Induction into the car-centric life

This holiday has been really nice. I have had a wonderful time visiting family and getting caught up with two of my favorite people in the world: my nieces Zoe (6) and Annabelle (4). We have had quite the celebration here!

However,I have a confession to make: I struggle with the completely car-centric attitude that my nieces are being inducted into. For Christmas some relatives bought the girls a little battery-powered car to drive around in the yard. Needless to say, the tricycle Annabelle was enjoying a few days ago is no longer interesting in comparison to the car.

It is shocking to me to see that the car culture is sucking them in earlier and earlier with the help of well meaning people like my relatives. What gets me is that for the money that was spent on that little car that sucked up petroleum to produce the car and will use energy to keep it running, the girls could have had TWO really nice bicycles. They will outgrow that car in a year or two--if it lasts that long--and what then, a golf cart? Is it any wonder that by the time they are teenagers they'll feel entitled to a car? Hopefully, the newness of that car will wear off but the sense of adventure and freedom that comes with a bike will never end. I just hope that the girls are given that choice as well.

Bikey Christmas

While I look forward to, and enjoy, Christmas every year, I am dismayed at the consumerism and sedentary nature of this holiday. I have spent more time in a car over the past four days than in the last six weeks combined! My folks live out in the country and while I love it and it is beautiful, it does not encourage an active transportation lifestyle. We go everywhere by car.

Yesterday we went shopping with my nieces and I was flabbergasted at the layout of so many of the shopping plazas we visited. They were downright unsafe for pedestrians. The message here is: "Don't try to get anywhere without a car". I saw people literally moving their cars a couple hundred yards to get closer to the next set of stores rather than walk because you felt like you were taking your life in your own hands walking anywhere since there were almost no sidewalks and cars were rushing to and fro. To end our day, we were rear ended coming home (while sitting in traffic). No one was hurt but I couldn't help but think how much I just detest cars. Whose idea was this anyway?

On a bright note, my four year niece has learned to ride her tricycle and we have had loads of fun with that. Good times.

Miles walked: 3

Wishing I could stay.....

Yesterday turned out to be quite an adventure in my little bikey life. I left home on bike when it was 45 degrees outside. I wore a thin pair of cotton pants, t-shirt and light long-sleeve cotton shirt, running shoes, a wool scarf, safety vest, gloves, and a fleece headband. I did not check the weather forecast.

BIG mistake.

I biked to my office and worked until noon, biked downtown for lunch and then off to the library. By the time I left Ellis at 7 PM, it was 25 degrees outside. I bundled up as best I could and pedaled hard home. My trunk stayed warm but my arms were so cold that when I squeezed them I could barely feel it. I was fine because I kept moving, but I will never do something that dumb again. I decided that staying the night in Ellis next time might not be so bad! :-D

Miles: 7

GM's last stand

I saw this Andy Singer cartoon and had to roll. I know the collapse of the car industry is not "funny" and I am sorry about so many workers who have lost jobs over the last two decades. I just think it is pretty pathetic that GM has had access to so many resources (both human and technological) and they still can't make a go of it. The reality is that GM has not been loyal to the US or to its workers (sending almost all jobs overseas to pay those workers poorly and pollute in distant places--far away from the American conscience) so it seems fitting that they are not surviving. Maybe they could try and build bike frames here at home? Heaven knows their health insurance costs would be lower for a cadre of workers who biked to get to the plant everyday.

Miles: 6

Good Cycling Day

Today I rode in and wore my new balaclava which worked amazingly well! For such thin fabric it is awesome. Very surprising. I also wore my hunting gloves I got at Wallyworld and I was toasty. I rode in to meet with some students and then out to meet some other people for lunch. They were surprised when they realized I had come on my bike. The common refrain right now is, "You still riding?"

Over lunch we talked about bike commuting and the conversation got around to the cost of owning a car. One guy had just had the struts replaced on his car to the tune of $650. Another had other work done at a cost of $1200. Ouch. I had to take and get my kickstand bolt replaced after lunch....to the tune of...well nothing! They did it for free. I did have the brakes replaced a while back for around 15 bucks but that's it. I am always reminded of how much we work just to support our cars! I hope to be car free one day. For now, I am car lighter and lighter! :-D

Miles: 7

Winter Cycling

After this recent spate of cold weather I became interested in people who cycle through really tough winter conditions, such as say, five feet of snow, etc. I have kept up with Jill Homer on her blog and bought and read her book Ghost Trails. Now when I think it is too cold to bike at 20 degrees, I think of Jill--out there slogging through enough ice and snow to make your heart stop. She is a great writer and the photos on her blog are fantastic. My only wish is that she would do a blog post on her winter gear as I could use the tips.

Another guy who cycles through South Dakota winters is Snakebite chronicled below. He makes winter cycling look easy!

Keep Calm and Ride On

I saw this image at Urban Simplicity and given the weather today (18 degrees and snow!) I thought it was appropriate. I am going out later today on the bike. The snow does not bother me but I fear ice. So far, I don't see any ice so we'll see. I *am* going to buy a pair of hunting gloves though and wear my longjohns and SmartWool socks which are so very warm. Who else is cycling in the snow out there?

Does low-tech = Freedom?

The New York Times recently published an article about Cormac McCarthy's Olivetti typewriter which he bought for $50 in 1963 in a Tennessee pawnshop. He has written Pulizer Prize winning books and many other manuscripts on this simple machine. His original Olivetti will be auctioned at Christie's and he has replaced it with another Olivetti for $11 plus $19.95 shipping and handling.

Like McCarthy's Olivetti, so much of what is produced by a bike comes directly from the user without making overly technological demands or chaining us to expensive and destructive forces. For instance, the bicycle is simple enough (and yet incredibly efficient) to be worked on by everyone--albeit some slower than others, but still...you don't need a PhD or a ton of money to maintain a bike. And it is a truly democratic machine in that it to ride and maintain a bike does not cause the owner to go broke and it does not make life unbearable for other people in either local or distant places (i.e, pollution, war, traffic congestion, debt, etc).

Long live low tech!

We interrupt this blog for some industrial strength satire

I am reprinting this blog post from Andy over at People Powered due to the wicked satire and yet underlying hopeful message.

Give up: You’re too stupid.
This blog has been temporarily taken over by the Ministry of Propaganda to make an important announcement:

You are entirely powerless to change anything.

You are not individually created, deeply imaginative beings capable of finding solutions for yourselves, so stop trying. After much consultation with people who are more important than you, we have a far better understanding of any given issue. It is therefore pointless for you to research anything yourself: you cannot possibly understand it. Mainstream media can provide all your information. remain scared. Do not get involved in change.

You are not capable of developing your own localised low-cost solutions to environmental problems. If you want to care for the environment then you must buy products designed by the industry because they know a lot more than you. Riding a bike shows that you are different: invest your savings in a hybrid car so that we can keep the motor industry alive. Don’t get ideas about building your own beautiful house for less than it costs to buy a new car: buy an industry made eco-house for twice the cost of a normal home and take out a 30 year mortgage to cover it. Going ‘off grid’ is too difficult. Remember: you are not an expert, you are not creative. Buy more.

‘Living simply‘ means returning to the dark ages. Community is overrated. It is very important that you keep looking for more, bigger, better. Following desires implanted in you by marketers is freedom. Things that are free are of no value. Do not enjoy the sunset outside. Go and buy a plasma TV so you can watch films of sunsets, and get an even bigger one next year. It is important to keep up with your neighbours. Where you live is boring: go to exotic places for your holidays: this is the way to fulfilment. Do not develop meaningful relationships with friends over home-cooked food: go to expensive restaurants to be seen so that your social status is increased. And drive there. You can’t help the environment anyway, so stop trying. Loneliness is normal. Normal is good.

Big Business will look after you -as long as you do as you are told. Stay scared and buy things you don’t need. Accept the decisions of those in authority without question because they know much more than you. Do not think independently: you may decide to be different. Being different is difficult. People who live differently become labelled as strange and you don’t want to be strange. You want to be normal.

Thank you for your attention. Now go and buy things.

Ode to my Heroes: Broads on Bikes

Josie Dew and daughter Molly

One of the reasons I became fascinated with bike riding and travel was due to a book I read in 2001, The Wind in My Wheels by Josie Dew. Josie started cycling when she was a girl and has ended up cycling around the world including the UK, US, parts of Canada and the Middle East, as well as New Zealand and Japan. I have read almost everything she has written and was chuffed to see that getting married and having a child have not slowed her down (although I wouldn't blame her if it had). She even got me to reading about another cyclist, the intrepid Dervla Murphy who at 78 is still biking strong. Murphy's travel-by-bike tale Full Tilt is one of the best books I have ever read. Murphy has traveled all over the world solely by bike including the Middle East in the mid-1960s. I hope that's me one day!

Miles: 6.50

Stuff I heard: "Young lady, you are brave to ride in this cold!"

The Beautiful Letdown

Art by Bluebell

Well, is that it? Promises of RAIN! SNOW! COLD! MISERY!

Well, if that is it--bring it on! :-D

I biked to school today wearing several layers and a light mid-length coat. I tried out my new smart wool socks and some Rockport boots I have had forever that still look nice. I finally found that one of those fleece headbands under my helmet keeps my ears warm without making me too hot. What I really need though is a windbreaker because I was warm enough after cycling but just needed to block the wind.

Miles: 6.30

P.S. Riding home tonight, the moon was beautiful.

Tomorrow is the test

Image from IceBike

I have heard that tomorrow will be cold, rainy, and possibly snowy. This is the test. I'll let you know how it goes.
On another note, even though I have been bike commuting regularly for five months now, when I first get on my bike and start peddling off, I have an overwhelming urge to put on my seatbelt. Strange.

The Bicycle: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

One of the things I love about cycling is how fun and yet practical it is. I never really thought about how safe it can be for young girls and women in countries where physical safety is a daily concern. Just getting to school, to a well for water, or to stores and shops for food can be rife with danger. Fortunately, bicycles continue to be a trusty source of speed and safety as well as being low in environmental impact. This year, as my Christmas gift to myself, I decided to donate a bicycle to a girl through World Vision so that she can get to school quickly and safely. After talking to the folks at World Vision and studying them online, I found that they not only help provide bikes and encourage entrepreneurship, but they also continue to provide help to other organizations with similar ideas.

I like knowing that something as simple as a bicycle will provide safety, pleasure and help many times over. This puts me in the Christmas spirit! :-)

Miles: 6

Buy Nothing Day

I have a confession to make: I have never, in my entire life, gone shopping the day after Thanksgiving. As a child I lived in a very small town where stores were locally owned and operated and closed at Thanksgiving for two days. As an adult, I simply could not fathom getting up at 4:00 AM for the sake of a new TV. Some people call the holiday season a "shopocalypse" and I'd have to agree.

Fast forward to 2005 when I stumbled upon the Adbusters campaign for Buy Nothing Day. I find BND funny, irreverent, and smart. I can't imagine pulling myself away from a warm fire, time with my family and friends, and well-deserved rest in order to stand in line in the cold for things I don't need. Moreover, most people will put this stuff on credit cards they can't afford to pay in full later--so all those "deals" will cost them at least 9% or more over time. Given our personal and national debt it doesn't seem like much of a deal to me.

Happy ThanksGIVING!

Miles: 2

Recipe Wednesday

I have not had a lot of time to cook over the past month but one thing I *do* have time for is crock pot hot cereal in the winter. I have eaten oatmeal in the winter most of my life (thanks Dad!) and recently discovered oat groats which are the whole oat grains before being rolled into flakes ala Quaker Oatmeal. You can buy oat groats at Clover's or Hy-Vee in bulk. However, groats take longer to cook and I don't have time right now to stand over the stove stirring---thus, crock pot oats. This breakfast is quick, easy, inexpensive, and insanely good for you!

Crock Pot Oat Groats

1 1/2 cup oat groats
4 cups water
pinch salt
1 stick of cinnamon

Place the oat groats on the bottom of the crock pot nearest heat source. Add the salt to the water and gently pour over the oats. Toss in a stick of cinnamon and set cooker to low. I started mine at 10 PM last night and ate at 7:00 AM this morning. I added maple syrup and some small pieces of toasted walnuts and it was delicious!

Enjoy!

Miles: 6

Making eye contact

Yes, I am on a Street Films kick! Can't help it. Regardless, I find it hard to make eye contact with drivers. I *do* think that turning my head and at least attempting to make eye contact lets drivers know that I am aware they are there and not in my own little world. This has helped me avoid nasty situations a few times (usually in parking lots).

What do you guys think?

Miles: 6

Safety-N-You

(Another little Street Films gem)

I think the Confident City Cycling classes could use this video. I KNOW it would have made an impression on me (I am sure I would have stopped wearing white after Labor Day).

Miles: 1.5 :-D

More Veronica Moss.....

I find this character from Street Films hilarious!

My favorite line: "You're complicit in your own oppression!" (so true!)

Miles: 10.37 -- Biked to church and home then later to the movies. Great day to be on a bike! :-D

The Plight of the North American BiPeds

We must do something NOW to help this poor, blighted species.

She shoots, she scores!

On Wednesday I was in the office and stopped to talk to one of my colleagues and as we sat there, she said, "Did you bike in today? The weather is really bad!" I said, "No, not today" and we kept talking about different things. But internally I was dancing a jig! If she asked me that question, it means she could not tell by my clothes and appearance whether or not I had biked in. My master plan has worked. Phase one of Operation Freedom Machine is complete!

Miles: 6

Cultural change, one revolution at a time

I think part of the problem with cycling for most folks, is that they don't have many role models in their day to day life. They are surrounded by people each and every day who rely solely upon cars to do every little thing. To the point that people drive to the gym and think nothing of it. But as RJ asked me yesterday: How do we get people to see the benefits and actually give it a go? It seems to me after living here for a year that most people see cycling as a "recreational" event but not a wonderful possibility as a lifestyle.

I think what is necessary is a grass roots effort by people in the workforce of all fitness levels, ages, shapes, and sizes. For instance, one of the things that convinced me that I could bike commute was how one of my instructors appeared at the Confident City Cycling (CCC) course I went to last May. He was just wearing jeans and a normal shirt. I realized then, by seeing how he got around (sans spandex or truly heinously expensive gear), as well as at other cycling blogs, that people did not need lots of fancy gear--tons of people commute and get around in absolutely normal clothes. And they do it in all kinds of weather. :-D

But I have had to overcome some worries along the way that on one hand seem shallow, but on the other, are a reality for many of us that work in offices where appearance is important. Figuring out how to carry all my stuff, getting places at night, and looking good (clothes, hair, makeup) were hurdles that took time but ones I had to get over to meet my goal. What kept me going were people around me with answers and ideas to my problems (you know who you are and I thank you!), as well as meeting other bike commuters on campus. I, in turn, have been happy to share my adventures with colleagues and friends by showing them that this is a lifestyle that is doable and so worth it. I tell them about taking classes, how to do it, how easy it is, and the tremendous cost savings (gym membership, parking, gas, time). For instance I went into a local grocery store last week and very politely spoke to the manager on duty about the need for a new bike rack. I gave him some names at PedNet and told him what a convenience it was to be able to park my bike safely when I needed groceries. I am going to continue to follow this up until it changes. Since the bike rack has gone from 1 or 2 bikes to 4 and 5 now, I think they can see the need.

I think things can change and truly, they must change. Think about how much more secure families will feel if they don't have a car loan to support--this makes living far less expensive and if you *do* lose your job, you don't have a car payment but can still get where you need to go. I always think about how much safer streets are for the children when bikes are a main part of the transportation mix, not to mention the air quality. I could on, but I am realizing that people need to see it lived out to "get" it. Many people "know" some of these things but they don't see enough role models around them to help them make it a reality for themselves.

Just a thought.

Reality vs. Unreality: A three day tale

For the past three days I have driven into work due to a sore back. Several things have occurred that make me realize how much the myth that "cars make life easier" is exactly that: a Myth. First, my back did not become better from not riding my bike. If anything, my muscles feel tighter and I just overall feel less relaxed. Second, I had to drive to Marshall with a group of people and 'harrowing' is the only adjective that comes to mind to describe barreling down the road at 70 miles per hour in the pouring rain next to 18-wheelers. That ANYONE could believe cars are safer than bikes is the biggest myth of all. Third, although it has been cold and I was in my car, I have NEVER been warm the entire week. It totally sucks raw eggs. I was NEVER cold on my bike. Fourth, when I need to get to the library to return books on campus I have to haul them down there with a stupid trolley or bags. There is simply no easy parking near Ellis and so clearly the bike is the most convenient and efficient way to get and return materials from the library.

Finally, today I had lunch with a colleague who complimented me on the scarf I was wearing (it is quite beautiful). When I told her that I bought it at The Mustard Seed downtown, she had no idea where that was and she has lived here for six years! When I asked her why she did not know about that shop she said, "Parking is so impossible I never park downtown!"

Truthfully, I could not blame her. I realized then how much I know now about The District because of my bicycle. When those crazies on the Trib site start ranting about bikes, they need to think about how much money we spend to support downtown businesses simply because on a bike it is so much more convenient to get around. Something to think about.

BIKES RULE! :-)

Under pressure

Has anyone seen this I Love Lucy episode (Lucy and the Chocolate Factory)? Sometimes this is exactly how I feel. Life is going faster and faster and I just wanna stuff chocolates in my bra! :-D I have been so stressed out for several days that the bike ride to work and home are the only parts of my day that I feel relaxed. I am convinced that biking is what has helped me deal with the stress better. I find that when I get home at night, the problems I have been mulling over are lightened and I sleep better at night. I hope that I am able to keep cycling over the winter because it sure helps!

Miles: 6.5

Happy Veterans Day

When I was a little girl I can remember my Dad and I sitting on the couch, drinking hot cocoa and talking one fall evening and he told me he did not have to go to work the next day. When I asked why not he said, "Well, it is a national holiday. Can you remember what it is called?" I started thinking and said, "Veterinarians Day!" which made him laugh and laugh (I was close!).

Having grown up in a military family, I always take Veterans Day seriously and give thanks for all the sacrifice our veterans have made for our country. I am glad we preserve a day to honor them.

Miles: 6

Close encounters of the vehicular kind

Today started out rough because I was running late and just felt irritable---I hate overcast days. To top it off, I had 3 (THREE!) bad encounters with cars today.

ENCOUNTER 1: I had just crossed Stadium at the light on Forum and was winding up that little side road to catch West. I was nearing West and around the corner comes this hugh jass navy blue work truck (the kind with big hips). The guy driving had turned off of West and instead of getting in the right hand lane, he stayed left and was headed straight for me. It took him a minute to realize that I had nowhere to go and he needed to get the heck over. My heart lurched in my chest when I realized how close it was. What an incredible moron.


ENCOUNTER 2 & 3: On the way home in the afternoon on Stewart, two cars decide to pass so closely I thought my pedal would scrap their cars (it would have served them both right). There is PLENTY of room people-so get over!

However, I am in a better mood simply because I got out and rode everywhere today. I got tons more work done and am still feeling fine at 6:30 at night.

Miles: 6

A beautiful day in the neighborhood

Today I biked into town to meet a friend for breakfast and then on to church. I biked to my office to work for awhile and then to a restaurant for dinner. I biked home and just really enjoyed the day and being outside. I love biking!


Mile: 6
Stuff I smelled: A weird, smokey smell on West Blvd. Suspicious.
Stuff I saw: An older guy riding round and round downtown on his bike with no helmet
Stuff I heard:
Girl 1: "One I time I dated a guy who had been a male prostitute"
Girl 2: "What did your parents think about that?"
Girl 1: "I don't wanna talk about this anymore"
Girl 2: "YOU brought it up!"
Girl 1: "No I didn't! YOU brought it up!"
((small quarrel ensues))

Chinese Obesity

I thought this was an interesting news blurb on Chinese obesity. The increased use of cars in China, along with the prevalence of Western fast food, is causing the same problems there as here in North America. I found this really, really sad because China has long been the standard of a higher quality diet with much more physical activity built into their day (i.e., commuting by bikes, walking, and lots of soccer!) than what most people experience in North America.

What was also alarming was that some of the kids that spoke in the video were simply "comfortable" with being significantly obese. This attitude will be far more troublesome than the fast food and lack of activity in the long run because once they are comfortable with their condition, there is little reason to change (i.e., they will hang out with other kids that are obese, won't feel the need to change their eating or activity patterns, will experience serious health decline and cognitive function but won't do anything about it). This goes to my post on how habits are "catching'.

Miles:
Walk: 3
Bike: 2

Let the wild rumpus start!

Sunday I went to the movies to see Where the Wild Things are and it was perfect in every way. Dave Eggers co-wrote the screenplay and it does not disappoint!

One thing about going everywhere by bike, I always feel like a wild thing! :-D

Miles: 6

Back in the saddle again!

It has felt so good to be back on the bike this week. I did not lose much strength or conditioning and was reminded how much more enjoyable life is when biking! I had a blast with my folks but I sure missed getting around by bike.

Miles: 7

Biking with the parental units

This week has been incredibly busy---too busy! I have felt completely worn out for several days. The good new is that the parental units are in town and we are taking off on a weekend trip tomorrow. My teaching for the semester is over and so now I just have to produce a few manuscripts by December 30, 2009. I have always loved spending time in the library researching stuff and writing so these next two months will be a treat for me. I love teaching, but as an introvert, I find it tiring too.

My folks have enjoyed hearing all about the biking culture here in Columbia as well as seeing all my bike gear. They don't bike much anymore themselves and I hope the weather clears up so we can rent some bikes in Rocheport and ride around and enjoy the colors. Lunch and then home for a nap sounds just our speed! :-D

Bike happiness

Riding into work and home today I experienced two of the best rides so far. This morning was crisp, clear, and bright. There was wildlife everywhere (of note, an ENORMOUSLY fat squirrel on a telephone wire) and after so many days of gloom, the sun was a welcome relief. My ride home was so awesome.....I really noticed how beautiful the trees are right now. There is a gorgeous red one on my ride in that could take your breath away. I feel like a kid again on days like today---like the fella in this video!

Miles: 6
Stuff I heard: Girl: "My parents are coming into town...."
Guy: " Well, it'll be good. Then it'll be over!" ((laughter))

Making healthy behavior fun!

A few weeks ago I posted on how healthy and unhealthy behavior can be "contagious". This video goes along with this whole idea. I think one of the biggest components missing for people who don't commute or ride their bikes regularly is that they simply don't know how much fun they are missing!

Saddle envy

I have been thinking of getting a Brook's saddle. However, it is hard to decide which one to get. I am currently quite fond of the B18 lady pictured above. This is in the Brook's City and Heavy Duty line of saddles and has coiled springs for "comfort" and a fab design.

I also like the B66S:



My current saddle came with the bike and is fine but after about 12 miles begins to give me one killer wedgie. What do you readers think? Check out the Brook's website and send in your vote!

Miles: 10

Bike helmet kerfuffle

I am pro-helmet at this point but thought this video from Bike Snob NYC's site interesting. Being new to bike commuting, I am curious as to whether or not U.S.-based cyclists prefer to wear helmets or find them dangerous. In this video, specific reasons for what constituted 'dangerous' were not given but I find the argument interesting.

Miles: 6.0
P.S. Riding in the cool, rainy weather is nice. I especially like all my friends who say, "It's too cold to be riding your bike!" HA!

Recipe: Moroccan Chickpea stuffed Bell Peppers

The name of this recipe might throw you, but the taste is awesome!

1 tsp. olive oil
1 medium fennel bulb chopped roughly (stalks and core discarded-about 1 1/2-2 cups)
1/8 tsp. sea salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
2 cups cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
1 medium clove garlic, chopped
1 1/2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1/2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp. freshly grated ginger (I keep mine in the freezer in a plastic bag and peel it and grate when needed)
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/4 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/3-1/2 cup sliced green onions (I leave this out)
3-4 green bell peppers
1 cup cooked brown rice (I prefer short grain in this)

In a pan with an insert (drainer), bring about 1/2 cup of water to a boil and put your 3-4 green bell peppers in to blanch. This won't take long and you should watch them so they don't overcook and tear. (Blanching is good because it keeps the peppers crisp and sweet).

While the green bell peppers are blanching, in a skillet over medium heat, heat the teaspoon of oil listed first in the ingredient list. Add the fennel, salt, and pepper and cook for 5-6 minutes. Add the red bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes or until fennel has softened. Remove from heat. In a food processor or blender, combine the chickpeas with the garlic, vinegar, olive oil, ginger, salt, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon and puree until the mixture is smooth (scrape down sides of bowl/jar as needed). Add the red bell pepper and fennel and puree till smooth. If mixture is still a little chunky, add a little water and puree till smooth. When smooth, empty into a bowl and stir in the cooked brown rice; combine well.

When bell peppers are blanched, take them out and drain them. Then stuff them with your chickpea mixture and enjoy. I usually have a side salad with this and it is tasty.

It was a dark and stormy night...

Yesterday was one of the most challenging riding days for me. I rode in in the morning to MU and was warm and dry. I had some office work to do until 8:00 PM and by then it was pouring down rain. Fortunately, my raingear had arrived from J&G and I donned it and headed to the library and then out to dinner with a friend.

A few missteps occurred. I learned that you should put your gloves on before your hands get wet or you simply won't be getting them on at all (doh!). I had almost frozen digits by the time I got to the restaurant. I also could not ride down under Providence due to heavy rain and flowing water. I actually got on Providence for one block to Stewart. The most scary block of my life.

The cape worked pretty well as most of me stayed dry. The helmet cover was awesome as was the one I used for a seat cover.

One side note: I have to say that the only time I was really warm all day was when I was on my bike!

Miles: 7

Facing the cold

Biking to church this weekend went okay. I dressed in a short sleeve shirt, sweater, and slacks, gloves, and a scarf. My trunk, hands, feet, and neck stayed warm but my arms and the front of my legs were cold. I am not sure what jacket to wear because the center of my body and hands are fine (a tiny bit sweaty even) but not my arms and thighs. I cleaned out my closet when I got home and found my hats (ones that can fit under my helmet I think) because I can see how my head could get cold as the temp drops over the next few months. Maybe some arm warmers might work...?

Of note: there was a tandem bike at church today and after the service I met the couple that rode in on it. They were in their late 50s early 60s--fit and really nice people. We talked for a bit and I said it was nice to see two other cyclists!

Mile: Sunday 10
Monday 10

P.S. My rain gear arrived and I taking it with me today just-in-case!

Time and the Art of Cycling

I have always felt that I am at the mercy of Time. And I don't like it. I am someone who tends to over schedule my life in almost every way. I have a very hard time knowing when enough-is-enough. This started as a child. My mother says it was always a battle to get me to come inside and call it quits for the day. She often found me sleepwalking at night or standing at the foot of my bed, my hands furiously moving in the air--busy attending to some play task in my sleep.

I also had a hard time knowing when I needed sleep or rest. Mom has pictures of me at 5 years old asleep in my food or at my dad's desk. Playing until exhaustion set in. As an adult I have extended these habits to almost every sphere of my life. I try to pack more in a day than could really be accomplished in a week.

Cycling has begun changing this. In cycling, I have to leave early for my destination in case I get a flat or simply need more time to get somewhere. I can only go as fast as my body can take me. I must rest at night or I won't be able to cycle well the next day. I have to eat in ways that support using my own body as an engine. I don't feel as distanced from the needs of my own body; its limits and strengths. In a strange way, it is the limits of cycling that seem to be providing freedom for me from the tyranny of time.


Miles: 6

Bike time

This weekend was chocked full of great riding! Saturday I bike commuted to MU to teach my class and then over to the Ragtag to see Bright Star in the late afternoon, then home. Each stage of the day had bike riding in it and I saw so much I would not normally see. There are a lot of details we miss because we go so fast in cars, and so many interactions with other people that we are deprived of because of the isolation of cars.

Sunday, I biked to church and then out to lunch, over to Walmart on Grindstone, then home. I also walked on the trail for 45 minutes with a friend. I later biked to Schnucks for some fresh produce. Almost 12 miles of biking in one day and 2 miles of walking. On the way to church, I found a pretty pink coffee thermal mug in the ditch at the side of the road. They are at least $10.00 at Walmart and more at coffees shops in town. I picked it up out of the ditch and brought it home. I *love* pink!

Miles:
Saturday: 6 miles
Sunday: 12 miles

Behold the winner of a blog award!

Last night was the No Car, Low Car, Whoa! Car Challenge wrap-up party at MoJo's. It was a LOT of fun and low and behold I won a lovely award for this blog. I was surprised! The gifts were fantastic (very generous) and my trophy is much sparklier than the picture above (I need a cell phone camera!) and wonderful. I put it in a prominent place in my house and can see it several times a day as I pass (thank you Ana Rose!).

Yesterday was cool too because I ordered some rain gear online and biked in the rain without melting. Who knew?! The ride home last night was so beautiful. The clouds and sky were moody and then when the moon came out it was fantastic! It was a perfect end to the day.

Miles: 7.0
Stuff I saw: People hanging out at a "real" biker bar (MoJo's)!

Two recipes

Recipe 1: Skirt on a Bike's Big Bowl
This is also taken from the Eng*ine 2 Diet. I have modified it for myself and my own tastes. I like it because it does not require cooking, is quick, healthful, and filled with fiber and slow-burning complex carbs.

In your favorite bowl add:
1/2 cup raw oats
1/4 cup Uncles Sam's flaxseed flakes
2 Tbls. Grape Nuts
1 Tbls. ground flaxseed
1 cup chopped fresh fruit (I have used raspberries and blackberries all summer. Bananas, peaches, etc also taste great!)
3/4 cup non dairy milk (or dairy if you can drink it)

Enjoy! (This littel cereal alone will keep you, how shall we say, regular)


Recipe 2: Slow-cook Tuscan Sausage and Bean Soup

I found this in a Weight W*atchers recipe book last year and it is so easy and so tasty that I thought I would share it. I use my crockpot to cook this in so that all I have to do is assemble in the AM and when I come home at night my hot dinner is waiting for me. I especially like this in the fall and winter.

Makes 6 servings

12 ounces turkey kielbasa cut in 1/4 inch thick rounds (I went to Hy-Vee and bought italian sausage and used that and it was awesome. To cut the fat, I boiled it first and drained the fat off before adding to the crockpot. If you don't cook the raw sausage first, make sure to put it in the bottom of the crockpot so that it cooks by evening. Venison might be really good here too).

2 cloves garlic
1 onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
I celery stalk
1/2 medium bunch kale, chopped (about 4 cups)
3 cups fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
1 (15.5 ounce) can great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15.5 ounce) can kideny beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5) ounce can Italian seasoned diced tomatoes
1/2 cup dry red wine or water (the alcohol cooks off but the flavor remains)
1 teaspoon dried basil

Put everything together in the crockpot, stir it up (unless cooking raw meat which needs to remain near the bottom near the heat source--in that case, first stir up all other ingrediants and pour over meat in the slow cooker).
Cook 8-10 hours on low

Per serving (1/12 cuprs): 241 cals, 5 g. fat, 5 g. sat fat, 0 grams trans fat, 37 mg chol, 1,258 mg sodium, 31 g. carb, 8 g. fiber, 19 g. protein, 158 mg. calcium.

Miles: 7
Stuff I saw: A red fox crossing into the woods as I cycled into my complex last night! That is the same area the groundhog hangs out.

Day 29: The last day of my 'No Car' Challenge

Last week I was notified that I might have to ride out to a town about an hour from Columbia in order to help gather data on a research project. At the last minute we did not have to go so I didn't interrupt my 'challenge'. However today we did have to go so my "official" No Car Challenge was over. Since I started a few days before September I met the 30 days, just not all in September. (It was strange to be in a car on the freeway. I had forgotten how fast everyone moves and how big and heavy the trucks are! How can anyone believe that highway travel is safer than riding a bike? Talk about a mass delusion.)

For me, the bigger issue is that I want to keep on going! I want to see if I can carve out a car-free lifestyle for myself. Since I don't have to drive to this research location myself, I can bike to the meet up location and ride with the lead investigator. For my own personal no car challenge, I want to bike through winter and see what the next six months hold---if I can make it everywhere I need to go by biking or walking (possibly bus as well).

The adventure is really only just beginning!

Day 28: Cafe Berlin move

Today I spent the morning helping out with the Cafe Berlin bike move. I wanted to see the possibilities for moving by bike, and it was amazing! I was so impressed by the heavy loads that were possible to move without a combustion engine! The camaraderie and good spirits were contagious and I had a blast. There were several younger kids there who moved large loads---total rock stars!

I also have to report that yesterday at church, I ran into some friends and they got to talking to me about biking everywhere and one of my friends (who doesn't know about this blog) said, "What is so cool is that you never look like you just biked here!" I was chuffed! My Masterplan is working!

She and I talked a lot about bike commuting. She has started to walk to work several times a week and is really curious about it all. We might have a convert!


Miles:
Monday:17.83 (that is almost 18 miles people!! The farthest yet! Wa-hoo!)
Sunday: 9.42

Day 25: Beautiful day

Yesterday was a hard day--just didn't feel well. Today I was up and at em' early--rode into MU for a 9 AM meeting then back out to Forum for another meeting at Dunn Brothers then over to Jazz for lunch with a friend (Chapel Hill Rd). I have decided that Chapel Hill Rd is my new nemesis. I am going to conquor that hill soon.....even if I have to use a low gear like in the pic above! ha ha ha

The sun feels so good today!

Miles: 6.45 miles

Day 24: An ah'HA' moment

Yesterday two co-workers and I went to lunch and out of the blue one of them asked me, "are you are still riding your bike to work"? I was glad to hear her question because it meant I didn't *look* like I biked in (I was wearing a new pair of black slacks I bought specifically because they don't crease easily, are smart looking, and don't require dry cleaning, etc. along with a nice shirt and sweater. I have curly hair that resists helmet head and I had non-smudged makeup so all-in-all I looked professional).

When I said, "Yes, matter of fact I did bike in today", she was surprised and gave me that up-and-down look which I find so funny. She then wanted to know how I brought in my laptop, heavy books on my bike, did not look sweaty, what did I wear, etc. She said she would love to bike in herself but wondered how to handle all the gremlins that seem insurmountable on the other side of the saddle bag. We spent the rest of our walk back to campus talking about how I managed all the concerns she brought up.

I was so glad that, after only one month of bike commuting, others see possibilities for themselves! That kinda rocks. :-D

Miles: 2

Yummy sweet potato dish

I got this recipe (and tweaked it) from R*ip Esselstyne's book The Engine 2 Diet. I am not a vegetarian but like the focus on green things so I bought this book to learn more about cooking veggies, etc. I forgot the name of it in the book, but here is how I make it:

1 can of pinto beans (use any beans you like)
1 cup corn (I use raw sweet corn cut off the cob but you can use frozen or canned)
1 avocado (I only use 1/2)
2 baked sweet potatoes (chopped up roughly)
I handful of chopped fresh cilantro
1 red bell pepper (chopped)
Juice of one lime
Salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar to taste

The original recipe called for black beans and for one mango but I don't like mango so left it out.
I like this dish at room temp--I baked the sweet potatoes and then let them cool down a little bit so when I chop them up they stay firm and not mushy.
You could also add brown rice to this if you wanted a complete protein.

Enjoy!

Day 23: CRON (Calorie Restriction Optimal Nutrition)

The more I bike everywhere, the more I want to have more energy for it and feel better. So, in an effort to get a handle on what goes in the ole' pie hole (and I literally mean 'pie' hole here people) I decided to use some nutritional software for awhile so that I am better educated on calorie intake and nutritional values. I found a freeware application called CRON-O-METER that I downloaded and like quite a bit (there are mac and pc apps).

I know that some people rely upon calorie counting alone but I want to go one step further and make sure that I am getting enough of the right nutrients. The nice thing about the software is that you are given a pie chart and graphs to clearly show you where you are too high or low in any given nutrient (you would be amazed at the nutritional value of just one cup of leafy greens and raw vegetables). I am supposed to eat between 1200-2000 calories per day. I am shooting for between 1200-1600 per day but with the highest nutrition I can get.

I also bought a food scale and some excellent powdered vitamins (AOR Essential Mix) to make sure I get what I need each day. I especially want to see how much stronger I get on the bike when eating well.

Miles: 6.0

Day 22: It was a dark and stormy night....

Okay, well, it was a dark night.... :-) Today I rode downtown on some errands, then by MU, then back on the trail to Forum to get over to Rockbridge High School for an art class. I knew I would be riding home after dark so I brought all my stuff (vest, etc) and I have to say that the ride home was awesome! I brought a change of clothes in case it rained as I don't have any 'rain gear' to speak of but I did not need it. On the way to the school I came by a bunch of sheep grazing on the corner of Bethel Rd and Green Meadows: they looked like this:


I also saw a very large flock of Canadian geese on the lawn near RBHS. They were very elegant.

I biked home the last leg of the ride on the trail and I was alone almost the entire way. It was both spooky and fun. My MiNewt is wonderful and really lights the place up. I could hear lots of animal noises and it was very peaceful. I like night riding more and more.

One question: What do my two faithful readers wear when it rains? Do you bring a change of clothes, etc? Are there "special" clothes that do the trick? I need some advice.

Miles: 13.61 (the most yet--I am so chuffed!)

Day 21: Bike commuting and culture

I saw this update over at Reno Rambler on an NPR segment on biking in NYC. I did not agree completely with Bike Snob NYC who was answering the questions on NPR as I am more with the "spandex is a privilege not a right" crowd, but one thing he wrote was funny and interesting:

BIKE SNOB NYC: .....the entire notion that we have to build a transportation infrastructure around allowing people to show up to work clean in suits, why? Who cares?

We do have some funny cultural rules about appearance. And it gets me to no end when I see people at work who do *not* look put together at all (quite slovenly) and I KNOW have driven into work, who look at me with my helmet in my hand like I am an alien. "Did you BIKE in"? Then they really look at me......up and down. I just stand there and let em' look.

Miles:
Saturday: 6.50
Sunday: 0 (stayed home all day)

Stuff I saw: In the tunnel under Providence I have noticed that they painted some white paint on the path going through
the tunnel. I thought it was weird. Then tonight, as I rode through, all the lights were blazing and I could see how
the white paint reflected the light making it that much brighter. Somebody had their thinking cap on and I thank
them.

Stuff I heard: Girl 1: "He saw me, I saw him, and that was it!"
Girl 2: So'd ya do anything?
Girl 1: Nah, we just looked at each other all night. ((laughter))

Day 18: Fall arrives

Today was a wonderful day to ride! So incredibly beautiful! I love fall, especially further north because it comes sooner and stays longer. Today I rode a lot (for me) and enjoyed every minute of it. I did have two interesting interactions with cars today.

Scenario # 1: On my way to campus, I was on a side street when a USPS worker in a little USPS jeep came right up on me as I was getting ready to take the lane to get around a huge parked work truck. The USPS guy backed off but seemed really put out about it (he was on the right side of his car so he gave me a good glare when he passed). I was ahead of him and did not cut him off so I don't know what the problem was (maybe his little blue USPS shorts were too tight?). He was handsome though, so I'm gonna let it pass.

Scenario #2: On my night ride home on Broadway, I was riding far enough to the left to keep 3 feet between me and the parked cars on the right side of the road. This nitwit in a gray jeep wrangler decided to pass me with barely enough room between us. He was so very close to me. I could feel the air change as he passed me--he was that close. He had a woman and a young child in the car and I wondered what in heavens name he was thinking?! I really moved over then and TOOK the lane. I had a shiver for a bit thinking about how easily I could have been sandwiched between that guy's car and the cars on my right.

Miles: 12.60

Day 17: Car Drivers Share Tips for Cyclists

After the intensity of my last two posts, I decided to lighten up and post something funny. :-D I found this video over at Commute Orlando blog and found it quite funny. I especially love the yellow pedal car.

On the cyclo commuting front, Word to your Mother: Don't let your front light die by leaving it on during the day and then have to cycle home in the dark. Not fun (especially under the Providence tunnel)--it was spooky in places.

Miles: 7.08

Stuff I saw: Turtle right in the middle of the trail, a dead rodent on the side of the street (had long hair...maybe long-haired
rat?), a big toad and a little toad in the MKT off Stewart, a 50ish year-old woman cycling very strongly up Stewart

Stuff I heard: Birds singing, "Heeeeey babeeeee" (from the 'bouncer' outside of the Tin Can Tavern off Elm Street).

Day 16: The Elephant in the Room

John Mackey, the CEO of Whole Foods, recently published an article in the Wall Street Journal outlining his problems with the national health care service being championed by President Obama and offered his own opinion about what we can do to solve the health care crisis in the U.S. Mackey's article infuriated members of the food industry who immediately began attempting a boycott of Whole Foods.

Now, I have never stepped foot into a Whole Foods and have no stock holdings in that business, but something is terribly, terribly wrong when someone urges U.S. adults to take responsibility for their own health and is terrorized politcally and economically for it.

Michael Pollan has also recently published an article in The New York Times, Big-Food vs. Big Insurance where he delineates the same scenario as Mackey: that 75% (SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT!) of our national health care costs come from personal behaviors and lifestyle choices that directly contribute to obesity, cancer, heart disease, and type II diabetes. Pollan points out that in the U.S. "we are spending $147 billion to treat obesity, $116 billion to treat diabetes, and hundreds of billions more to treat cardiovascular disease and the many types of cancer that have been linked to the so-called Western diet.

I have YET to be convinced that we need socialized medicine if the main problem with the system is that we won't eat whole, natural foods that contribute to robust health and start putting our folks down when it comes to foods that clearly do not support health. However, I also realize that this comes down to what I wrote about yesterday: networked behavior. I think that reforming a cultural system that is built around a car-centered, cheap, unhealthy food system would go much farther towards ending our "health care crisis" than simply spending more money to give people pills that we aren't even sure work, are incredibly expensive, and have side effects that can kill you.

What is most alarming to me is that school systems are now part of a system that hooks kids into eating crap at school (but hey, it's cheap crap that has been subsidized by the government!) so that they have a harder time learning to discriminate between healthy and unhealthy foods, as well as develop a palate for healthy food. When I did research in two middle schools a year ago, I stopped eating the school lunches when I visited because although they were cheap at $2.00 a tray, they were packed with processed, fat- and sugar-laden, products. There is nothing sadder than watching an 11-year-old with a tire of fat around his middle eating hamburgers, french fries, and fruit-in-sugar-syrup, followed by potato chips and ice cream (for sale every single day during lunch and after school). There was not one, single fresh fruit or veggie to be found unless the child brought his/her lunch from home.

Our health care system does need help, but not by pouring more money into it for pills and acute care of people who have eaten themselves into the grave, but rather through some restraint and common sense.

Miles: 6

Day 15: Is healthy behavior 'contagious'?

Birds of a Feather by Nomoco

The New York Times recently ran a piece posing the question, Is Happiness Catching? The article interviews Eileen Belloli, one of the participants in the most famous longitudinal heart study ever conducted: The National Heart Institute's Framingham study which has followed 15,000 residents and their descendants, bringing them into a doctor’s office every four years, on average, for a comprehensive physical. The Framingham study is the one that helped doctors and medical researchers understand the relation between cholesterol level and risk of cardiac arrest (total cholesterol level over 150 mg/dl increases likelihood of cardiac infarction). One of the topics that researchers in the study have been looking at, is how social relations affect our habits (both good and bad). Clive Thompson (2009) writes,"by analyzing the Framingham data, Christakis and Fowler say, they have for the first time found some solid basis for a potentially powerful theory in epidemiology: that good behaviors — like quitting smoking or staying slender or being happy — pass from friend to friend almost as if they were contagious viruses. The Framingham participants, the data suggested, influenced one another’s health just by socializing. And the same was true of bad behaviors — clusters of friends appeared to “infect” each other with obesity, unhappiness and smoking. Staying healthy isn’t just a matter of your genes and your diet, it seems. Good health is also a product, in part, of your sheer proximity to other healthy people."

When I was growing up, I was alway urged by my Dad to be careful who I hung out with because I would become like them over time. And he was right. The problem today is that we have a culture where this principle is still at work, but in the opposite direction. By that I mean that as a culture we have "networked" a car-centered, fast-food lifestyle which shapes people's choices and actually limits their physical activity and food choices to a degree. Anyone who tries to step outside that network is met with resistance because it is outside of the norm. Now, there are a network of negative behaviors around us, and they actively define how we live. If you don't believe me, just do two things: (1) Cycle or walk to work one day and don't hide the fact, and (2) when everyone else is eating/drinking [insert dessert dish or alcohol here], refuse to eat any. You will find out very quickly how the pack mentality contributes to network behavior.

After reading this article though, I am more convinced than ever that it is important that I contribute to a positive network by living a healthy life. Cyclo commuting is just one activity that demonstrates, in a tangible way, how easy it is to create positive networks rather than negative ones. The more others see how manageable and enjoyable active transportation is, the more they can picture themselves doing it too. In this vein, I have started urging my students to bring healthy foods to class each week rather than sugar and fat-laden, brain damage inducing, snacks. I have another student who goes outside and walks around vigorously during our lunch break and this has encouraged others to step outside and exercise during the break rather than sitting inside and eating junk. In this way, it is like when birds fly, or cycling in a pack; we slide into the slipstream of others who are moving in a direction that we want to go and this helps us get to our goal as well as become part of that network. But we have to consciously choose where we want to go and locate others in the right 'networks' so that we can 'catch' those positive behaviors and harness them for our own lives.

Miles: 8.25
Stuff I saw: Man on a seated bicycle who zoomed past me on the trail and admired my blinkie light.

Day 14: Smoothing out the wrinkles

Saturday I biked to work to teach. This is the first time I have had to navigate biking and dress clothes and I was worried. In my profession, it is important to maintain a professional appearance; this usually means suits or dress clothes such as a dress or dress slacks, heels, and a jacket. Fewer women wear heels today in teaching (try 8 hours on your feet in 2-3 inch heels) but looking professional is important. So I ironed my dress slacks and packed everything carefully, and biked into school in outdoor wear. I packed an iron in my panniers (no, I am not kidding). When I got to school I hung everything up in my office, steamed out any wrinkles and cleaned up in the bathroom. I ended up looking as professional as I ever have (hair in place, makeup, etc). I don't believe anyone could tell that I had biked into school. This was a triumph to me because it was one hurdle I felt I needed to get over on the way to a car free life.

Next hurdle? Winter riding.

Miles:
Saturday: 7 miles
Sunday: 10 miles
Monday: 11.87 miles

Stuff I saw:
Saturday: A man, 50ish, in street clothes, sitting asleep in the tunnel with a beer can beside him, a young marine-looking man
with a GetAbout bike pin on his packback, a puppy in a backyard near West Blvd that has not been there before.
Sunday: A groundhog, a black snake on the trail, wildflowers, another bike in the rack at church
Monday: Tons of wildflowers on the MKT, two female cardinals fighting, a man studying corn in a field, a little blond-haired girl who heard me sound my bell on the trail and turned-wide-eyed- and exclaimed: " A BELL!" from her stroller.