Friday Commute

Sticking to my personal goal, I commuted by bicycle on Friday. I would love to tell you of the people I met and the adventure I had, but in reality, the commute was rather routine today. But not in a bad way!

My first few attempts at bicycle commuting were like Apollo Moon Missions. Careful planning and preparations were needed for each run. Yesterday I just woke up and went. I was even on time for work! Something that never happens when commuting by car. So when I say routine, I mean that it was no big deal to just get up and go. Everything I needed for the day was in my Camel Bak.

The views were once again spectacular, but some of the other experiences were not. I got passed by trucks hauling garbage and rotting, fermented landscaping waste. The smell lingered along the road for way too long. On the way home out of Carson City, I had to deal with two German shepherds. I'd pass the pickup truck with the dogs at the 4way stops, and then they'd pass me when they got rolling again. Each time it scared the crap out of me when the dogs started barking.

At lunch, I rode with some of the FBC riders. They did a dirt loop, so I left them and met them where the dirt trails started and ended. I got some good hill climbing in, and made it all the way to the Washoe County border. I rode in three counties today!

The ride home had some strong cross winds from the West, but now that I'm more familiar with the road, they're not too bad to deal with. When I arrived home, Kristy made me some Pad Thai. This was enjoyed with a couple North Coast Brewing Company California Pale Ales. I laid down on the couch at 8:00 PM, and passed out cold...

Bicycle miles: 42
Car miles: 0

Bike to Work Day

Friday was Bike to Work Day in Nevada. Having the day at the end of the week was a bit mentally and phsically hard, since I had already done so much riding this week. I was exhausted Thursday night, and wasn't sure how I'd pull it off. Much to my surprise though, I woke up Friday feeling quite refreshed! I also planned to take the direct route down HWY 395. It's not as scenic, but it gets me to work a lot faster without as much climbing. I took this route last year, and the traffic scared the living hell out of me! It wasn't as bad this time though. I'm getting used to it I guess. There are moments of tension and release throughout the route, but I don't think there's anyway around that when dealing with traffic.

Another reason I was interested in taking the direct route is that Comma Coffee was giving out free coffee to bicycle commuters. I arrived at Comma Coffee just a bit after 8:00, so I really didn't see any other cyclists. I was a little worried that I would have to explain that I commuted by bike and that I was looking for the free coffee, but they cheerfully looked at me and said, "Free Coffee?". They even recommended a blend to me. I also entered a raffle for $500 towards a new bike. Outside, I finally got to try one of the Muscle Powered bicycle racks.

At lunch, I met up with Marcus and Sandie and did a nice road bike tour of the west side of Carson City. We did Kings Canyon, the bike path, and then back to work. Marcus had some extra time, and did some additional miles.

One of the best things about bicycle commuting is all that you experience. A car is like a cell in which you don't get released until you arrive at work. Not so on the bike. It was nice to see pedestrians and animals along the way and say hello. You also have a bit more time to look at things, since you're not driving as fast. It's amazing all the subtleties you notice when slowing things down a bit.

Outside the coffee shop I heard two homeless guys talking about what they were going to do today. They wanted to get a room somewhere and wash the stinky clothes they had been wearing for four days in a row now they said.

For the last couple of years, I have seen this guy riding his bike up and down HWY 395 through Carson Valley. Winter and Summer. Every time I see him from my car, it makes me wish I would've ridden too. Today as I neared Indian Hills, I saw him in front of me. I was excited I would finally get to meet him. I snapped a picture from a ways back so he didn't think I was a freak. We talked for a bit as we rode, and I learned that Mr. Smith is 69 years old, and rides across the valley to take care of his 90 year old mother. On the way home we crossed paths again in Minden. We had a better talk this time, since we weren't on the HWY. We rode the side streets and talked about bikes. He wanted to know some tips for climbing the Indian Hills climb, and said that a lot of cyclists seem to pass him there. I noticed his seat was pretty low, and he's going to try and raise it for the next ride. I told him it might help with knee pain too, but he said he wasn't sure he'd be able to tell. He said everything hurts at his age anyway. We rode together to his house, and then I continued on to my House in Gardnerville. Hopefully I'll see him next week!

Today's total bicycle miles: 40 - Total car miles: 0