Dear Fellow Blog Readers,
34solo is on medical leave for 3 days per doctors orders.
Thank you for your continued support and I will be back in the saddle very soon!
Cheers to the 34solo Challenge!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Week Two
Sunday night requires a little more preparation than it use to! Food to pack, clothes to organize, bike to get ready, and weather to check. The biggest news of this car-free journey is that I've decided to change bikes for the commute. My road bike is very light and designed to just ride fast. This is great unless it's 'breezy' or rainy. Now, I need to clarify that Colorado's version of 'breezy' is like Ohio's version of a tornado. If you are on a light bike on a breezy day, you risk literally being lifted up off the ground like the little boy in ET.
So rather than investing in an authentic commuter bike, I am attempting to just work with my Kona Cinder Cone Mountain bike by adjusting a few features. It's a heavier frame and a 'triple' so I have a real 'GRANNY GEAR' for those hills! Today, I learned to swap out my tires and put on 'slicks'. This was quite the pain in the ass. I put this process in the same category as pounding a square peg into a round hole with a handle-less hammer that is too small. I added some new lights and picked up some necessary bike essentials (new socks so I now have five pair- one for each day so as to not have to do laundry every day) and some tire tubes and CO2 cartridges. I also transferred a rack and bike bag for the back so that I don't have to carry a backpack- nice! These items were purchased on my DRIVE into Fort Collins (32 miles) because the local bike shop is closed on Sunday. Quite ironic that I had to drive to the bike shop so that I could go car free. I know I know.... what about the 30 days? I needed some supplies, but now I know to visit the local bike shop on Monday through Saturday. But I'd say driving 32 miles in one week, is still very eco-friendly and quite the accomplishment.
This week- FIVE more days of commuting. The temperature is suppose to drop into the 50's with rain. Shit.
Purchase of the day: Coffee Travel Mug that fits nicely into my water bottle cage! yea baby, coffee!
Concern of the day: Weather and riding a different bike. And of course- food.
If you haven't already- check out the video link above by clicking on 'my ride'. It's a photo journal, and much like me, a work in progress.
Embarking on Week Two of being CAR-FREE and cheers to the 34solo Challenge!
So rather than investing in an authentic commuter bike, I am attempting to just work with my Kona Cinder Cone Mountain bike by adjusting a few features. It's a heavier frame and a 'triple' so I have a real 'GRANNY GEAR' for those hills! Today, I learned to swap out my tires and put on 'slicks'. This was quite the pain in the ass. I put this process in the same category as pounding a square peg into a round hole with a handle-less hammer that is too small. I added some new lights and picked up some necessary bike essentials (new socks so I now have five pair- one for each day so as to not have to do laundry every day) and some tire tubes and CO2 cartridges. I also transferred a rack and bike bag for the back so that I don't have to carry a backpack- nice! These items were purchased on my DRIVE into Fort Collins (32 miles) because the local bike shop is closed on Sunday. Quite ironic that I had to drive to the bike shop so that I could go car free. I know I know.... what about the 30 days? I needed some supplies, but now I know to visit the local bike shop on Monday through Saturday. But I'd say driving 32 miles in one week, is still very eco-friendly and quite the accomplishment.
This week- FIVE more days of commuting. The temperature is suppose to drop into the 50's with rain. Shit.
Purchase of the day: Coffee Travel Mug that fits nicely into my water bottle cage! yea baby, coffee!
Concern of the day: Weather and riding a different bike. And of course- food.
If you haven't already- check out the video link above by clicking on 'my ride'. It's a photo journal, and much like me, a work in progress.
Embarking on Week Two of being CAR-FREE and cheers to the 34solo Challenge!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Day 5: Celebrating ONE week Car-Free
Bloggers, stay tuned for upcoming video!
Final Numbers for Week:
Total Miles: 82.2
Total time on Bike: 5:55:24 (really? I coldn't ride five more minutes?!)
Total $$$$ spent on BUS FARES: $12
Total # of people on bus for the week: (5- including me)
Commentary on Bus Ride: 5 different drivers= 5 different music genres from Country to Classic Rock and finishing strong on Friday with a book on tape (a real snoozer). The driver was incredibly thrilled I asked the title (which I forget already) and was compelled to follow me off the bus and continue talking to me about this author while I prepared the bike for the final ride home for the week. Disappointing turnout for total number of riders who utilize the 34Xpress Transit. Rumor is they want to shut it down immediately for lack of riders. Stay tuned for the 34Xpress update!
I haven't started my SUV in ONE week, indicating of course ZERO miles driven and hopefully the subtle reduction of my carbon footprint. I've managed to commute using my bike, public transportation, and a little help from my friends. The days have been long and, at times, exhausting. It's an interesting journey though! Thanks for all the support and keep following the BLOG- video to be posted soon.
Celebrating ONE week of being CAR-FREE and Cheers to The 34solo Challenge!
Final Numbers for Week:
Total Miles: 82.2
Total time on Bike: 5:55:24 (really? I coldn't ride five more minutes?!)
Total $$$$ spent on BUS FARES: $12
Total # of people on bus for the week: (5- including me)
Commentary on Bus Ride: 5 different drivers= 5 different music genres from Country to Classic Rock and finishing strong on Friday with a book on tape (a real snoozer). The driver was incredibly thrilled I asked the title (which I forget already) and was compelled to follow me off the bus and continue talking to me about this author while I prepared the bike for the final ride home for the week. Disappointing turnout for total number of riders who utilize the 34Xpress Transit. Rumor is they want to shut it down immediately for lack of riders. Stay tuned for the 34Xpress update!
I haven't started my SUV in ONE week, indicating of course ZERO miles driven and hopefully the subtle reduction of my carbon footprint. I've managed to commute using my bike, public transportation, and a little help from my friends. The days have been long and, at times, exhausting. It's an interesting journey though! Thanks for all the support and keep following the BLOG- video to be posted soon.
Celebrating ONE week of being CAR-FREE and Cheers to The 34solo Challenge!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Day Four: Four Gold Stars Today!
Today was the best riding day of the week. Morning commute is going nicely with extra minutes to spare although it has been chilly and am becoming less enthused about the 4:50 A.M alarm. I chose an alternate route home today, costing an extra 5 miles, 4 monster hills, and about a dozen free range cow farms- but SO worth it for the extra quiet and zen of the country road. Today's greatest accomplishment was naviagting a new route using a satellite map and using landmarks to help stay on course.
Yesterday, as you see by the pictures, I managed to fit in my first official happy hour as a commuter! As you can see (from bottom to top) I had to fix my broken chain upon exiting the establishment- which was quite messy. And I would advise all you children reading this, drinking and riding is NEVER a good idea, especially when clipped in. But the good news is, I arrived safely.
Total Numbers for the week:
Total Miles- 67.1
Total time on Bike: 4 hours, 39 minutes
Total Happy Hours: 1
Total Bike Issues: 1 (chain fell off)
Best Moment: realizing I saw both the sun rise and set while on my bike- long day but very cool.
Concerns: 30% chance of rain tomorrow and very tired.
Today's Reward: Eggplant Parm and Red Wine
Cheers to the Four Gold Stars and 34solo Challenge!
Yesterday, as you see by the pictures, I managed to fit in my first official happy hour as a commuter! As you can see (from bottom to top) I had to fix my broken chain upon exiting the establishment- which was quite messy. And I would advise all you children reading this, drinking and riding is NEVER a good idea, especially when clipped in. But the good news is, I arrived safely.
Total Numbers for the week:
Total Miles- 67.1
Total time on Bike: 4 hours, 39 minutes
Total Happy Hours: 1
Total Bike Issues: 1 (chain fell off)
Best Moment: realizing I saw both the sun rise and set while on my bike- long day but very cool.
Concerns: 30% chance of rain tomorrow and very tired.
Today's Reward: Eggplant Parm and Red Wine
Cheers to the Four Gold Stars and 34solo Challenge!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Day Three: Resolution
There is something about being a psychologist that suggests this compelling need to resolve any internal conflict that exists. Moreover, there is something about being a competitive psychologist that borderlines just plain madness. Early on I outlined my challenge. I prepared a roadmap of how to accomplish the stated challenge. I never developed a Plan A, B, C, D, or E and F in case I didn't meet any of the challenge goals or objectives. I did, however, talk a bit globally about what I was trying to accomplish with my Big Idea.
I've re-visisted that early Blog to remind myself of the bigger picture. In the midst of some very incredibly difficult challenges (like the logistics of wardrobe, hygiene, FOOD, mother nature's beastly elements, etc.) I've had to regroup. What am I trying to accomplish? What are the short and long-term goals? I initially said that I wanted to be less dependent on my vehicle and that I wanted to re-define the landscape of my day. Is it really about mileage or time? Maybe. Maybe not. I have accumulated over 40 miles and almost 3 hours of pure road bike seat time in just 3 days. I haven't started my SUV since Saturday. I have been on my bike as early as 5:30 A.m. and have been early to work for 3 consecutive days. I haven't had one person say that I smell.
Yesterday, I felt defeated. I felt that I outlined exactly how the challenge would play out. But I never really kept my eyes on the prize in terms of the ultimate goal.
Today, I saw the sun RISE and SET from the seat of my road bike. Somewhere in the middle, life happened.
Tomorrow, mostly sunny with updated miles and times, and a slight chance of life's challenges.
Cheers to resolution and the 34solo Challenge!
I've re-visisted that early Blog to remind myself of the bigger picture. In the midst of some very incredibly difficult challenges (like the logistics of wardrobe, hygiene, FOOD, mother nature's beastly elements, etc.) I've had to regroup. What am I trying to accomplish? What are the short and long-term goals? I initially said that I wanted to be less dependent on my vehicle and that I wanted to re-define the landscape of my day. Is it really about mileage or time? Maybe. Maybe not. I have accumulated over 40 miles and almost 3 hours of pure road bike seat time in just 3 days. I haven't started my SUV since Saturday. I have been on my bike as early as 5:30 A.m. and have been early to work for 3 consecutive days. I haven't had one person say that I smell.
Yesterday, I felt defeated. I felt that I outlined exactly how the challenge would play out. But I never really kept my eyes on the prize in terms of the ultimate goal.
Today, I saw the sun RISE and SET from the seat of my road bike. Somewhere in the middle, life happened.
Tomorrow, mostly sunny with updated miles and times, and a slight chance of life's challenges.
Cheers to resolution and the 34solo Challenge!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Day Two: Discouragement
If you don't live in Colorado, you might not have known that we had wind gusts of up to 40 MPH today There was a high wind advisory where large trucks and semi's were instructed to avoid highways.
So here is your update:
Morning commute is coming along nicely- up at 4:50 a.m and on the road by 5:30 to make the bus. It's been pleasant and great way to begin the day with a mere 7 miles under your belt. Met an interesting guy on the bus who was looking for work and had all sorts of questions about the economy and where to find decent work.
Throughout the day, I checked on the weather and walked outside about an hour before I was to hit the road. At the end of the day, as my new routine is, I changed and got ready to hit the highway. No less than 5 people asked if I wanted a ride, which I declined. As I opened the door, I was pushed back by the wind. It actually made me step back into the brick wall of the building. I realized quickly I should NOT have unzipped my sleeves, nor should I have chosen shorts rather than long pants. At that moment, I decided to ride to the bus stop and take the bus back INTO Loveland, and then ride the remaining 5 miles home.
Except the 40 MPH gusts didn't think that was a good idea. I didn't even make it out into the parking lot before a gust of wind came from my left (the north) and absolutely almost lifted me right up off my seat. Another one came along and pushed me into the curb. Clearly, there is a saftey hazard here. In fact, there were large cardboard boxes flying across the highway.
So, I took a ride home.
Question of the day- Is it really Car-Free or Car Pool that I have going on?
The grandiose of all grand stupid moments of the day- Attempted to take the mountain bike out this evening to stretch the legs, only to slip into the stream of water- both feet submerged, absolutely soaking my ONLY pair of riding shoes.
Feelings of the day- discouraged. disappointed. disenchanted.
My legs are fatigued. My 'lady parts' hurt from the seat. I have realized I need a Plan B, and probably a Plan C and D. And F, just for good measure.
So in the words of Forest Gump, 'that's all I have to say about that.'
Tomorrow is a new day and (half-heartedly) cheers to that new day and the 34solo challenge.
So here is your update:
Morning commute is coming along nicely- up at 4:50 a.m and on the road by 5:30 to make the bus. It's been pleasant and great way to begin the day with a mere 7 miles under your belt. Met an interesting guy on the bus who was looking for work and had all sorts of questions about the economy and where to find decent work.
Throughout the day, I checked on the weather and walked outside about an hour before I was to hit the road. At the end of the day, as my new routine is, I changed and got ready to hit the highway. No less than 5 people asked if I wanted a ride, which I declined. As I opened the door, I was pushed back by the wind. It actually made me step back into the brick wall of the building. I realized quickly I should NOT have unzipped my sleeves, nor should I have chosen shorts rather than long pants. At that moment, I decided to ride to the bus stop and take the bus back INTO Loveland, and then ride the remaining 5 miles home.
Except the 40 MPH gusts didn't think that was a good idea. I didn't even make it out into the parking lot before a gust of wind came from my left (the north) and absolutely almost lifted me right up off my seat. Another one came along and pushed me into the curb. Clearly, there is a saftey hazard here. In fact, there were large cardboard boxes flying across the highway.
So, I took a ride home.
Question of the day- Is it really Car-Free or Car Pool that I have going on?
The grandiose of all grand stupid moments of the day- Attempted to take the mountain bike out this evening to stretch the legs, only to slip into the stream of water- both feet submerged, absolutely soaking my ONLY pair of riding shoes.
Feelings of the day- discouraged. disappointed. disenchanted.
My legs are fatigued. My 'lady parts' hurt from the seat. I have realized I need a Plan B, and probably a Plan C and D. And F, just for good measure.
So in the words of Forest Gump, 'that's all I have to say about that.'
Tomorrow is a new day and (half-heartedly) cheers to that new day and the 34solo challenge.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Day ONE!
My faith in young people has been restored (momentarily of course). Meet pleasant and ultra positive young man on the street corner this afternoon. I asked him why the sign and he said, "for happiness I guess." Really? I like it and this is exactly why I'm riding my bike to and from work, to capture the essence of the characters......hopefully the up and coming young people who want to make the world a little better. So, cheers to Honk 4 Happiness!
On to the numbers for the day:
Total Mileage: 27.1
Total Time to Ride Home: 1 hour and 44 minutes. UGH
Average Speed: 15.5 MPH
Wind Gust: 20 MPH
Number of meetings I almost missed because I didn't drive to work: 2 (thank you to generous colleagues for the lift!)
Number of times I had to go to my 'Happy Place' on the ride home: 3
Thought of the Day: The wind is not my friend.
Concern of the Day: I don't have enough food.
Observation of the Day: A watched pot doesn't boil just as staring at the odometer doesn't get you home any faster.
Stupid Moment of the Day: I didn't leave my work shoes AT work! No sense carrying them in a backpack To and From work- why not just leave them?
The morning ride in was incredibly pleasant, and arrived to work early. The ride home was challenging. The wind was so strong if I were wearing a long flowing skirt (not an actual reality of course) I would have blown away. My backpack was so heavy that, at one point, I almost tossed my shoes into the field alongside the highway. I've been known to do this- throw things out of my pack to lighten the load or leave my pack next to a tree and finish the hike. Besides, they have a cracked sole anyway. But I didn't toss 'em. I persevered carrying my shoes with a cracked sole.
Onto my happy places. The first was a vision of me swimming in a giant bowl of chocolate ice cream. whoa! The second was winning the lottery and buying World Peace. The third, well I can't share that in my Blog.
Weather forecast for tomorrow: 30% chance of rain with enormous wind gusts and potential thunderstorms. Yea, that'll suck.
For all you new readers out there, Cheers to "Honk for Happiness" and the 34solo Challenge!
On to the numbers for the day:
Total Mileage: 27.1
Total Time to Ride Home: 1 hour and 44 minutes. UGH
Average Speed: 15.5 MPH
Wind Gust: 20 MPH
Number of meetings I almost missed because I didn't drive to work: 2 (thank you to generous colleagues for the lift!)
Number of times I had to go to my 'Happy Place' on the ride home: 3
Thought of the Day: The wind is not my friend.
Concern of the Day: I don't have enough food.
Observation of the Day: A watched pot doesn't boil just as staring at the odometer doesn't get you home any faster.
Stupid Moment of the Day: I didn't leave my work shoes AT work! No sense carrying them in a backpack To and From work- why not just leave them?
The morning ride in was incredibly pleasant, and arrived to work early. The ride home was challenging. The wind was so strong if I were wearing a long flowing skirt (not an actual reality of course) I would have blown away. My backpack was so heavy that, at one point, I almost tossed my shoes into the field alongside the highway. I've been known to do this- throw things out of my pack to lighten the load or leave my pack next to a tree and finish the hike. Besides, they have a cracked sole anyway. But I didn't toss 'em. I persevered carrying my shoes with a cracked sole.
Onto my happy places. The first was a vision of me swimming in a giant bowl of chocolate ice cream. whoa! The second was winning the lottery and buying World Peace. The third, well I can't share that in my Blog.
Weather forecast for tomorrow: 30% chance of rain with enormous wind gusts and potential thunderstorms. Yea, that'll suck.
For all you new readers out there, Cheers to "Honk for Happiness" and the 34solo Challenge!
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