Eye Candy

Ok - so I have been told that, although my blog posts are interesting, I need some pictures - or a bit of eye candy!!! :) So - here is a picture of Sophia and friend (with my cute bike helmet) and another picture of Sophia.

Enjoy!! :)

What I have learned .....

Here is a list of things that I have learned this weekend:

1.  I can't control the weather. (I suppose I already knew that ... but it was confirmed --- so I need to stop commenting on the heat and just search for better solutions!!)
2. Even cute bike helmets look dorky - especially when trying to impress someone new.
3. Carrying anything on my back makes me even more sweaty - so I am now looking for interesting bags to put on my bike. Perhaps a cute basket with flowers? Or this awesome bag/purse made by two women in Chicago (http://www.pocampo.com/)? What I really need is to get a back rack installed pronto!
4. I sweat - a lot! Ok, I already knew that as well, since I sweat drying/curling/straightening my hair even with the A/C on in the summer. What I have decided is to call it sweat when I am working out --- but call it my "personal glow" when I am commuting - or socializing.
5. Going for a bike ride with someone new is a great way to get to know each other. Even if I was nervous about my biking speed/ability/personal glow/hair/etc --- it can be super fun!
6. Not everyone is going to embrace my life choices - but it is an interesting barometer for me when meeting new people.
7. Guys on bikes are cool!! :)

And - now for some questions:

1. How do I balance working out (training for an upcoming triathlon) with commuting?
2. What are the basics I need to know about bike maintenance?
3. What type of material/clothing is going to be best for commuting?
4. How do I get rid of the flip flop tan line?!!? Ok - not really worried about that .... but it does send some sort of message that I am developing a clear tan line from my flip flops .... and it does look sort of odd when wearing a pair of heels! ;)

The Journey is the Destination

I have a very close friend who has a tatoo of this symbol. I have always admired her - and others - who are truly able to live that way. Personally, I have always been about the destination. Although, Sophia might have something to teach me. I finally went back to Erik's today to fix the squeek. Turns out it was some rubber piece (not sure what it is called) near the center of the back wheel that just needed a bit of lube. I did have an enjoyable time riding over --- but it sure was HOT -- and I was super sweaty .... not promising given that I would like to show up places looking a bit more chic. (I did, however, get a nice compliment on my helmet from one of the guys at the shop!)

The ride back was a completely different story. I don't know if it was the 8am spinning class, the 4 mile walk I took to the Farmer's Market this morning, the heat or the wind --- but I found myself getting a bit cranky and tired. I just wanted the ride to be over. It was then I thought about needing to enjoy the journey. So -- I became more conscious of my surroundings and of how lucky I was to be able to ride (and just a little about the sculpted legs and butt I hope will be a nice by-product of this new way of life!!). And for a few minutes I was able to enjoy the journey, perhaps not as much as the A/C I knew was in my near future, but I was able to smile. This is certainly going to be a work in progress - but I am glad to be on the journey.

Cat litter and bike helmet

Fun stuff I first ..... my new bike helmet was waiting for me when I got home from Fargo!!! :) I actually wore it around the house for awhile - just for fun and because it made me think of the time my dear cousin, A, wore hers out running while training for a triathlon ..... but that is her story not mine, but it always makes me laugh!!! And, I wore it while riding Sophia this afternoon. What fun!!!

The other part of the day wasn't quite as fun --- carrying cat litter back from the store. I needed some groceries for myself and I walked the 5 blocks to the market. While I was there remembered that I also needed cat litter. It is not something that I always remember -- so I figured that was a sign that the cats were getting desperate. The food all fit in my backpack .... but carrying the litter was not super fun!! I was trying to think of ways around that in the future. Could I have strapped it to my bike? Or perhaps find a way to strap it to my back?!!? .... Ok, maybe not. I may have to plan a bit more into the future and when I am out shopping with one of my car-ed friends I will have to remember to get it. On the other hand - it was a good workout!!!

Today's Lessons

It was not as hot as I thought it was going to be in Fargo today --- so perfect day to bike to work!!! :) The first lesson that I learned it that the most direct route is not always the best route. I had read that in Chris Balish's book: How to Live Well without Owning a Car. I just didn't believe him .... well, I suppose I believed him as it made perfect sense, but, ok, I didn't believe him. Perhaps that is because I didn't want to believe him --- and only because I am TERRIBLE with directions and the way with the least amount of turns seems like it should be the best. However - I do stand corrected and will now find the way when bike commuting with wider lanes, slower and less traffic or perhaps scoping out a bike path. I don't think that I was ever in danger .... but the ride could have been a bit more relaxing and enjoyable.

The second lesson is that not every city is as bike friendly as St. Paul. Ok, again, I suppose I already knew this --- but it was confirmed when more than 3 times today I was told to get on the sidewalk. Now, I do really believe that Fargo is a friendly town .... but it certainly did not feel very bike friendly.

The third lesson - ok, confirmation -- is that bike commuting is super fun, easy and a great way to learn more about a city. I am so glad that I am on this journey and continue to be amazed at all of the support there is for finding alternate ways of transporation.

Whootie Whoo!!! :)

Ok .... let me just start off by saying that I am really not that brave. I like trying new things - but as my sister will attest -- only if someone is there to try it out first ..... or at least with me to hold my hand. I have never been someone who ventures out on her own. I LOVE to travel --- and I have learned to do so without an itnerary --- but again, when someone is there with me. For goodness sakes --- the only time that I have ever taken the bus in St. Paul as an adult (or perhaps ever) was with my mom about 15 years ago .... and if I had my choice I would have someone along for my second trip!!!!!!

Having said all of that ... I found a bike shop in Fargo, rented a bike and just got back from a ride. I left my rental car at the shop -- so that I can bike to work tomorrow. Whootie Whoo!!! :) I feel so empowered. I know that to most people that sounds like such a small thing --- but to me it feels like this major accomplishment. Absolutely freeing!!!

The only crappy thing is that it is SOOOOOOOO HOT and HUMID!!!!!! I HATE the heat. I would take foggy, cool San Francisco (my favorite US city) over this anyday. I might even be tempted to say that I would rather bike in the snow than this ..... But I am holding my tongue - so I didn't actually say that out loud! ;) But .... I am super sweaty .... so we will see how the biking to work goes tomorrow. I will leave in plenty of time ---- but you can only bike so slow without tipping over!!!! (And, I do know that from my experience climbing hills outside of SF! Not that I ever actually fell over .... but almost!!)

What an amazing journey!

Missing Sophia and Lucy

So - here I am in Fargo without my bikes!!! I didn't think that I would miss them .... but (despite the wind) it would be a nice day for a bike ride. Plus, I got done with my project around 3pm (granted I left my house at 5:30am this morning to get here) - so I would have had plenty of time for a nice ride. Too bad I didn't see the comment from sota767 before heading up here .... I should have taken the train and then I could have had Sophia (or Lucy) here with me. Something to put into the file for next time! Now I have to wait until the end of the week to ride.

On the other hand, perhaps there is somewhere in Fargo to rent a bike for an hour or two --- or for a few days. I certainly could commute from my hotel ..... Oooooo .... this might be exciting! I am off to do some research and see what I can find!! :)

Bike Helmet

I have to admit that driving this Prius makes me feel kinda cool!!! :) I suppose if I have to drive a car for another week it should be one that does the least damage to the environment!!! ;)

The bigger news for today is that I finally decided on a bike helmet. It was hard - since the design wasn't my first choice .... but it is still pretty cool. You can check it out here: http://nutcasehelmets.com/HelmetDetail/street6.aspx. It certainly won't be the last cute helmet I will have ---- and I am just looking at it as another accessory. It would be great to have a few - so I can coordinate the helmet with my outfit. I ordered it online --- so I can't wait to get it!!! :)

I won't have much more to report this week - as I will be in Fargo, ND with my rental car .... but it still feels like such a relief to have finally gotten rid of my car.

Now - here's to hoping that today wasn't a sign that the summer will be super hot and humid .....

Today is the Day!!!!! :)

Well - it is official .... I am no longer part of the car-owning society. It feels odd - yet freeing at the same time. I no longer have to think about getting an oil change -- or wondering what the weird light is that just popped on .... or running out of gas. I am not sure if I mentioned this before - but I absolutely believe that getting gas is perhaps the most asinine task ever!!!!

It was an odd feeling as I went to the car dealership (my mom followed me to give me a ride home) to return my car. All of these new cars sitting around, and that new car smell --- something that in the past might have been exciting ---- but I actually felt a sense of calm knowing that this is the path I am suppose to be on right now.

I do have to admit - as I have already done --- that I am not completely without a car at the moment. I have a nice Prius sitting outside my house .... a rental to get me to North Dakota next week. So - it isn't if the real journey has started ..... but I am no longer paying anything to do with a car.

Speaking of that --- I need to call my insurance agent to ask what type of insurance I need to carry once my policy expires this summer. I have done some research - but I do think that I need something if I am renting a car .... hmmm .....

But --- I decided that it is time for celebration. I NO LONGER OWN A CAR!!!! :) Putting all of the fears behind me for the moment ... I think that it might be time to celebrate with a nice glass of wine!

Last Night .....

So - on the eve of going car free ..... thought it might be a bit more dramatic ..... I did meet some friends for a happy hour birthday celebration in the suburbs. As I was driving there I thought .... how would I have gotten there without a car? (I also thought how silly it was to be stuck in traffic and alarmed when I almost got rear-ended!!!) But, I wouldn't have missed the celebration for anything. First - we could have met in St. Paul - which was an option. Or, second and third - I would have either biked or had someone pick me up. So - I do always have options. C did say that she didn't want me to start excluding myself or not accepting social offers ..... and, strangely I just knew at that moment that giving up my car was absolutely the right thing to do ....

So --- nothing dramatic ---- just that this is the right path to be on.

I was a bit disappointed today when I went onto the NutCase website (www.nutcasehelemts.com) and found that the super cute helmets were all out of stock. I guess I wasn't the first to find them. So - still on the search to either find one --- or find Kate Spade's phone number to have her make one for me!!! ;)

And the adventure begins ....

Two Days

Well .... two days until I will be car free!!!! Ok, not completely, I do have to rent a car or borrow one next week to complete a work project in ND -- I decided that would be too long of a commute!! ;) But as of Saturday --- I will no longer have my own car. Part of me is SUPER excited and the other part is SUPER nervous. Can I actually do this? It is one thing to talk about doing it --- and how cute I will look on my bike. But - this is serious. I am actually not going to have a car. Let me just say that again (for my benefit, not yours!!!) I am actually not going to have a car. .... Just trying to let this set in.

Granted, I am going back to grad school full-time. So, the commute will be easy --- and I will not be expected to dress-up every day. And, I am trying not to think about winter --- just taking things one day and one experience at a time. And, I am excited about all of the new experiences --- and learning more about myself --- what am I really capable of?

Whew ..... and then I think ..... people all over the world live without cars. It is really not that big of a deal. Plus I have a great network of people with cars .... so ..... two more days!!! Hopefully I can find a cute bike helmet before then!!! ;)

Squeeky Wheel!!

Sophia has a squeeky rear wheel- and I just can't figure it out. Something is rubbing against the tire .... but what? And here lies one of my big fears about owning a bike - although I suppose that I had the same fears about owning a car .... which is: I am NOT mechanically inclined, and I honestly don't have any desire to change that. However, what do I need to know how to do? It seems silly to take it back to the bike shop for a little squeek -- but I feel even sillier with the squeek - as it is sort of loud!! So - what are the things that I need to know how to do? I have changed a flat before and I am certain that I will be able to change one again. But - what else? I suppose I should do a bit of research on what are the absolute basics of bike repair/maintenance that I need to know.

On another note --- I couldn't find the bike helmet that I want in my size at REI. It turns out that I have a very medium sized head - hopefully that says nothing about what's inside!! ;) So - still searching for the perfect helmet to complete my chic look.

I am also searching for the perfect bag to take on social events. If I am biking - I would like something big enough to hold a pair of platform sandles -- but that doesn't look "industrial" like the backpack I have for more utilitarian trips. Not as easy as I thought ....

Does Kate Spade make bike helmets?

Ok .... I am officially in love with Sohpia!!! Now, nothing will replace Lucy -- but I do love Sophia!!! :)

Finally, a day without rain in St. Paul --- and what a beautiful day it was. I had planned to meet a friend for Happy Hour and I was so excited to take Sophia for her inaugural ride. So - of course as I was getting ready the first question was what was I going to wear? I decided on a short, flowly, black dress with a cropped jean jacket and flip flops .... super cute - but comfortable. The next question was --- what sort of bag/purse/satchel/etc was I going to bring. I chose a small, orange, purse with a cross-over strap. (Good thing that I had just read that this was one of the "have-to-haves" of the spring!!!) It had just enough room for my keys, cash card, ID, lip gloss and perhaps a small camera .... the essentials!!

After getting ready -- and almost prepared to head out the door I realized that I could not find the keys to my bike lock. Ugggg .... but only a minor set back. The friend, J, that I was going to meet suggested two bike shops along the way where I could buy a new one (which in retrospect, is much better than the one I currently owned). So - headed first to buy a bike lock (a large U-lock) and then out for Happy Hour.

As I started biking, the only thing that I could think was how awesome Sohpia is (riding, shifting, braking ....) and how chic I felt, except for my helmet. And I thought, I wonder if Kate Spade makes a bike helmet. There certainly must be something different than what I had on. I also thought - perhaps I should be wearing full-coverage (but sexy) undies --- as I did the Marilyn Monroe quite a few times trying to hold my skirt down. (Ok --- two IMPORTANT things --- first - make sure that your skirt is actually tucked underneath you when you ride and two, I think that a slimmer skirt would work a bit better --- meaning not be so apt to blow in the wind!!)

I also need to rethink the bag choice. When I got to happy hour J had things to give me --- and at the moment I had no way to get them home. I am planning on getting a back rack - and she has panniers for me --- but how can I wear the cutest bag -- but also have the appropriate storage space for presents? I mean, I LOVE presents - especially those that are unexpected!!! :)

I do have to tell you that I felt COMPLETELY empowered --- I LOVE bike commuting --- especially in this weather!! I do have to remember to bike slower - as I did get a bit sweaty. Which begs two other questions -- perhaps I should grow out my bangs - as they look silly when they get wet. And, two, I need another deodorant option. I really like Thom's of Maine --- but it is not going to cut it ---- and I DO NOT want to smell "all-natural " ... (Hopefully that is not TMI!!)

The last thought - is that I did see someone at Longfellow Grill tonight with THE cutest bike helmet .... so even if Kate Spade doesn't make them .... someone does!!!

Interview

I am amazed that someone is interested in my story .... but Amber from Transit for Livable Communities (http://www.tlcminnesota.org/) interviewed me last week --- about my car free adventure. You can view the interview here: http://tlcminnesota.typepad.com/blog/2010/05/going-car-free-in-minnesota.html.

I am grateful for what TLC is doing - and hope to continue to support their mission.

New Bike!!!

I did it!!!! :) I finally got my new bike!!! And she is so pretty. Too bad that it is raining - and although I am perfectly comfortable riding in the rain - I didn't want to take her out for the first time in the pouring rain. Hopefully I will be able to ride her tomorrow!!!!! And - yes, she is a girl - and I think that her name is Sophia -- but I need to ride her a bit before settling on the name.

I bought a 2010 Specialized Women's Vienna 2 Cross Bike from Erik's Bike Shop. (I do really like the Specialized brand - as Lucy, my road bike, is a Specialized Dolce Elite. And -- they are both blue - Lucy a pretty light blue and Sophia a darker blue.) I had the headlight and tailight I got for my birthday put on -- as well as new pedals (with clips on one side) and a kickstand. I am just so excited. I did ride it a bit inside the store -- and I am confident with Sohpia when I ride in a skirt I will feel chic, rather than silly!!! :)

I am not sure what else she needs right now -- but I am positively giddy!!

PS: Here is the link, so you can see her picture!! :)

http://www.eriksbikeshop.com/ride/product.asp?pf_id=PR3C5325

Biking in a Skirt

Well ... new experience for me today!! :) As I was getting ready for church this morning - and then lunch with my mom for Mother's Day - I decided not to dress for the bike, but dress for the day .... despite the fact that I would be riding my bike to church and over to my mom's. As the weather was a bit chilly I opted for a long black skirt, black turtleneck and a jean jacket. The shoes of choice were flat --- but I did decide to wear my biking shoes and put the shoes in my bag. And .... I was off!!! :)

What did it feel like to be biking in a skirt? Well, not as cool as I thought. I did feel empowered - and certainly got quite a few looks and a couple of nice waves. However, for some reason I didn't feel quite as cool as all of the pics I have seen of the well-dressed European women. So - what was the difference? First -- I was riding my old mountain bike. Not super cool looking and I actually can't stand over the frame (remember the 24" inseam?!!!). So, when I came to a stop at a traffic light I felt a bit like a 10-year old boy in a skirt .... not sure why that reference .... but you know how 10-year old boys look like when they come to a skidding stop on their bikes? .... with the bike practically parallel to the ground? Now picture a 38-year old woman in a skirt in the same position. It just didn't feel very chic.

Second - I was wearing my bike shoes. I really like the efficiency in pedaling with clipless pedals. However - I didn't like what the outfit looked like. Perhaps I need to give up a bit of the efficiency when it isn't about a workout - or getting somewhere quickly. I will try that next time.

The other thing is the helmet. No cool, chic-looking woman in a skirt is waering a helmet. Bummer .... I can't imagine not wearing one ..... but the thought did cross my mind today. And, the other problem about the helmet is the hair situation. It doesn't do much for a carefully coiffed head of hair. ..... Which again brings me back to the dating thing. God certainly didn't care if I had helmet hair when I was at church ....... but I do - and will my date?!!!? And, even though being car-free is a lifestyle, I am not sure that I am willing to cut my hair ....

So - what did I learn today? That I really need to buy a new bike - one that I can stand over - sooner rather than later. That I can wear whatever I want on a bike and there seems to be suppport out there for chicks wearing skirts on a bike! ;) AND, that I need to learn how to bike slower so that I don't get all sweaty. For some reason that is hard for me .... I can walk slower --- but biking slow seems difficult. But, I REALLY need to learn this skill as to be perfectly honest I can sweat just standing still. Not particularly attractive ......

And - I do want to thank my friends and family for all of the AWESOME presents for my birthday. They were mostly bike related .... so now I have a relfective vest, head and tail lights, money toward my new bike and an great backpack!!!! :) Each day is a step forward toward the freedom I will have when I actually go car free!!!

Ironic

I find it ironic as I have the tv on in the background while I do some research on bikes .... that the contestants go WILD when they see that they could win a new car ... interesting that they wouldn't get as excited if they were to win a new bike ..... Hmmmmmm ......

Looking for a Bike

I have to admit that I was really nervous about going to look for a bike by myself. I don't really know anything about bikes - the terminology baffles me - I can never remember what frame size I need - and I am certainly not mechanically inclined!!! I have been very intimidated in the past in bike shops where I have been treated poorly - and almost scoffed at when trying to make a purchase. (And - the customers are sometimes worse than the employees. Don't get me started on the time I was buying my first road bike and another customer looked my bike up and down and told me that his wheels cost more than my entire set up!!!! Why, why would he even have to say anything?) Needless to say - I was a bit aprehensive to start looking for what will be my primary mode of transportation.

I went to three stores today - and walked in with a air of confidence (even if I was just pretending!!!) and asked the first person who said hello for help. I told them that I was giving up my car (I got plenty of high fives for that!!!) and I needed a commuter bike. My list of needs were: a step-through (mainly because of my 24" inseam), something I can comfortably ride for at least 20 miles, something I would feel comfortable wearing bike clothes or a skirt and something that looks cool - but not too cool to park at the UofM. The questions were - do I want something completely upright and comfortable or something a bit lighter and built a bit more for speed? Do I need chain guard? Do I need internal gears (ok - not even sure that is what they are called. I just learned about them from a friend the other day ....)?

So - after my speech each shop was able to show me a couple of bikes. The prices ranged from $450 - $950. The biggest surprise to me - each shop showed me different bikes. I thought I was going to be able to price shop .... but that was clearly not the case today. After taking numerous test rides and asking lots of questions - I think that I have it narrowed down to the Specialized Vienna, Breezer Villager and a Bianchi that I can't remember the name.

I am having a tough time separating the bike from the experience in the shop. One of the bikes jumps out as a clear front runner, but is it because I felt ultra-comfortable in the shop? Is that a reason to buy or not buy a bike? Or do I go with a shop that I know is committed to creating complete streets? I want to ensure that I feel comfortable when I bring the bike back in for tune-ups and support .... but I also am cautious (not just when I buy bikes) to shop in places that represent my values.

And my last thought ..... I am DONE with the wind!!! :)

Choices

We all make choices about how we are going to get from point A to point B. For most of my adult life it hasn't been a conscious choice about how I would get to work. Hopping in the car was not just the obvious choice -- it seemed like the only choice. (Except for the time living in San Francisco --- when I began to understand the beauty of public transportation.) But - for my life here in MN grabbing my car keys while running out the door seemed like a no-brainer.

Well .... this morning I had a choice to make ... and just so you know, I did not make the right one. I had to be downtown St. Paul at 7:30am this morning and last night figured that I would get up in enough time to walk. This morning a few more minutes of sleep seemed much more important .... and I rationalized that I might as well get as much use out of my car as I long as I still own it. (Writing that down now doesn't seem rational at all ..... but it seemed to make sense curled up in my bed with my cats!!) So - getting down there and parked was fine - and about 10 minutes faster. I was a bit jealous of those people I did see walking .... but I was still glad at that moment for the 10 extra minutes of sleep!!

HOWEVER - getting home was a totally different story!!!! I sat in my car (along with all of the other people sitting in their cars, alone) for 45 minutes. Yes - I said 45 minutes. I was literally trapped in the parking garage ..... and I could almost feel the concrete squeezing in on me. And then I almost started laughing .... I was actually PAYING for this experience. How silly is that? I was paying to sit in a dark parking garage by myself for 45 minutes?!!? I could have been outside, enjoying the fresh air, getting some exercise for FREE!!!!! :)

So - lesson learned .... I do have choices - but if I had the choice again, I wouldn't be sitting in my car in a concrete parking garage!!


The other piece of this puzzle is why my bike wasn't even an option. I am trying to work through why I have apprehension about taking my bike. Maybe I am still nevous about how to arrive somewhere looking fresh after biking. Or perhaps it is where will I put my bike - and how will I lock it up in an unfamiliar location. Two things that I still need to work through ....

The Journey Continues

Well .... the past week or so has provided many lessons, a few gifts and still a few more questions. What to start with first ...

One thing that I learned is that my car-ed (my new word for friends with cars ... and funny that it actually spells cared!!!) friends and family really don't mind giving me a ride home - or picking me up. I am struggling with the balance of accepting their offers - and not relying on them. I need to make sure that I not relying on the offers, but also accepting the gifts when offered. I am thinking that will be a work in progress for awhile.

I also learned that walking places puts me in touch with my environment and other people in new and unique ways. I have talked to people on my walks that I would never have had the opportunity to if I were in a car. This is sometimes extremely interesting - and sometimes a bit, um, weird! And, walking has also given me the time to meditate. Again, weird, since I thought meditating meant sitting in a dark room (maybe with candles) waiting for the buzzer to go off!!! ;)

I have received many gifts in the past week - the best was meeting with a college classmate who has NEVER owned a car. She gave me so many great tips - and connected me with some great resources and websites (which I will post on my blog soon). It was so reassuring meeting with her - and I continue to be inspired by her!!!

I still have so many questions .... like, how do I keep my mascara from running down my face when sweating, or riding the rain? How will I go to dinner parties in the suburbs? Can I really wear a pair of platform sandles on my bike?

The biggest one right now - is what I kind of bike do I need? I have my road/tri bike, Lucy, who I LOVE!!!! But what kind of bike do I want for commuting? One where I am sitting upright with a cute basket up front? A speedy road bike? Or something in between? That is the question of the week -- and I plan to spend the week at bike shops researching.

More later ..... but perhaps if I post more often they won't be SO long!!!