Ahhhh .... biking in MN!!! :)

I think that I have admitted before that I wouldn't talk about the weather .....  but it has also been reconfirmed for me that I love temperate weather.  Perhaps that is one of the reasons I actually did leave my heart in San Francisco.  The weather there is perfect ....  I can even deal with the fog - knowing that the the weather was never going to get hot or cold enough to keep me off of my bike.  So ... today with the weather starting out in the mid 50s and only getting to the mid 70s (and no humidity) is perfect.  I was so giddy today to get out on my bike!!!! :)  I did walk the dog first thing this morning -- and then mid morning met with my trainer .....  and now I really should be working ....  but trying to figure out what errands need to do!!!  I do have a book club meeting tonight - so I will have something I NEED to bike to and I plan to leave a bit early so that I can actually ride more than 4 miles ....  I keep telling myself if I can work for at least one hour (without getting on Facebook!!!) then I deserve a quick ride around the neighborhood.  I know that the hot weather is not behind us ----  it will be humid and in the 80s this weekend ....  but what a priceless day!!!   Ok ... enough of this ...  I need to work for a bit and then the freedom of the bike ....

Interesting twists and turns ...

So - when I started this car-free journey I had thoughts of lots of biking, cute outfits and awesome looking thighs!!! :) .....  But my summer took a bit of a different turn.  No - I have not bought a car .... and I am still committed to the car-free lifestyle --- but is has included many more bus rides with a few taxi rides here and there.  It makes me feel a bit lazy --- but I came to the realization that just because I gave up my car, didn't mean that I wanted to give up who I am. ....  And, part of who I am really hates heat and humidity.  I can't stand being all sweaty (unless I am working out) .....  and given the weather during August - I was breaking a sweat just standing waiting for the bus!!!

I am looking forward to September --- going back to school ---- and more cool, less humid days.  I look forward to getting back on my bike - and perhaps even biking in the dark.  I am committed to spending much more time on my bike this fall ---- oh, and finally getting my back rack and panniers .... and of course, FINALLY putting my bike on the front of a bus!!! :)

Riding in Cars

So ...  I have ridden in quite a few cars over the last 5 days.  And ... I am ok with that.  I made the choice not to have a car for many different reasons - but it was never to be a martyr.  It was my 20 year HS reunion this weekend and my very, very dear friend N came to stay with me.  She lives in Seattle -- car free!!! :)  However, she wanted to do plenty of exploring of her old neighborhood - plus get to the reunion looking smashing (which she always does) so she decided to rent a car.  I do love her dearly, but I do have to say riding in a car with her was an interesting experience.  It should be just like riding a bike .... once you know how you never forget.  Although --- after not driving for many years the awareness level perhaps is a bit different.  When you are on your bike or walking things go by much more slowly ---- so there is more time to look, ponder and take in all of what you are seeing.  Everything happens much more quickly in a car .....  so I did have to smile a bit .... and wonder how long it will take my "car skills" to start to diminish ....