Friday, October 23, 2009

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

Saturday, October 17, 2009

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))

Friday, October 16, 2009

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

Thursday, October 15, 2009

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!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

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

Monday, October 12, 2009

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!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

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

Monday, October 5, 2009

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

Friday, October 2, 2009

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)!