Commuter Credentials....If you rode yesterday and today, you have them!

Yeah...so I don't have fenders on the Fargo right now.  You know, because I was all set for the cyclocross season that got nixed due to the bike vs. car crash and resulting shoulder issues that have dragged on.  Turns out that's not supper cool when the snow and slush roll in!! 

Note the residual snow on the helmet!  I actually wrung water out of my socks and gloves!  So much fun though!

Tire tracks into the drive way....cause.....proof I really rode!

 

The back yard last night.  The sun shade sails were about to break due to the snow load so I had to drop them.

Getting ready for the snowy commute this morning.  I had an issue with installing the rear fender.  Not cool.

The river path...better plowed than the streets!  Tons of downed branches though.

Uh oh.  Caught up with the plow.

The footprints make the most difficult riding...bouncing you around and making a slide out very possible.

Cold Weather Riding Conundrum!

Ok, I know a lot of folks stop riding when it gets colder.  I don't happen to be one of them...in fact, I think it makes the commute that much more interesting.  It's really just about dressing for the weather.  After you've done it for a while it's second nature.  However, I do have one particular area that always seems get exposed to the cold.

Yep, the wrist.  I don't know if I have an exceptionally large "ape index" (how long your arms are vs. your body) or if clothing manufacturers just don't make sleeves that are long enough when your arms are extended.  It's a problem I have with almost all of my long sleeved shirts when riding.

I feel like I need to invent a "wrist buff" since most cycling specific gloves don't have much of a gauntlet.  Who knows....it might just be a million dollar idea.  Anyway, that's the worst part of cold weather riding for me.  What sends a shiver up your spine on the commute?

Back in Bikey Action!

Said I would ride....Did ride....Enjoyed every moment of it.

Also...I know I have about 10 versions of this picture of my bike in my office.  What can I say....it makes me happy to see my bike all day while I sit here working!

I know that some people think it's getting a little chilly for bike rides.  That's so not the case.  I think I even enjoy the colder weather more than the summer weather.  No sweating, can ride in my work close, and low traffic in the bike lanes (ok, this is always true).  So don't give up on the commute!

UNR gets Bike Friendly Status!

From KTVN:

Click for a full sized version.

Motivation for a Chilly Morning Ride!

Car Driving, No Biking Blues!

It seems like I haven't been on a bike in ages (you know...like 4 days).  A combination of things has contributed to this (vet visits with dogs, an increased running schedule, visitors at the house).  It really does have me questioning how the "regular" Joe manages such a large driving schedule!?  It's stressful really.  Morning traffic, backed up highways and secondary roads, aggressive drivers, people texting while driving and holding up intersections, etc.

 I find myself wistfully looking at the wide open bike lane that I could be whisking along in with no traffic concerns.  The relaxing rhythm of the ride, the calming zen of letting my thoughts wander, and the nice little bit of exercise I add to my day!

So tomorrow I pledge to ride.... come rain, snow, errands, or sloth!  How about you?

Another fatal hit and run....who does this!!!?

What kind of person hits someone with their car (bike/ped/or otherwise) and leaves the scene of a collision...letting a person suffer and die on the side of a road!?  I know why...because the penalty for drunk driving is higher than the penalty for hit and run.  I think it's time our legislature steps up and changes this.  I think if you leave the scene the penalty should be the same as the injury you caused.  They die...you get the death penalty.  Broken leg....get out the sledge hammer.  Might be harsh...but to avoid this penalty all you have to do is have a soul, be a decent human being, and stop to call for help if you hit someone!  I bet there wouldn't be too many hit and runs if it worked this way!