Friday, October 24, 2008

Week in Review

It's kind of tough to get psyched about writing a blog post about a ride when every ride seems the same.

This past week I commuted on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Each day, the morning temps were in the high 30s. This means I have to start wearing a jacket over my work clothes, full finger gloves, and even my headband/ear warmer on one day. Still, my thumbs were tingling when I arrived at the bike rack. Any colder, and I'll have to wear my cold weather biking gear and change at the office. (I'm really lucky to have an office with a door and a place to keep my clothes on hangers. If I had to bring everything in pannier and change in the handicap stall every day, I probably wouldn't do it.)

A plus on the way home was tailwinds each day - some strong. This makes the ride quick and fun. With temps in the high 50s, I'm wearing long sleeves and long pants for the ride home.

The biggest change is that I seem to be riding by myself. Apart from the occasional student on the sidewalk, I don't see any other riders. Colder temps and lower gas prices have them back in the SUV for the winter.

These are my only rides this week, as I have been unable to get out on the road bike for a fun ride. My schedule has been less than cooperative, but my biggest problem is my mood. I have not been able to convince myself to get out, and I don't know why. When I do, I enjoy it, but I have to get started first. We'll see what happens this weekend.

Miles Ridden:

Monday: 7.2
Tuesday: 7.6
Wednesday: 7.2

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Change .... NOW!

I've been taking Harrison Street instead of State Street during my rides home to avoid the intersection of State and University where the right lane turns right and I'm required to merge into the left lane to continue west. That lane switch can be difficult during the busy traffic times of the day. This one change in route has eliminated some of the strees of the ride, helping me relax after work.

Miles Ridden: 7.8

Monday, October 13, 2008

Commute, and Notes

Another great commute day.

Miles Ridden: 8.4

A couple of notes on previous posts:

On Thursday, I forgot to mention that I saw a young couple riding through downtown that seemed to be touring by bike. I didn't get a chance to talk with them as my bus arrived just as they pedaled by, but the tents, sleeping bags, and bulging panniers were good hints. I wish I could have talked with them about their trip.

Last month, I talked about the not so impromptu bike commute by the president of the university. There was some concern that she should not be pictured riding without a helmet, and today I noticed that the picture had changed. The new picture shows her wearing a gold one. At least they didn't Photoshop one on, as the picture was from a different day, and the entire news release was replaced to match the new ride.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

On the Road Again

Solve for R
Algebra on the Roadway


After a long absence, I was able to get out on the road bike today. I put it off for a long time, so I only had an hour in which to ride, so I just road down to the pedestrian bridge and then back through campus.

Wabash River


Not many miles, but it still felt good.

Miles Ridden: 9.8

Friday, October 10, 2008

Friday Commute

As I was riding home today, I realized that I hadn't been on the road bike in quite a long time. I hope to get out tomorrow.

Miles Ridden: 11.0

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Commute

Nothing special.

Miles Ridden: 7.2

Friday, October 03, 2008

Pizza Dude

There's no question that Fall is a good time of year to commute. The mornings are cool enough to keep the perspiration to a minimum, and even mid-day rides are comfortable. By afternoon, it has warmed up enough for a great ride home.

Today was one of those days, and although it was a little windy, the rides both ways were nice. No ride to lunch, but I did go on a quick trip to a meeting across campus.

While heading west on State at the end of the day, I heard a car speeding up just before the pizza delivery guy came up on my left and cut me off to turn right into the strip mall where his store is located. I came around the back and confronted him. I didn't yell, but I did express my displeasure with his actions. He was apologetic and said he misjudged my speed.

I've been in a couple of these discussions, and I'm finding that they go nowhere quickly. So after mentioning that he'll likely kill someone if he keep up that behavior, I left and headed home.

Miles Ridden: 10.4

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Downright Brisk

Another cold one today. For tomorrow I need to find my full fingered gloves.

I didn't get to ride home today, as my wife and I had picked up a car from the shop, and I ended up with both a bike and a truck at work. I couldn't fit the truck in the pannier, so the bike and I both drove home.

To make up for the lost miles, I rode up to the top of the parking garage and back down to my truck.

Miles Ridden: 4.5

365 #244