The Roving Reporter
Hitting the streets (but not my head)
Posted by: Amy Reiter
Monday, July 7, 2008 8:56 PM
I can't wimp out.That's what I was thinking, though, when I woke up to the heavily pattering rain. I peeked outside to a very bike-unfriendly morning and wondered, if I took the car, would it be justified?
No, it would not, I decided.
I didn't see lightening, and by the time I left home, it was a only a
heavy drizzle. Still, it wouldn't be very professional for me to arrive at my morning interview soaking wet. I donned my gym spandex and rain jacket, put a change of pants and socks in my backpack and sped off, stopping at the Urbana Free Library (near my interview) to change clothes. I arrived, feeling damp but pretty good about myself.
Getting from downtown Urbana to the News-Gazette building in downtown Champaign turned out easier than I thought -- I went north on Race Street past University, then followed back roads until I got to Market Street in Champaign. Other than a few bumpy roads, it went well.
On my way home, I learned a few lessons. One: Leaving around rush hours isn't ideal. Going south along State Street, I felt a little intimidated by all the cars, though they lessened as I went south past Green Street. Two: I need to remember to pick up my right pant leg, which kept grazing the chains. I may look like a dork with one pant leg around my knee, but it'll be better than getting stuck in the chain.
My mileage for the day, so far: about 9.5 miles (I'm using Mapquest, because I don't have a mileage gage yet and http://www.mapmyride.com isn't reading on my home computer.)
And thanks so much to the commenters for the advice in the previous post, and those who sent suggestions via e-mail: I'll make sure to get front and back lights and appreciate the basket placement suggestion. I've also got a map of bike-friendly streets. So far, I've done no improvements to my bicycle, but I'm planning time on Wednesday for that.
Note: updated mileage, after a ride to and from Green Street for dinner: 14.8 miles
Amy
Comments
You go girl! There is great information on how to commute to work on your bike at this website: http://www.biketraffic.org/trickstips/
I recommend you buy the straps they sell at the local bike shops that you place around your pant legs to keep them from getting caught in the bike chain. Also, capris work well this time of year. When it gets hot, a few wet wipes are helpful to freshen up.
One of my New Year's goals was to bike more to work and I find that I really enjoy smelling the flowers, hearing the birds, and seeing more than I do when I drive. Join us one day for a bike club ride with the Prairie Bike Club. It is fun! Rides are listed here: http://www.prairiecycleclub.org/node/9
Posted by consider on July 7, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Kudos for not letting the rain deter you!
Remember when the road is wet it takes longer to stop.
--Tim (Year-round biker)
Posted by tevans on July 8, 2008 at 10:58 AM
It's really too bad that Moon Walk is over, because you would be banking serious steps!!
Be careful out there!
Posted by algon on July 8, 2008 at 11:46 AM
"lightening"
"gage"
Young journos -- they're so cute when they try to write!
Posted by Wenalway on July 8, 2008 at 2:33 PM
I'm afraid I wimped out on Monday morning. when I got ready to leave for work around 5AM it was pouring down rain and there was LOTS of lightning. I bike to work when I can (about 12 miles round trip). Most of it is in the country and at odd hours since I'm a swing shift worker. I can be on the road anywhere from 4:30AM to 11PM. My biggest problem so far is when the oil on the roads gets hot and sticky. I've also had a couple of cars swerve at me while riding in the country. That's a very unpleasant feeling. I'm not giving up though, I need the exercise. Good luck on your riding and I hope you continue after your "test" period.
Posted by ashrat on July 8, 2008 at 9:16 PM
