Text posted on 9.04.11
While Labor Day supposedly marks ‘the end of summer’, mine ended about 6 weeks ago. I got a full-time temp job mid-July and as my school finances became more of a concern, riding became much less of a focus.
I recently moved to a new town for school and while bikes are commonplace on campus, I don’t see any 30+ mi treks in my future. It’s with a heavy heart I’m hanging up my helmet until next spring.
I didn’t accomplish the mileage I had hoped and the century ride plans kind of evaporated (timing, finances, etc) but I am by no means giving up my goal- just extending the time period in which I hope to accomplish it!
Link posted on 7.05.11
Every driver who is able should have to bike to work or bike to run their errands at least once a week. Knowing how little margin for error there is and feeling the danger they create first hand would make them such better, more aware drivers. I know it’s definitely had that effect on me.
And while on the topic, a big high-five and kudos to the North Shore drivers. I’ve been in some near-misses at intersections (the most dangerous place for cyclists) but they are generally really great and careful when passing. It is certainly appreciated.
Text posted on 6.09.11
Today was rough. I’m not going to lie, I contemplated taking the bus home. Then I realized I forgot my wallet and had no cash so that plan went out the window.
It’s been a while since I went on a long ride, and the Green Bay trail is a pain in the ass to get to- it’s only about 5 miles away but it takes me almost an hour to get there because I have to cross US41 and then navigate around downtown Highland Park with it’s plethora of stop signs and street parking (i.e. lots of riding on sidewalks)- so I ventured out toward the DPRT tonight. Not only is it really easy to get to, but it’s so much more scenic than the other trails (SV rail trail, that means you). I was right!
Since we had a streak of no rain for the last week or so I took a chance that the water levels dropped and the RT 60 crossing would be passable. And it was! Finally!
Worried that the thunderstorms expected tomorrow would ruin my chance to put up some decent mileage, I basically rode until I could ride no more. I was exhausted and despite chugging about 56 oz of water during my ride I made it home slightly dehydrated. I couldn’t even make it up the stairs and had to nap on the couch in the family room before my quads allowed me to crawl to my bedroom. Nevertheless, it was nice to get that out of my system and I’ll have some pics up soon (the rain may have closed the trail but it made everything green and beautiful)
Link posted on 6.03.11
“But the 1890s, when the bicycle first rose to popularity, also saw the rise of three separate political movements – the civil rights movement, suffragism and socialism. All made a connection between cycling and political freedom, and all used bicycles within their public campaigns.
The suffragettes took things one step further. Bikes offered an escape from house and husband. They gave independence, opened up new horizons, offered the possibility of new associations. They were fast, modern and needed almost no maintenance
…A bicycle still offers freedom, but this time from cars and queues, from oil, from rising prices and a life inside. It gives us back the landscape and makes us part of nature again. It belongs to everyone – every age, every class, every race and religion. And, most importantly of all, it’s fun. A century on, and bicycles are still liberating us all.”
