Warning: This is a foul mouthed rant, but I nearly got killed today, so I hope you'll forgive that I just need to get this out of my system. It was intense.
Today was almost the end of my bike commuting with M. Mostly because it was very nearly the end of me. Despite caution, and following the rules, some bastardSOBmo-fo tried to hit me. I say tried because there was no way he didn't see me. Except maybe he was a geriatric old white dude. Not that I have anything specifically against old white dudes, but well, they seem to be the cause of all of my vehicle related drama.
The intersection where it happened is on the list of three that were already the most nerve wracking of my trip. I already take extra precautions on that section of road, but apparently not enough. I will be full on walking the bike for a couple of blocks, just to be safe. Not that I think in this case that it would have stopped the obviously going to hell now (he seems like the type to believe) big black SUV driving small peckered scum.
My speed, his speed, the foot or two I ended up getting missed by, there just isn't way that he wasn't aiming for me in some way. A seems to think that perhaps his age could explain him just being so unaware of what was going on, but that just helps me make a case for yearly driving tests and euthanasia. (joking, at least about the euthanasia, I'm dead serious about the driving tests)
The good news is not a scratch on M or I. I first questioned his manhood and told him where I thought he should shove something. I think. Then I got on the sidewalk and then proceeded to freak the fuck out, which made M get freaked too. My basket bracket is broken, something I have no idea when or how happened. A woman stopped to make sure I was OK, while I called 911 to report the vehicle (I wasn't thinking clear enough to get a license plate). After that I tried to call A, because without the basket, I couldn't get home. He was on the road and not answering. Another cyclist then stopped to help, followed by my neighbor Sunny. She is an angel. We bungeed my basket to her rack, and she escorted us home. Where I attempted to hold it together until A got home. Yeah, that didn't work so well.
After A went home, we went out for dinner and ice cream. Now I think I'll have a beer.
Showing posts with label Bicycle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bicycle. Show all posts
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
It is not a sprint, it is a marathon...
... run by someone who is out of shape, and has never done this before, and isn't entirely sure what she is doing.
I have to remind myself, when I don't lose weight like I want to, when I have a bad week and I eat out a lot, when I just can't make it through my day without chocolate, that this is not about if every single day is a good day. It is about making the right choices more often than I don't, and hitting the big goals, not worry about what the scale says on a daily basis.
Overall, my stamina is great. There isn't a week that goes by where I don't get out and exercise at least twice, usually three or four times. Bad days aside, my portions are smaller and my food choices are better. I am moving in the right direction. Just very slowly.
Tonight I took pictures of myself. Like those ones I took way back when. It took some flipping back and forth, but it is there, it is visible, even semi nekkid. It is there in the way my clothes fit, and how my boss keeps telling me it is showing (she is one of my best cheerleaders and I love it).
It shows in how last night I went for a 3.3 mile walk, despite cracks in my calloused heels and blisters on my feet. That tonight I walked another two miles with Kristen, then came home to install my new girly seat so tomorrow I can ride in to work. I may go days without doing stuff, but it never lasts that long. I can't imagine going in to this winter and letting up on this. I'm already plotting how to fit in going to gym downtown during the day.
So, thanks Kristen, and Julie, and Christina. I'm getting there, slowly, but I am getting there. It may take a couple of BlogHer's, but I'll be the skinny bitch eventually.
PS. Weight, still hovering around 232-235. Though there was the day it was 231.something I nearly died. WHEN it drops below 230 I'll likely throw a party.
I have to remind myself, when I don't lose weight like I want to, when I have a bad week and I eat out a lot, when I just can't make it through my day without chocolate, that this is not about if every single day is a good day. It is about making the right choices more often than I don't, and hitting the big goals, not worry about what the scale says on a daily basis.
Overall, my stamina is great. There isn't a week that goes by where I don't get out and exercise at least twice, usually three or four times. Bad days aside, my portions are smaller and my food choices are better. I am moving in the right direction. Just very slowly.
Tonight I took pictures of myself. Like those ones I took way back when. It took some flipping back and forth, but it is there, it is visible, even semi nekkid. It is there in the way my clothes fit, and how my boss keeps telling me it is showing (she is one of my best cheerleaders and I love it).
It shows in how last night I went for a 3.3 mile walk, despite cracks in my calloused heels and blisters on my feet. That tonight I walked another two miles with Kristen, then came home to install my new girly seat so tomorrow I can ride in to work. I may go days without doing stuff, but it never lasts that long. I can't imagine going in to this winter and letting up on this. I'm already plotting how to fit in going to gym downtown during the day.
So, thanks Kristen, and Julie, and Christina. I'm getting there, slowly, but I am getting there. It may take a couple of BlogHer's, but I'll be the skinny bitch eventually.
PS. Weight, still hovering around 232-235. Though there was the day it was 231.something I nearly died. WHEN it drops below 230 I'll likely throw a party.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
A question of safety.
I wasn't sure if I wanted to talk about this here, but Darcie Twittered the article to me (I had already been reading about it at work), so I'm going to comment. The safety of my new bike commute is something that I have wanted to talk about anyways.
I may have only rode to work twice, but my experience with cycling goes way back. Over 30 years ago I was where M is, a passenger on a bicycle being peddled around Minneapolis. First in a pack kid carrier (hello not safe), and later in a seat far more primitive than the one M rides in. This was long before bicycle lanes and helmets for little kids. As I got older, bicycles and people who were serious about them surrounded me. As a tween, I went on a serious road ride with a group of family friends. My first traffic ticket was a bike ticket as a teen. I had to go to bike traffic school in my home town. I have been in one relatively serious (and solo) bike crash. It is only as an adult that my interest in cycling (and virtually all other exercise) has waned. Basically, while I am fresh to part of this, I feel comfortable commenting with some experience.
Riding a bicycle is safe. In some respects, it is safer than riding in a car. We take chances every time we get in a car just the same as a bicycle, or a walk down the street. When M rides in the car, she is buckled in a properly installed high end car seat. When she is on my bike, she is buckled in to a high end bike seat, wearing a helmet. When I drive, I wear my seat belt, I adjust my mirrors, and I drive defensively. When I ride my bicycle I wear a helmet, I ride defensively, and I pick routes that have less traffic and marked bike lanes. I follow the rules of the road no matter what I am driving, and as a cyclist, I follow the rules of the road and assume that no one sees me, no one is going to yield to my right of way, and that I am always at risk. In both cases, I use the occasional colorful word when appropriate. (though there is a lot more "fudgsicles" these days)
The route that I ride on has industrial and truck traffic, but it is not heavy when I am riding. Among other things, it is a two (car) lane road with right side bicycle lanes. I know the section of road where the accident occurred and if that were part of my commute, I'm not sure I would be doing what I am. It is a one way street with the bike lane on the left, where right of way and blind turns cause issues.
What happened was tragic. Unfortunately a lot the commentary has turned to "evil truck" and "irresponsible cyclist". The fact is that blame may not be easily assigned, as is often the case in any accident. The bottom line is that a woman lost her partner, and others lost a friend. The truck driver may not be getting a citation, but that doesn't mean that they won't live with that event for the rest of their lives. Anyone who has been in an accident where there was a fatality knows that never leaves you, no matter who is to blame.
The good news is that this isn't something that you read about every day.
What I am asking is that if you drive, watch for the cyclists (and motor cycles and scooters), and remember that they have a right to be there too. If you bicycle, even for fun, let your elected officials know that you use the resources and you appreciate them. Let them know that investing in safe infrastructure is good for everyone. Encourage them to do more to ensure everyone's safety. Follow the rules of the road, signal your turns, be nice to pedestrians.
I may have only rode to work twice, but my experience with cycling goes way back. Over 30 years ago I was where M is, a passenger on a bicycle being peddled around Minneapolis. First in a pack kid carrier (hello not safe), and later in a seat far more primitive than the one M rides in. This was long before bicycle lanes and helmets for little kids. As I got older, bicycles and people who were serious about them surrounded me. As a tween, I went on a serious road ride with a group of family friends. My first traffic ticket was a bike ticket as a teen. I had to go to bike traffic school in my home town. I have been in one relatively serious (and solo) bike crash. It is only as an adult that my interest in cycling (and virtually all other exercise) has waned. Basically, while I am fresh to part of this, I feel comfortable commenting with some experience.
Riding a bicycle is safe. In some respects, it is safer than riding in a car. We take chances every time we get in a car just the same as a bicycle, or a walk down the street. When M rides in the car, she is buckled in a properly installed high end car seat. When she is on my bike, she is buckled in to a high end bike seat, wearing a helmet. When I drive, I wear my seat belt, I adjust my mirrors, and I drive defensively. When I ride my bicycle I wear a helmet, I ride defensively, and I pick routes that have less traffic and marked bike lanes. I follow the rules of the road no matter what I am driving, and as a cyclist, I follow the rules of the road and assume that no one sees me, no one is going to yield to my right of way, and that I am always at risk. In both cases, I use the occasional colorful word when appropriate. (though there is a lot more "fudgsicles" these days)
The route that I ride on has industrial and truck traffic, but it is not heavy when I am riding. Among other things, it is a two (car) lane road with right side bicycle lanes. I know the section of road where the accident occurred and if that were part of my commute, I'm not sure I would be doing what I am. It is a one way street with the bike lane on the left, where right of way and blind turns cause issues.
What happened was tragic. Unfortunately a lot the commentary has turned to "evil truck" and "irresponsible cyclist". The fact is that blame may not be easily assigned, as is often the case in any accident. The bottom line is that a woman lost her partner, and others lost a friend. The truck driver may not be getting a citation, but that doesn't mean that they won't live with that event for the rest of their lives. Anyone who has been in an accident where there was a fatality knows that never leaves you, no matter who is to blame.
The good news is that this isn't something that you read about every day.
What I am asking is that if you drive, watch for the cyclists (and motor cycles and scooters), and remember that they have a right to be there too. If you bicycle, even for fun, let your elected officials know that you use the resources and you appreciate them. Let them know that investing in safe infrastructure is good for everyone. Encourage them to do more to ensure everyone's safety. Follow the rules of the road, signal your turns, be nice to pedestrians.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Bike Commuting Day 2 - Headwind vs. Tailwind
Headwind = bad
Tailwind = good
Today I learned that in addition to temperature it would be a good idea to check wind speed and direction and plan departure time accordingly. Or give up and take the damn bus.
Over the weekend I added to my gear and got a rear light (not installed yet), a mirror (also not installed yet), and a pair of gloves (good god how did I live without). The gloves were on clearance, and actually in my size (women's XL). I was shocked and amazed that they make them in XL. Normally I get the shaft on gloves. I feel that when commuting with the kid, the are a necessity. You spend a lot of time gripping the handlebars. A lot more than if you weren't in a constant battle for balance (and with the ever loving wind). I tried to do three blocks without after dropping M off, yeah, bad idea.
The other thing I learned today is that the city of Minneapolis sucks. Mayor Rybak pushes for bike friendly, brags about how bike friendly we are what he is doing to make it better when came to talk to my office, and then none of the websites have up to date or usable info. Phone calls get you someone who doesn't have a clue. They closed the bike lockers in the ramp by M's daycare and both the office where you rent them, as well as every website I could find, makes no mention of this. Worse yet, if you call the ramps, you get a barely understandable person with no idea what you are asking about. I finally had better luck sending an email. Stupid Twins stadium. It has ruined the street with the bike lane that I could safely ride all the way in on (there is a crater as large as a car on it), and now it has made the whole commuting with a kid thing much harder as well. I may need to stick with keeping my bike at work like I had been doing. I would have much rather stashed it by daycare. Bah!
By the time they resolve all of it, M will be too large for the seat, and I will need to figure out how to store a trailer. (or maybe I'll get lucky and she won't gain any weight for a year and a half)
My next day was going to be Wednesday, but something about 90 degrees and thunderstorms has me thinking "bus". Thursday is out for walking I think since Kristen has family in town, so I'll try to bike then stop at the Bike Festival at our local library on the way home.
Tailwind = good
Today I learned that in addition to temperature it would be a good idea to check wind speed and direction and plan departure time accordingly. Or give up and take the damn bus.
Over the weekend I added to my gear and got a rear light (not installed yet), a mirror (also not installed yet), and a pair of gloves (good god how did I live without). The gloves were on clearance, and actually in my size (women's XL). I was shocked and amazed that they make them in XL. Normally I get the shaft on gloves. I feel that when commuting with the kid, the are a necessity. You spend a lot of time gripping the handlebars. A lot more than if you weren't in a constant battle for balance (and with the ever loving wind). I tried to do three blocks without after dropping M off, yeah, bad idea.
The other thing I learned today is that the city of Minneapolis sucks. Mayor Rybak pushes for bike friendly, brags about how bike friendly we are what he is doing to make it better when came to talk to my office, and then none of the websites have up to date or usable info. Phone calls get you someone who doesn't have a clue. They closed the bike lockers in the ramp by M's daycare and both the office where you rent them, as well as every website I could find, makes no mention of this. Worse yet, if you call the ramps, you get a barely understandable person with no idea what you are asking about. I finally had better luck sending an email. Stupid Twins stadium. It has ruined the street with the bike lane that I could safely ride all the way in on (there is a crater as large as a car on it), and now it has made the whole commuting with a kid thing much harder as well. I may need to stick with keeping my bike at work like I had been doing. I would have much rather stashed it by daycare. Bah!
By the time they resolve all of it, M will be too large for the seat, and I will need to figure out how to store a trailer. (or maybe I'll get lucky and she won't gain any weight for a year and a half)
My next day was going to be Wednesday, but something about 90 degrees and thunderstorms has me thinking "bus". Thursday is out for walking I think since Kristen has family in town, so I'll try to bike then stop at the Bike Festival at our local library on the way home.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Bike Commuting with a Toddler
So, we did it. We survived. Somewhere around 12 miles round trip, to and from work, and everyone arrived where they needed to be safe and sound. It was wonderful to start my day with exercise, instead of ending it with exercise. I felt great all day long. I want to do this whenever I can, and I think I've learned some valuable lessons for if we do this again. I'm breaking it down to bullet points, because I love bullet points.
What I wish I had known before:
- Apparently the temp this morning may or may not have started with a 3. That is in the same range as freezing. I was determined to do it, so I kind of sort of didn't totally pay attention to the weather, other than the expect high.
What I loved:
- I love M's seat. It is a Topeak Baby Seat. I only wish we had done this last year so I had a whole extra year of her riding with me. This will be the only year we can, next year another option will need to be found unless she doesn't gain any weight or get taller. I feel totally secure with her in it.
- My basket, dorky as it may be. I got a basket last night, a must for with the seat when I can't really have a messenger bag in M's face. I smell a bike picnic some time in our future.
- Minneapolis's bike trails. We had a bike lane almost all the way in and I felt comfortable in it even when traffic got heavier.
What I may do in the future: (if this becomes a regular thing, I will need to refine a few things)
- Lights. I need lights even if we are out during the day. A tail light at the most. I would feel more comfortable.
- Mirror. Again, a comfort thing. Checking behind me with the weight in front and behind is a little cumbersome, a mirror would be a good idea.
- Water. I need to drink less right before I leave work, and bring it with for the ride.
- Breakfast. I need to pack or plan to have a hearty breakfast after I get to work. Maximize calorie burn and um, I was hungry. Also, small snack at home in the morning.
- A small lock for the child seat. So I can leave my bike with it on it without worrying someone is going to walk off with it.
- An ergonomic girly saddle. Um, the bones, they be hurting. I may want to invest in a better saddle.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Bicycle! Bicycle! I want to ride my bicycle!
This last weekend my awesome plans to work on my Square Foot Garden (more about that later) were delayed slightly by a husband who wanted to get our bikes fixed back up so we could all go out. Since I've already made an investment in running/walking and other fitness, I wasn't so sure about it. However, any effort on his part to get in better shape is a good thing. Bicycling is good way for someone with a bad back to get going. Especially when he also has a bad ankle that makes running no longer an option.
So, we carted our bikes off the local norse bike shop, one at a time, since I didn't feel like getting our the scratchy rack for this. The damage wasn't too bad for my bike, it has been barely ridden and tuned right before it was forgotten about. It just needs tires, 10 years is a lot to ask of them. A wasn't nearly so lucky. His requires a lot more work and will be done Thursday. No worries though, we had thought it would be over a week.
We also looked into bike seats to M. I would go for the safer option of a trailer, but if I want to commute with her, a seat is my best bet. Her silly height (still waiting for it to slow down) negated my first choice, the iBert (I also think I would have mounting issues). We settled on what looks like the tallest one available. She may have to bend her knees. (I am a bit jealous that she will have suspension and I won't) I'm really hoping she likes it, since it means we could bike to work some days. Good exercise, and fun for her. Extra nice, there was a sale at REI (that membership has paid for itself I don't know how many times over), so we got it from there. Not so nice, I need to install it myself. I emailed pictures to a bike riding friend from work, and says the rack will fit, but it may be this weekend before we know for sure. By then we'll have A's bike back, and we may be able to go out as a family. I'll take pictures when it is all setup and give an honest review of tall kid in back of bike seat.
If this goes well, and we keep it up, I'll get a receiver hitch and a proper rack for my Hyundai. Yes, I realize a trailer hitch on a small Korean car seems odd, but for regular family exercise, I'll do it.
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