So I am a runner but all runners know it is good to cross train, even take some time off and do other sports for a while. For me that is cycling. I use to ride a lot in college when my grandparents were dying of cancer it was a great escape. Then I left it for a while. I focused on running. But now I am backing to combining all of it. I have done one triathlon and I loved it so much. I want to do even more with hopes of completing an Ironman.
So in 2006 I purchased an entry level road bike. A Giant OCR3. I have never spent that much on a bike before and was surprised but intent on getting my money worth. I also thought well if I get into this I will save up for one of those nice bikes. So I road. I have completed 3 MS bike rides that included 3 centuries (100 miles) and a sprint triathlon on this bike. Way more than I expected to put for milage on this bike. I loved this bike. It was my companion for hours and hours. But it was time to part ways. It was time to upgrade.
I will always remember my first road bike but its like a first boyfriend. It doesn’t last forever and you need to get your feet wet, shop the field before you settle.
So I purchased a Bianchi She. I cannot wait to get the milage in on this. It is such and upgrade. It is like I totally skipped the midlevel and went up. It fits me even better than the OCR3 and I hope that makes for more comfortable rides as well as faster times!
I sold my Giant bike, hopefully it will get another person into riding just like it did me.
Goodbye Giant hello Bianchi!
Posted 4 months ago at 5:45 am. Add a comment
OK so its earth day I feel that an appropriate post would be to discuss using you bike as transportation instead of your car.
I commute to work when the weather is all clear. Now that pretty much means as long as its not raining when I leave for work or below freezing. The other exception I adopted after last year. No tornadoes. Last year I managed to commute to work on a day that we had a huge wind storm. They never called it a tornado but the damage the city encountered looked like tornado aftermath. The upside to me riding my bike that day was I could get through roads that were not passable by car. But it wasn’t very safe with fragile trees and down power lines. Now I figure I will discuss three important topics: possible benefits of biking to work,how to start, and road safety.
There are many advantages to riding a bike to work instead of driving a car. The first is the most obvious, it helps the environment. Less gas, less carbon emissions etc. Also in the long run it is cheaper then a car. No gas being used, no oil, no car maintenance. While a good bike does cost money you don’t need that to start. Any bike will do as long as it has all the safety accessories needed. After you save all the money from not paying for gas you can put it toward the bike of your dreams. I do not live too far from work and actually for me it is an advantage to ride to work vs. driving my car. The place I work at is very large medical center and is also land locked so the parking for employees is assigned, you have to pay a monthly fee and is usually at least 2-15 minute walk. For me I can ride my bike to the front door and park “valet” then go right to work and my entire trip takes 12 minutes, vs 20 minutes to drive and walk. So I would consider this as an upside when you think about biking to work. Also I work 12 hour days so its hard to go to the gym before or after work. By biking I get my 30 minutes of exercise in or count it as a warm up and either do more miles on the way home for work, or do a short run on top of my ride.
How does one decide to start commuting to work. Most of it comes right down to planning. First you need a bike. As I stated you don’t need the fancy bike with all the bells and whistles you just need it to work properly and add a few accessories. First it needs good tires if you buy a used bike you want to make sure to check the tires be sure the tubes hold air and replace if needed. If the bike has multiple gears check and make sure they all move properly. If your gears have trouble shifting and you don’t know what to do, take your bike to a local shop and have them do a safety check and tune up. The brakes are a must and they need to work. Not only is it important that you pads are in good shape but the cables as well. Also you need to know the basics of braking. This may seem obvious to some but be sure when going down hill not to apply the front brake only. Doing this or doing this too abruptly can cause you to flip over your handle bars. Seems easy but a lot of people forget. Also another safety issue is a proper fit. Make sure your bike is not too big nor too small for you. Your bike shop can help you make all the adjustments to be sure you have a comfortable ride but when you first buy your bike check the fitting. Your leg should not be totally straight when engaged on the pedal there should be a slight bend in the knee when the pedal is in the “down” position. Also most bikes are not meant for your feet to touch the ground with flat feet from the seat, this worked as a child but not a good rule for fit. The bikes cross bar, the main frame of the bike, is how you determine the proper size of bike, when standing with the bike between you, you should be able to pick the bike up off the ground and have an inch or so to spare from the cross bar and your inseam.
The basic accessories you will need are simple yet vital. A Helmet, and not a cheap one. This will protect your head, and believe me I am a nurse and nothing pisses me off more then stupid people that had accidents with preventable brain damage. Next biggie at least a rear light, but a headlight is also a good idea. Chances are you will be riding in the morning and evening this light will help people notice you from a further distance. A bike lock, spare tubes patch kit tire levers and an all in one tool should all be put into a saddle bag and remain there. You need a travel size air pump or CO2 pump. I like the Co2 pump its quick and small. I also think its a good idea to put an i.d or something that has your name address and emergency contact information on your bike as well as on you. Having two is a good idea in case you become separated from your bike. I have a Road ID band I wear on my ankle. The plus to this is it tucks my ankle of my pants so it does not get caught on my chain. There is a product called “Ankle biters” that do this as well. Gloves are optional but I think a needed they protect your hand and well just get them. I have a full fingered glove, some mornings are cold and you can freeze your fingers off. Lastly I always like to carry some change and cash in my bike bag, that way I can call using a pay phone if needed or stop somewhere to buy stuff I might need, band-aides that good stuff.
Ok so the planning part after the bike consists of watching the weather and rechecking the weather before you leave, knowing your route and an alternate route and taking your work things with you. This I pack the night before. My lunch, clothes whatever. Some people shower before they actually start work because they have to wear suites or business dress. I am a nurse I get dirty at work so I just keep my scrub top in my bag and a spare pair of pants in my locker just in case. I just “freshen up” when I get there. I carry everything in a back pack. Some use messenger bags, be sure it is comfortable for you whatever you pick. Planning your route can be simple or hard. It depends how far you live, what the traffic is like around you and if its OK to have a bike there. Most people think “oh there are plenty of side walks” wrong. You need to remember sidewalks are for pedestrians and are just as dangerous if there are a lot of driveways, cracks, trash cans and other road hazards. Check you local police station as far as bike laws go. Ever area is different. Huge strides are being made across the nation to make cities more bike friendly, but as more bikes are on the road the laws might change as well so be aware of this. I take a different way to work and home from work because the traffic changes and the route I take has a lot of hills. Believe me after 12 hours on my feet I don’t want to ride my bike up the huge hill I go down in the morning. This adds another mile to my commute on the way home but its easier and more safe. The best way to check routes is first drive them, next walk them. When your walking pay attention to how traffic is behaving, are people aggressive, in a hurry, the more aggressive the more likely those drivers will be mad to share the road. So consider it on a walk, check out sidewalks, the side of roads, look for dogs. Then pick your route and a second route. Just like when driving, a car accident or road work can delay you. Be mindful of when the news announces road work. If they are working on the roads on your route this is very unsafe, not only can you damage the tires on your bike but motorists pay attention to this road work and might not see you until it is too late.
So now you have your bike, you have picked you route and your ready to start riding to work. Obviously you need some safety tips. I have addressed a few while indroducing other important aspects but here are good share the road tips you need to keep in mind. Check your local police department, or road safety council as well as your bike shop. I was able to get a bike map that our city prints, it has great tips as well as all the routes that are considered safe to take and marks all the paved trails.
Be courteous. Share the road with motorists acknowledge that the driver is there. If they are behind you wave so they know you see them, when they pull along side you make eye contact, smile. Its hard to be mad at a cyclist and they can’t ignore you if they see you. Motorist seeing you helps increase your safety. Be careful at intersections. Watch for turning cars, if you are turning signal it and remember some people do not signal there turns so be prepared for this, as well as people gunning yellow lights.If riding on side paths watch for cars that are turning toward you and do not see you. Also if on the road stay out of the door zone. Stay far enough away from the parked car that if a person opens there door, you will not run into it. Be mindful of all traffic laws and obey them. If you are on the road, you are to obey laws as a motorist is. This is funny to some but watch speed limits too. Be visible, ride in the proper part of the lane and in the right lane. Always ride with traffic on the far side of the driver. If on the right hand side be on the far right. IF you are in the left lane on a double lane road be on the far left.. If you have to turn left watch for cars behind you signal your turn move over to the far left of the lane, look for traffic then make your left turn. BE careful, this is the hardest and most dangerous turn to make at busy intersections. If you are concerned you can always dismount your bike and walk across the street in the cross walk.
So there is a lot to being safe on your bike. A lot of it comes with experience and more confidence when riding. Talk to your coworkers let them know your a commuter, chances are they are the motorist sharing the road with you so this can help increase safety. Always be visible and defensive. Accidents happen but most can be prevented. Use your lights, wear bright clothing, signal your turns and respect motorist. Always remember obey the laws and the biggest, Pedestrians have the right of way. If they are on the sidewalk you need to move not them. Commuting to work can be fun, and safe. I love riding my bike and enjoying the fresh morning air. So give it a try. Start by doing it one day month the gradually increase it until you commuting every day possible. Eventually you get to the point that your car sits dusty in the garage not your bike. Take your bike to the store, post office and to run errands.
Enjoy it, Be green, and be safe.
here are some links to help
http://www.bikecommute.com
I really like this site
http://commutebybike.com/
Posted 1 year, 3 months ago at 5:47 am. Add a comment