Commute a Blog: Daily Commute Archives

August 08, 2006

Commuting Continues Despite Blogging Lapse

Yes, my cycling commutes have continued even during this dry blog spell. I did suffer a minor set back when I was nearly killed by an oblivious driver a couple of weeks back, but I recovered the nerve to get back on the bicycle this past weekend and rode to and from work again today. I read a quote today that seems appropriate:

"People who accumulate lots of road rash over a lifetime will have spent their lives happy." Tim Parker, mountain bike enthusiast

I'm not sure I look forward to more road rash (in fact, I hope to avoid it), but I do see where Mr. Parker is coming from. Getting out on two wheels and riding is so good for the mental and physical state. It is difficult to deny the truth of his philosophy (despite the pain that is sometimes included). I'll try to post more, but rest assured that if I am slacking on the blog posts, it is not a sign that I have lost the passion for cycling.

Posted by capecodcyclist at 09:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 06, 2006

Just Warming Up

The ride in: Partly cloudy, in the upper fifties. Sweat levels: low

Comments: I rode the Trek again for today’s commute. The ride in left me feeling energized for the day. The ride home was more work (against the wind), but it didn't really feel like much of a ride. The 5 1/4 mile commute is beginning to feel like just a warm up again.

Pedaling by and listening to the helicopter that is perpetually hovering above the scene of yesterday's homicide is a little disconcerting

The ride home: Overcast, around seventy.

Number of fellow cyclists seen on both trips: 5 (all of whom were riding on the sidewalk on the wrong side of the road)

Posted by capecodcyclist at 07:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

June 05, 2006

Fair-Weather Bike Commuter

I never thought I would become a fair-weather bike commuter, but it seems that is exactly what I have become. Since Bike-to-Work-Week (May 15th to 19th), I have pedaled in to work only a couple of times, and those were on clear days. I should also mention that having a new puppy stuck at home in a crate most of the day, causes me want to get home as quickly as possible. My cycling and work life might be suffering, but the home life is fun and fulfilling. I guess it is about achieving a balance, and if that means pedaling to work only once or twice a week, so be it.

Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:05 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

February 21, 2006

A Frigid Commute

Winter commuting requires a few things that I have, and a few things that I sometimes do not: It is not that I don't have the layers, the cold weather apparel, the reflective gear or the lighting. Unfortunately, I frequently lack the motivation to make the preparations that are necessary for cold weather commuting. Today was an exception...

The ride in: It was sunny and in the teens, but the wind was non-existent. Sweat levels: low

Comments: I rode my Trek for today’s commute. The ride home was not nearly as enjoyable as the ride in (more wind and much more traffic), but the diesel fumes weren't nearly as bad as those I experienced during this morning's commute.

The ride home: Partly cloudy, mid-thirties and windy.

Number of fellow cyclists seen on both trips: 1 (a recumbent going the wrong way... on the sidewalk)

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Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:39 PM | Comments (1)

February 11, 2006

The Cycling Dude: Tour de Bicycling Blogs

The Cycling Dude: Announces Innaugural Tour de Bicycling Blogs:

"Participation is open to all BikeBloggers, regardless of whether they are Industry Insiders, Journalists, Activists, or ordinary cyclists like me.
Regardless of whether you are a Racer, Roadie, Tourer, MTBer, low to the road in a Recumbent, or into it for recreational, or commuting, reasons.

The point of this is to let your fellow cyclists know of you, and let the wider Bloggerverse, and the many people who are in it who enjoy Bicycling know of us, and our stories, and resources.

If I get enough responses from bicyclists in the rest of the Blogosphere, but who are not Bikebloggers, then I'll have a section devoted to their contributions as well."

I am happy to report that I have been included in this month's Tour de Bicycling Blogs, Blog Carnival.

The host of this carnival is The Cycling Dude. Check his blog out if you get a chance. He has some great cycling related posts, and his collection of links offers some fantastic reading material while your wheels are collecting dust.

This month's carnival: Tour de Bicycling Blogs 2

Technorati Tags:
bicycle, cycle, bike, ride, etiquette, cyclist, bike path, transportation, Blog Carnival, Tour de Bicycling Blogs

Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:11 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

February 09, 2006

Mass. Legislation Seeks to Ban Headphone Use by Cyclists

On bicycling, the sense of hearing and headphones:

"All in all, a bicyclist's decision whether to wear headphones, particularly, open-air headphones -- and of how loudly to play them -- ought to be of as little concern in the law as is the question of how loudly a motorist may play a radio inside a car, or whether a motorcyclist may legally wear earplugs to avoid hearing loss due to wind noise and engine noise. "

When I wear headphones when riding my bicycle (which is seldom), I can still hear the birds chirping, and the pebbles under my wheels. That is more than I can say for some of the entertainment, cell phone distracted motor vehicle operators I encounter on a daily basis. This is a matter of personal responsibility and safety, not something that should be legislated. Can a deaf person ride a bicycle safely and legally?

Write laws banning that bass thumping car stereo that penetrates the walls of my house, and cell phone use while driving, and then you might get my support for these worthwhile infringements on people's liberties. This legislation is bogus.

Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

February 05, 2006

Why Bicycle to Work?

Why Bike to Work?:"Why ride a bicycle to work, or anywhere, instead of driving? Math."

This essay contest winner puts it all into proper perspective.

C.I.C.L.E.

Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:06 AM | Comments (0)

February 04, 2006

Bicycle Lights: A Must Have Here in New England

Starlight 78 Bicycle Lighting System:

"Riding safely at night (and even in the daytime) means doing everything possible, within reason, to make yourself visible and your presence known. Your life depends on being visible to vehicles."

Being seen is critical to a safe bicycle commute. Do some investigating, and determine what lights are best for you and your riding habits. My personal lighting system was made by Jet Lites. I definitely couldn't cycle year round here on Cape Cod without it. There are many options out there worth investigating, including the plans available for a homemade system at the Starlight 78 link above.

James Sharp has some excellent reviews of some of the LED lighting options available here: gearreview.com

Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:26 PM | Comments (0)

January 15, 2006

Still Drying Out

Note: the category for this post is "Daily Commute," but the bicycle has been anything but my primary transport as of late. Hopefully the new year will be more conducive to the cycling routine.

I was out in the drizzle early yesterday morning to load up my bicycle. A little rain never hurt, and with such warm, January teperatures (53 degrees), I could not pass up the opportunity. I had an appointment to have my little Nissan's tires rotated and balanced, and the oil changed, so i figured I could drop it off and pedal the rest of the distance to work- no sweat!

The guy at the garage looked at me like I had three heads when I declined a ride the rest of the way to work: "We can just throw your bike in the back of the van, and hopefully it will be a little drier when you get out."

"No thanks, I'm cool. It really isn't that bad out," I replied (famous last words).

So, I hopped on the bicycle and started toward work, when what had just been a normal rain turned to a deluge. I was soon pushing my way through the effects of a massive cloudburst... torrents of rain, a virtual niagra from the sky. [note: neoprene socks may keep your feet "drier" and "warmer," but mysteriously DO NOT keep your feet "dry" or "warm." Perhaps that is what I get for purchasing the store brand]

The warm temperature made the whole trek (on the Trek) tolerable- invigorating actually. My gear is still drying out, but I am ready for another ride.

Posted by capecodcyclist at 07:12 AM | Comments (0)

September 19, 2005

Wake Time Adjustment

Vacations have a funny way of throwing a wrench into our sleep schedule. This morning I was planning to pedal to work, but I lost track of the time. The waking process didn't quite leave me enough wiggle room to get out on time. So, off with the bike shoes, on with the sneakers and off I go back to work.

I did get a fantastic ten mile ride in yesterday... just enough to start to get warmed up.

Posted by capecodcyclist at 07:13 AM | Comments (0)

September 16, 2005

Excuses for not Bicycle-Commuting on Cape Cod

I can't get there through the bridge traffic.

It takes a "wicked" long time to pedal there.

I can't "hit the packy" after work.

The rotaries are just too scary.

My dockers get caught in the chain.

The sea gulls poop on my seat while I'm at work.

My docksiders don't stay on my feet.

The beach sand is too hard to pedal through.

I can't find the canal tunnel.

My docksiders give me blisters.

The ride to Dunkin Donuts just takes too long.

My golf clubs don't fit in my panniers.

I miss the combat of driving to work.
(nobody flips me off and I never get tailgated... that sucks wicked bad!)

Posted by capecodcyclist at 09:46 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

September 10, 2005

Not so Easy Street

I am faced with the harsh reality that I will not be able to dive headlong back into the bicycle commute routine. An extended break from such leg exertion - due to my knees being junk, has forced me to take the cycling and exercise slow. Yes, cycling is easier on the knees than most exercise; but when you have spent most of your working career standing on concrete floors, the knees just can't take much. I must admit, it is very hard to swallow.

Glucosamine Chondroitin seems to help quite a bit, but the levels I need to feel comfortable give me horrible stomach problems. I think I see knee replacements in my future... something to look forward to.

Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:55 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

September 06, 2005

Saving Fuel

I got back to the bicycle commute today, and it felt good. I am happy to report that I cycled more than eight miles round trip and saved somewhere around $1.35 in gasoline. The roads leading from my neighborhood are a little narrow for comfort and are heavily traveled, but the effort is worth it. I almost feel like wearing a sign announcing my fuel cost me $0.00 (unless you count breakfast and lunch). That would really be putting a target on my back, however. The fact that the door to my place of work is not unlocked until 2 minutes before opening makes the pre-work wash down rather stressful. Other than that, I was pleased to roll into work under my own steam.

Weather conditions: Clear and sunny... perfect bike-commute weather

The ride in: 58 degrees, calm. Strong smell of exhaust

The ride home: 72 degrees and breezy. I was allowed out by a passing motorist to make the left turn across route 28.

Fellow cyclists sighted today: None on ride in, twenty or more while at work, five on ride home

Posted by capecodcyclist at 09:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack