Chugging along

Chaotic list of things to consider:

First, I've ridden Tues., Weds., Thurs. of last week (took car on Fri. to be home for department party), Monday of this week. Today (Tues.) it is threatening to thunder/be windy and I wimped out (actually I dithered until it was too late and then I couldn't imagine getting to school in time.) I'm realizing I wasn't too prepared and needed to get in to run off papers. Need to feel more prepared, no rushing means less stress. Anyway I drove in on a slightly different route that goes around Alley road and straight up Neck Road. It looked nice from the car, and its about the same distance (3/10s longer). I need to Google map it to see if it is comparable.

I wonder if those who bike commute have less stress first or if biking forces them to have less stress.

I've gotten a lot of encouragement from people. Teachers stopping by to ask about the commute. Old man Berryman (a student destined to be a schmoozer/townie at the local donut shop) stopped by to shake my hand, Mr. Michael (from first floor) stopped by to share his enthusiasm. Only five trips and its become part of my identity. One person took it upon themselves to wish me a safe trip, and just to be sure that I understood it wasn't meant as small talk she stressed, stay safe, don't take chances. It made me quitely bristle, though it was meant in all kindness. This never came up while I was driving in.

I had my first run in with a dog yesterday morning. Actually, we raced. A collie came out from my side as I went by. She easily caught up as I shouted NO and sprinted up the road. Instead of attacking, she crossed to the other side and sprinted alongside. Hair sleek and body drawn out it was beautiful to see the animal run. After a good long stretch she dropped back with a bark. I think I held my own, though she didn't look put out at all.

In the morning I have the light installed and usually wear a reflective vest. I feel safe enough but figured I ought to be as visible in the twilight as possible (its still pretty dark in the morning). There are those who actively oppose adults wearing helmets (and certainly reflective geek vests) as it furthers the perception that biking is dangerous and we need to be put in a separate area to be safe. While I understand this, I feel that I've had a hard time seeing cars in the shadows and tree covered roads, I suppose a bike would easily be overlooked.

The light (night rider "sol") charges up more quickly each time and its running well. It is bright, but not amazing. I read one review of lights that said "you'll have a hard time out running this light." While I suppose that is technically correct since I'm not in the same league as most photons, I wish for a brighter light.

I have ordered up a proper bag as its getting to be a pain attaching and re-attaching the grocery bag. When I stop at school it is a bugger to disassemble light, pump, bag, helmet, gloves, water bottle and get myself inside and upstairs. A bike locker starts to seem like less like a luxury. It would be so neat to just pull up and lock the bike up with everything on it. An advantage of a car is pulling up and locking all your things in side (coffee mug, spare clothes, maps, etc.) The bucket panniers seem attractive but would probably be hard to keep dignified (if I want this bike commuting to at least look attractive to others.)