Monday, November 30, 2009

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

Friday, November 27, 2009

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

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

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

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

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

Monday, November 23, 2009

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

Sunday, November 22, 2009

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

Saturday, November 21, 2009

The Plight of the North American BiPeds


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

Friday, November 20, 2009

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

Thursday, November 19, 2009

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.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

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! :-)

Thursday, November 12, 2009

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

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

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

Monday, November 9, 2009

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

Sunday, November 8, 2009

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))

Thursday, November 5, 2009

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

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

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

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

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