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! ;)

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!!!

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!!!