The Roving Reporter
Where the sidewalk ends...
Posted by: Amy Reiter
Wednesday, July 9, 2008 10:32 PM
I have no idea how people cycle 20 or more miles in a ride, and that's just the morning's exercise.I am exhausted and hurt just about everywhere.
But today did have its high points. I installed a water bottle holder onto my bike, got a new helmet (apparently, helmets have expiration dates -- something about the styrofoam breaking down) and attempted to install a basket (it didn't work -- I'll try this one again later this week).
Roads traveled:
I explored west Champaign, en route to two interviews. The way there, I took Windsor. And while the bike route between Neil and Duncan is easy to follow and out of the way of cars, there's no bike route on the north side of the road between First Street and Neil. Why is that? Anybody know?
I also meandered through the Robeson Park neighborhood, which has all these cool walkways between the houses. Only one problem cycling down some of them, though: the high-water creek running right over the path in at least two places I tried to cross.
Today's (approximate) total: 16 miles. I'm thinking at this rate I'll easily break 70 miles on bike this week.
What's the longest you've gone on your bike? And commuting aside, what's your favorite bike ride?
Amy
Comments
I guess I'm different than most cyclists, I can't say I ride for fun. I ride to get somewhere - to work, to the grocery store, the Post Office, to eat. Is there anyone else out there that just uses a bicycle for transportation? I can't really say that I enjoy it, I have to pedal the thing!!! I have a Sun recumbent that I ride to work, my wife has a Giant Revive "comfort bike" and I have a modified mountain bike that I call my "Granny bike" for around town and grocery getting. I have been riding for over 2 years and still haven't gone over 20 miles in one trip. It's easy for me to do 20 miles a day with the errands that I do around town (I live in Tuscola, so most trips are shorter than yours in Champaign). I guess my main goals are to not buy gas and to get away from the 265 lbs. that I had gotten up to.
Posted by ashrat on July 10, 2008 at 8:40 AM
I ride for transportation - year round.
I do occasionally ride for fun on the weekend - lesson learned - take water.
If you do ride for transportation, then get a good water proof messenger bag.
In the spring and summer rain clothing is not needed. In the fall and winter a good rain suit is needed.
The key to riding in the winter is layering. You will want breathable fabrics that let moisture out, instead of fabrics that hold on to moisture.
And an outer layer that blocks wind and breathes. Lobster gloves, balaclava, and good boots are also needed for winter.
Since I wear glasses - I had a problem with them fogging up - until I found a product called cat crap.
http://www.amazon.com/Cat-Crap-Anti-fog-Cleaner-EK/dp/B000PD4U4Y
Always check the weather before leaving.
Posted by tevans on July 10, 2008 at 12:21 PM
A ride out to Homer Lake and back is lovely on a nice day. It is about a 30 mile ride roundtrip, but if you wear a Camelback for water and take a snack you can stop at the lake and enjoy a nice break.
Cycling in town for transportation does not require taking as much water. My major routes for commuting include Anderson, Illinois, and Goodwin in Urbana.
Posted by consider on July 10, 2008 at 12:46 PM
"Why is that? Anybody know?"
Um, aren't YOU the reporter?
Young journos -- they're so cute when they try to write.
Posted by Wenalway on July 10, 2008 at 5:28 PM
Warning: Do not feed the troll.
Posted by dw on July 11, 2008 at 1:18 PM
The Internet police: They're entertaining when they post anonymous warnings.
Posted by Wenalway on July 11, 2008 at 11:50 PM
If you keep it up, you'll get in shape. I have to tell you, if you do you won't want to go back. It's like having a new body :)
"And while the bike route between Neil and Duncan is easy to follow and out of the way of cars, there's no bike route on the north side of the road between First Street and Neil. Why is that? Anybody know?"
The general answer is that often bicycle facilities are planned and executed by people who don't use them, so they're not done well. One of the frustrations of being a cycling commuter is when drivers want us "on the bike path" ... when the bike paths are generally far more dangerous than the roads because of their inherent design flaws.
http://www.bikelib.org/ has lots more information (if you're feeling investigative, check out the "municipal FAQ" and other 'technical' information.
Posted by Geonz on July 14, 2008 at 11:14 AM
