limited in some places we are staying, too. I think I'll have enough to keep my phone charged (don't worry Dave), but I don't think I'll get to blog during the ride. We'll see. There may be opportunities, but at this point I'm planning on writing and putting stories on the blog when I return. Perhaps I will see if Dave will help post! :)
Bike maintenance class
Note that I am not using an exclamation point in this title. My excessive use of the exclamation needs to be stopped! (Hehehe.)
Yesterday Erin and I went to Bike Maintenance 101 at REI. I rode down from Ravenna and met Erin on Eastlake. We continued together from there. It took less than 30 minutes, so we made good time. We were going for a free class that covers the really basic things - cleaning and lubing your chain and changing a flat. I was amazed how much I didn't know about caring for my bike! I should have guessed, given that we got to REI and both Erin and I realized we had never taken the front wheels of our bike. We did it incorrectly, and went inside to immediately read (and then be told) how to do it correctly. I learned the structure of a bike tire (I had no idea what it looked like!) and how to properly remove the rear tire, too. Altogether very useful. When we went to leave we put our front wheels back on, and mine seemed crooked. I kept undoing it and retrying it. I thought I had somehow broken my bike. So, I took it back inside and the guy leading the training pushed on one thing and it was fine. He also showed me how to tighten my brakes. I felt pretty stupid...
To add to the evening, we put our bikes on the bus to go home. I'd never put my bike on the front of the bus! It was pretty easy using the rack/arm, but I was still nervous the whole time and watching the bikes at each bump. They made it okay - phew! When we got off I biked down to my place.
As I was approaching my house I saw Dave getting ready to pull his bike out of his car. He got a new, fancy bike! It's a KHS Flite 700 - so nicer than mine with carbon spokes and frame. Looks like a stealth bomber! I'm afraid he's going to be really, really fast now and make me look bad!
Yesterday Erin and I went to Bike Maintenance 101 at REI. I rode down from Ravenna and met Erin on Eastlake. We continued together from there. It took less than 30 minutes, so we made good time. We were going for a free class that covers the really basic things - cleaning and lubing your chain and changing a flat. I was amazed how much I didn't know about caring for my bike! I should have guessed, given that we got to REI and both Erin and I realized we had never taken the front wheels of our bike. We did it incorrectly, and went inside to immediately read (and then be told) how to do it correctly. I learned the structure of a bike tire (I had no idea what it looked like!) and how to properly remove the rear tire, too. Altogether very useful. When we went to leave we put our front wheels back on, and mine seemed crooked. I kept undoing it and retrying it. I thought I had somehow broken my bike. So, I took it back inside and the guy leading the training pushed on one thing and it was fine. He also showed me how to tighten my brakes. I felt pretty stupid...
To add to the evening, we put our bikes on the bus to go home. I'd never put my bike on the front of the bus! It was pretty easy using the rack/arm, but I was still nervous the whole time and watching the bikes at each bump. They made it okay - phew! When we got off I biked down to my place.
As I was approaching my house I saw Dave getting ready to pull his bike out of his car. He got a new, fancy bike! It's a KHS Flite 700 - so nicer than mine with carbon spokes and frame. Looks like a stealth bomber! I'm afraid he's going to be really, really fast now and make me look bad!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wow, it's a short ride to Montlake!
Yesterday I decided to bike to Montlake and meet Brianne and Danielle for a ride to our soccer game. I didn't think it would take long, but I wanted to be safe and allowed 30 minutes. 15 minutes later, I was there. Good to know!
Biking is a bit light this week. The weather's nice, but we had our 3rd v. 4th place game for Go Green and Go Blind, and there's a tournament for the other team I've played with this weekend (4 to 5 games over 2 days). I guess this counts as cross-training. Right?
Biking is a bit light this week. The weather's nice, but we had our 3rd v. 4th place game for Go Green and Go Blind, and there's a tournament for the other team I've played with this weekend (4 to 5 games over 2 days). I guess this counts as cross-training. Right?
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