Lessons Learned - Bike Riding

I’ve been riding my bike to the subway station and cutting out the bus part of my commute.  It’s a really nice, safe, quiet commute along an old converted rail track that is now a tree lined bike path.  Here are my main lessons learned:

1.     1. Riding the bike is faster than taking the bus.  This morning I was running late for a meeting and was torn.  It takes a chunk of time to unlock and relock the bike at each end of the trip.  I ended up riding the bike and was surprised that booking it turned a 20 minute (if you’re lucky) bus ride into a 5 minute trip along the lush green wildlife.

2.    2.  Speaking of wildlife, don’t be disarmed by the quieter pace, there still can be road kill.  Luckily I haven’t witnessed any yet, but yesterday there was a squirrel that seemed to have a death wish.  I was watching it as it was sniffing around in the lane going the other direction.  As I was coming up to it, so was another bike coming the other way.  Instead of darting to the side of the path nearest, it decided to dart across the whole path, right in front of my on-coming bike.  I actually had to slam on the brakes.  I couldn’t believe it.  In the end all was good and I was just left with my heart racing.

3.     3. Be careful about how late you stay out. Last night,  I had met up with friends for drinks on the steps of the ICA museum, looking out at the harbor and enjoying the live music.  It was so nice and cool by the water so by the time we headed home dusk was approaching.  By the time my subway stop arrived and I emerged from the underground, dusk had moved to full on night.  It was pretty freaky riding along the pitch black bike path - the shady trees creating a tunnel that is so gorgeous during the day make the night ominous and block out any light from the sky.  I ended up just going along the bike path a little and then taking the streets all the way home.  At least at that time in the night the busy streets weren’t that busy.  Next time pack a headlamp or leave earlier.

4.    4. This morning was the first time I didn’t wear a dress to work.  And man does that make a difference biking in this weather.  Pants are the opposite of nice and airy, letting your body breath with the humidity.  Don’t wear pants!  I knew this, but it was long enough since the last time I rode with pants I forgot how bad it was.  I need some more dresses.

5.    5.  I’ve been strapping my bag to the back of my bike (on my new bike rack).  I really need to make a bag basket.  It takes just as long to get ready to go/or leave than the actual ride.  Locking the bike up or strapping on the bag so it won’t fall off.  It would be so much easier to just have a basket to through my bag and lock into. 

6.   6. I’m surprised at how many people leave their helmet with their bike.  In some cases it isn’t even locked up.  I still bring mine with me, since they’re not cheap.  I am thinking of putting my headlamp onto my bike.  I was worried someone could easily steal it, but I’m not using it so might as well try it out.

The heat wave is miserable - never ending.  The heat index is supposed to be up to 110 today.  I didn’t realize this when I left (would have worn a dress for sure).  And am a little worried about my furry friends at home.  I left one fan on at home but don’t think that will make a difference.  I’ve been finding each of them taking turns sleeping in the tub - coolest spot in the house.  I made arrangements to go swimming with my god-children this weekend to beat the heat.  Unfortunately it worked out to be Sunday which looks like it will be in the 70s - so still fun at the beach but not as much cooling off.

Mom’s coming to visit next week (yay!) and the good news (fingers crossed) it looks like the heat will stay away her whole visit and stay in the 70s.  Which is good news.  I’ve gone from trying to think of good AC places to visit back to just regular stuff to visit.  Stay cool!