So I'm commuting intermittently by bike, and there are some distinct pluses and minuses.
The pluses:
Getting exercised and pumped up on my commute instead of being sedentary and frustrated.
Saving approximately $1.50 on gas per round trip to work.
Becoming comfortable using a bike on the road as a means of transportation, rather than as an occasional toy to be used only on designated paths.
Getting to see my neighborhood and its surroundings, rather than the series of brake lights, stop signs, and stop lights which are usually the focal points of my commute by car.
The minuses:
The tiny little hill at Manning and Motor that I really ought to be able to get up more easily, what with 27 gears and all.
Having to change at work. Using the handicapped stall to towel off and change is a drag and a half. The only thing worse is not being able to change. I was leaving today, and they were mopping the restroom floors, so I rode home in work clothes. Work pants are not very cycle friendly.
Hearing people rev their engines to get around me, regardless of how open the other lane is. This is ridiculous. I do this EXACT SAME commute several times a week by car, and I KNOW there are NOT that many fast drivers in my neighborhood. These are the same jackasses I sit behind in traffic because they can't figure out what the little pedal on the right is for. But let a bike appear in front of them, and all of a sudden they're Michael Schumacher. I KNOW cars are faster than bikes, I've got one myself. If you're going to speed, speed! We'll all be grateful for getting there that much faster. But winding your engine to the redline to then drive 35mph is a little pathetic, and makes me take that much more joy in making you do it ALL OVER AGAIN after I pass you at the next stoplight.
I've ridden 3 days in a row now, which is pretty good for me and any sort of exercise program, crankmob, a trip out to Marina Del Rey with my dad on Sunday, and to work and back today. There's another mellow ride starting in my neighborhood tomorrow night. That one looks awesome. Hopefully I won't be too sleepy.
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1 comments:
I don't know precisely where you live or work, but there are ways around those hills. Manning & Motor are rarely the right choice due to their rolling nature. If appropriate one can take National West from Motor, hang a right on Overland, and that gets you around. Overland is also ok - it's like one big punch in the face, but just one. I prefer not to descend it though.
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