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.
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I biked commuted in yesterday....on my fancy road bike with race wheels cause I can't get my pedals off to put them on my old road bike and flatted. I got sagged home. But that counts as carpooling I guess! Need to get the commuter bike up and running. After commuting 2x it KILLS me to pay for parking downtown!
ReplyDeleteBummer about the flat .... but awesome on commuting!!! And - completely understand about paying for parking!!! The one thing that I had to learn was that I could actually bike without clipless pedals and bike shoes. It does feel a little weird -- but it still works. So - that is an option for your old road bike.
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