Monday, May 19, 2008
I MADE IT!!
Well this 100 miles wasn't the best route that I could have made, but it was a learning experience. I'm sure there will be more of these rides, even to Sarnia and also just 100 mile bike rides around here and there.
This ride started off early in the morning, we decided that we wouldn't inform too many people as we thought they would think I was crazy and they just might worry while I was on the road.
The ride was fine I did check in once to let Tracy know I was alright....then as I continued down that road....it turned to a gravel road, not what I was expecting...so I had to make a few adjustments to the route. But this gravel road wasn't too short, there was one lady who was completely lost trying to get to Windsor...all I could do was point her in the right direction. The further down the road was when the fun started. FARM DOGS!!!!! yeah six in total....they did give chase I managed to keep away from them. dogs 4 and 5 made me make a detour didn't want to out run them. Then as I go down yet another dirt road...."BRIDGE OUT" yeah expected the worst but luckily I was able to cross. Then just one more dog after that, where I wasn't ready so I turned around so I could get a head start and pass the dog.
Only one mistake...missed St. Clair Parkway so I did have to back track, luckily I caught the mistake before I went too far.
When I arrived it felt great, finally I was done, actually as soon as I turned down Stuart St. I knew it was almost done. I was proud and others were proud and then others were still trying to figure out WHY??
Sunday, May 11, 2008
64.37 Miles = 103.59 km
Well I guess I recently completed a Century...the 100 km does sound better than 64 miles. But still want to get to that 100 miles. We will see when that happens. Who knows it just might be around the corner.
This ride took me 4hrs 7mins 46secs. I stopped to take one break along the way...I think I should of kept it shorter because once back on the bike, I kept thinking to myself...maybe I should just stop and rest again for a bit. But I kept riding to the end.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The Slacker’s Guide to Bike Commuting
The Slacker’s Guide to Bike Commuting
April 10th, 2008 by Tim Grahl
This article isn’t for the detail oriented bike commuters. It’s also not for the hardcore, race-to-work riders either.
This one is for those of us that don’t like to plan ahead. Bike maintenance isn’t our thing. We consider rain showers wash-day for our bikes. And we certainly aren’t using our daily commute as training for a race.
Commuting by bike is first and foremost supposed to be fun. Gas prices, ‘going green’ and health reasons can get people into bike commuting, but it’s the daily enjoyment that keeps us in the saddle day after day. And let’s face it, planning ahead and wearing lycra doesn’t sound much like fun to a good many of us.
So for my fellow slackers, here’s your guide to bike commuting:
1. Ditch the patch kit, grab the cell phone - The worst thing about bike commuting is dealing with flat tires. Standing on the road next to your bike with a tiny, frustrating mini-pump trying to force air into your tire. So forget the patch kit and use your cell phone. If you get stranded on the way to work, call a buddy at the office to come get you. If you’re on the way home, call the significant other. It’ll take less time than fixing the flat on the side of the road and you’ll get to use your floor pump in the comfort of your own workshop.
2. Check the weather, consider the car or bus - Let’s face it, riding to work in a downpour causes a lot of problems. It soaks you and everything you brought. Takes a lot more time to get ready for work. All in all, zaps all the fun right out of bike commuting. So if the weather sucks, don’t feel bad about grabbing your keys or walking to the nearest bus stop.
3. Leave the lycra, wear your normal clothes - When I see another bike commuter on their way to work in full body spandex, it just looks difficult. The time changing, the extra cargo to carry, etc. My normal commuting attire is what I work in everyday. I roll up my pants and head out the door. Simple and comfortable.
4. Use lights that run on generators - Dealing with batteries in your lights can be frustrating and dangerous. They will always go out on you right at the darkest point in your ride home. Consider spending the extra money on some Reelights or Pedalites. Both are great options for adding visibility to your bike without ever worrying about batteries.
5. Don’t be ashamed to walk the bike - Your morning bike commute is not the Tour de France. There’s no grand prize and yellow jersey at the finish line. There’s no reason to grind up those hills if you stayed up until 3am last night watching X-files reruns and eating cereal (am I the only one that does that?). Feel free to get off the bike and walk up some of those hills. We’re trying to keep this fun folks.
6. Take the flattest route possible - Remember that the shortest route is not necessarily the best. By using a tool like http://www.mapmyride.com/ you can view the elevation map of your route. Play around with different variations to see what makes for the easiest way to the office.
7. For a long commute, consider driving part of it - If you’ve got a commute that’s to long for your physical condition or time restraints, try finding a public parking lot where you can stash your car. Drive halfway and then bike the rest.
You may also want to check out my Guide to a Simple Bike Commute.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Reasons to bike
The other day gas prices reached $1.12/litre.
I'm sure the price of gas does put a strain on some people. But oddly enough as I go by those gas stations on my way to work. I do chuckle in my head; "ha ha SUCKERS".
I think the price of gas might clearly be a reason for more and more people to start riding their bikes to work or short little trips to the corner store. People need to realize that the bike isn't just for recreation, but also a mode of transportation for all.
I went out for lunch this day, which so happened to be right across from a gas station. One of the things that I like to do is people watch when I am out and about. So today I took notice of quite a few conversations about the cost of gas. Usually you here people just complaining about the cost and why it might be so high in price. Today it was a little different, sure they did complain but this time around they seemed to have answers. "I might start riding my bike", "I might walk", "It probably will be cheaper to take the bus." In my head I applauded these answers this group of people had to the rising cost of gas, but now act on those statements. Make a difference in your wallet and on society.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Accident
Well it has been a good winter season for my commuting. But finally I had to take a day off due to "injury."
I probably should've been smart and just walked my bike to a clear road but I do get some excitement from riding in the snow so I wasn't going to let this day stop me.
Long story short, bike slid one way and I tried to regain my balance and sort of did the splits. I was in some slight discomfort for the day. Nothing major.
I did end up walking back home, luckily I was only one block into the ride. I called and told my employer that I was in a slight accident and explained to them what happened. Well quite a few people were worried about me that day. Majority assumed the worst...an Accident, must have been hit by a Car. But I was fine.
The point of this little entry is not the accident but the things people said to me the day after.
"YOU SHOULD GET YOUR DRIVERS LISCENSE"
Not sure how this would solve anything. I would still be in the same environment...and must say I do feel that I have more control on a bike than in a car. I could probably list many things that could go wrong with me driving a car. I would still be faced with the dangers of traffic, the dangers of road conditions.
I feel safe and free on a bike. I would I want to go and change that!
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