Little things

One thing I love about bike commuting is moving more slowly through less traveled spaces to see little things. Like this chalk graffiti. It says, "if you don't stand for something you'll fall for anything." Plus flowers! 

RIDE ON CHICAGO!!!

Megan is joining PeopleforBikes.org and will be riding 500 miles in 5 days, from KC through STL to Chicago!  Read more here and follow along with her on FB, Twitter and her blog (meganhottman.com) as she embarks on this awesome journey!

http://www.peopleforbikes.org/pages/ride-on-chicago

National Bike Challenge update

Many of us will be logging those big miles this Memorial Day weekend... while you're at it, be sure to log them in the National Bike Challenge!  This challenge runs May-Sept, so if you haven't signed up yet, DO IT!

Our TheCyclist-Lawyer.com cycling team and commuter team is currently sitting 19th in the State of CO among teams.  I know we can do better!!!!  Enter those miles by uploading to MapMyRide or enter them manually !

https://nationalbikechallenge.org/local-challenge/1576?category=teams&page=2&date=2014-05&found=4724#rankings

Perception is everything!

Last Sunday was our wedding anniversary. It was also a gorgeous day, and we decided to take advantage of it by riding our bikes to brunch instead of driving. It’s only 4 ½ miles, so why not?

Bike:  Giant Transcend

Attire: Golf shorts, tank, cardigan, ballet flats

When riding to an event where you need to be somewhat dressed up, I recommend dressing in layers. I rode without my cardigan so that I would be cooler and sweat less. I went with a “messy” hair style so as not to have helmet hair in a fancy restaurant ;) This particular bike has campus pedals on it (flat on one side, SPD clips on the other) so I can ride in just about any kind of shoe I want. My flats are sparkly and nice enough to wear in the restaurant, yet functional enough to ride the bike in.

Perception is everything. As we rolled out of our neighborhood, we saw a friend walking his dog. He asked what we were doing:

                Him:       “Where are you two off to?”

                Me:        “YaYa’s for brunch.”

                Him:       “What??? Do you know how FAR that is?!?!"

                Me:        “Yes, Joe. It’s like 4 ½ miles.”

                Him:       “4 ½ MILES?!?!? That’s crazy!”

                Me:        “Yesterday I rode 46 miles UP Deer Creek!”

                Him:       “WHAT??!??! You’re crazy!”

Yeah, 4 ½ miles doesn't seem like such a big deal after that.

A couple of weeks ago, we posted a blog about how motorists treat cyclists based on how they’re dressed. And this is so true. Dressed as I was, with wicker panniers and a wooden rack on my bike, I was certainly not a ‘cyclist’ in the usual sense of the word. Cars treat you better. We were following the rules of the road (as I always do), but they gave us a much wider berth than we get when riding our road bikes decked out in a kit. Heck, even when I commute on my cyclocross bike with a messenger bag or backpack, cars aren’t as nice to me as when I’m dressed in regular clothes with baskets. I have to say, it’s almost ‘easier’ to commute this way. People don’t look at you funny when you arrive at your destination, and it’s a little safer getting there. Cars were giving us the right of way, even when it wasn’t our turn. It’s amazing what perception can do when motorists aren’t looking at you like some spandex cycle jockey getting in their way and taking up their road.

Ride on, and be safe (and dress cute – it’s ok to do, even on a bike!)

Women are on a roll in Fort Collins

Up here in the far north (Fort Collins) we're working hard to get more women riding bikes. We've planned many events tailored to women of all ages and abilities, including Ride, Sally Rides! These range in difficulty and style—from social rides to fitness rides, and from road to trail to dirt.

We also just received funding to reach out to Latinas in our community. The Coloradoan ran a story today which mentions our Women on a Roll initiative (http://noconow.co/1kaFXKC. We're grateful for the support.

Learn more about our plans at www.fcgov.com/womenonaroll.

Strava for cities

Cool article on how Strava is providing commuting data for cities to help with infrastructure planning!

http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/gear-shed/cycle-life/Stravas-Plan-to-Revolutionize-Commuting.html

Love. This.

Sure, I spend a little time racing bikes every now and again, and I know a number of you are pretty serious, but this is how I've been enjoying riding lately....

http://schwinnred.wordpress.com/2014/05/22/slow-ride-biking-doesnt-have-to-be-a-race/

Shopping is more fun on a bike

I bet most of us already know this, but especially now that farmer's markets are opening up, and it feels like summer, doing errands by bike is even more fun. Here are some fun tips to pass along to others.

Shopping by Bike

Great article by Kim in the Coloradoan!

http://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/local/2014/05/19/column-bicycling-require-badge-courage/9292147/

A different vibe

I finally was able to get some saddle commuting time last week.  Whew!  I was pretty sure my head was going to explode!!  I have opted to sticking to the C470 trail for a while, which really is a beautiful ride.  When you ride on the street there's a lot of hubbub and things going on, and on the trail its you, your bike, the trees, bunnies jumping out of your way, and peacefulness (for the most part).  I noticed something else last week too... everyone else you see on bikes, they're generally toting a backpack along or have panniers and are clearly headed to work as well.  And you know what?  The look on their face tells the story of how you feel.  People will happily nod their heads and smile at you, they make eye contact!  They will shout out a "good morning".  They're happy to be doing exactly what you are doing...

It really is a joyful feeling getting on your bike in the morning and getting that fresh, crisp air first thing, and having pleasant/happy human interactions like that.  It's all good for the body and soul.  So pedal on...!!!      :)

Why I love Commuting

Awesome Article!

http://momentummag.com/features/why-i-love-riding-to-work/

The Twin Cities and commuting

I've been down with that bronchitis that's been floating around (for the last month!), and it's put a damper on my own commuting and riding. However, I spent the last few days in the Twin Cities, and I have to say, I think they've got the Front Range beat when it comes to commuting.


If you get bored, pull up google maps, put in "Minneapolis" and hit the "bicycling" icon to pull up all the bike routes in the area - absolutely amazing! Their network is incredible, and crisscrosses all directions throughout the area. The one issue with getting around the Denver Metro area is the lack of east/west connectors, especially bike/ped only paths. But the Twin Cities has them all over the place.


Also, people just commute there. In their regular clothes. Without spandex or cycling jerseys. My husband put it well when he said "Denver has more 'hardcore' cyclists, but here people just ride". Everywhere we went there were bikes - bikes of all kinds: fixies, singlespeeds, flatbar, dropbars, road bike, mountain bike, hybrid, tricycle, big bikes, small bikes, training wheels, trailers, unicycles - you name it, we saw it! People in every sort of attire possible from jeans, to, yes, cycling jerseys and chamois. But people would just ride to places. We stopped for lunch along the Mississippi River on Nicollette Island, and people would just ride up, grab a bite and socialize, and ride off. Whole families would do it! It was AWESOME!


Bikes are just a way to get a round - it's not something you do for exercise (sure, those people were out there, too), rather, it's just a way of life. People with smiles just pedaling the paths and streets, some with messenger bags/backpacks and others with panniers (these were the obvious 'commuters' to and from work), but many just going to the store, for coffee, entertainment, to the movies or bar, or simply to socialize. It reminded me that commuting doesn't have to be, and shouldn't be, a chore. It can very easily be a way of life, as it is for the people of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. It's just something you do. Not to save the world, burn some extra calories, or to reduce your carbon foot print. It's just how it is. And it made me happy to see it. I challenge you to go out and be happy - go for a ride, get a cup of joe, and wear regular shoes with some platform pedals. Enjoy!

MB's Snow Day Success Tip

I've been keeping extra pants at work as many of my pants are a little threadbare from my saddle these days! Turns out they also come in handy when you should've chosen a bike WITH a fender! Extra clothes, everyone. Keep 'em at work! 

Slow Ride

I keep saying someday I might get a road bike, but I've been loving my city riding this year, and my bikes keep getting slower. First, the cargo bike, then I replaced my fixie with this fun new townie. I'm looking forward to mellow commutes, summer park days, and it'll even be my low maintenance ride come next winter. I already love it! Simple and fun. 

A girl has to have protection

Women are delicate and fragile, like flowers, right? Well, some women may subscribe to this description, but not me. I'd like to think I'm pretty...pretty tough, that is. I work hard and I play hard. That's why I need protection I can depend on.

Oh! You think I mean that kind of protection. Think again. I mean protection that will keep me as safe as possible while I engage in my adventurous pursuits. That's why I just treated myself to a new bike helmet.

I planned to get a new helmet sooner than later since mine's three years old*, but yesterday while I was hosting a bike ride from Loveland to Fort Collins, Colorado, for a group of local, regional and state policymakers and transportation planners, I noticed the styrofoam shell inside my helmet is cracked. I haven't crashed* with my helmet and I treat it well, so I was shocked to find the crack which rendered my helmet relatively useless protection wise. That discovery made the decision as to when to buy a new helmet easy--as soon as possible, like right after the event ended. So I went directly to Lee's Cyclery in south FoCo.

A friend of mine recently showed me her new helmet made by POC, a Swedish company, and I immediately developed helmet envy. Not only are POC helmets cool looking (kind of space-age Star Wars Stormtroopers looking), but POC helmets are equipped with MIPS (multidirectional injury protection system) which "mimics one of the safety systems which already exist in the human head" allow them to provide the best head protection currently on the market. Of course, a possible downside to POC helmets is that they're expensive, but I'd like to think the contents of my head are worth the investment. I'll just work a little harder to pay for it. Teaching Traffic Skills 101 classes on May 20 and June 6 at Hottman Law Office in Golden will help.


Lee's didn't have the style or color in stock that I want, so they ordered one for me, but as luck would have it, the color I want, Radon Blue, is back ordered. Not knowing how much time it will take for my new helmet to arrive, Lee's gave me one of the store's brand new Bontrager demo helmets to use in the interim. My old one is now in the trash.

I'll model my new POC once I receive it. Until then, thanks to Lee's, I'm protected.

*One of the widely accepted rules of thumb as to when to replace a helmet is after three to five years of use because the interior shell begins to deteriorate from UV rays, environmental pollutant, human sweat and cosmetic products, like hair gel or spray. But if you crash even once with your helmet, replace it.

Awesome blog about commuting

Love those ladies at Sheclismo!

http://sheclismo.blogspot.com/2014/05/taking-lane-why-i-emily-started.html?spref=fb

Some Motivation

I love this! It made me think of our conversations regarding Light Rail and supporting new commuters. Pass it along!

Biking to Work and Way to Go

Fighting sickness

I have been sick for about three weeks now with a chest and head cold. So getting on my bike lately has been just 5-9 mile rides around my neighborhood and a few longer rides sprinkled in here and there. But commuting on my bike has been out of the question. I am however feeling SO much better and can't wait to get back on my bike and commuting to work again. I definitely feel the difference in my head and body. It's amazing how good those morning and evening rides can make you feel. It really is a transformation.

Biking with the Birdies

My normal routine on nice days is to pack up my bike and accessories, throw the bike in my car, drive to the train station, take my bike on the light rail with me, drop off my bike at the company bike room (yes...I'm spoiled enough to have one!), try to survive another day at work, then bike home. The last few days, with the gorgeous weather, I decided to try my hand at commuting to work, instead of just riding home. What a huge difference!! No longer was I worried about rushing to get to the train station on time or having to listen to the person next to me with their earbuds blasting. Nope! I simply woke up, threw on my cycling clothes, grabbed my work clothes and bike and headed out the door. What a liberating experience!! It was so nice cruising along the Platte hearing only the birds chirping and seeing the smiling faces of the other commuters who were out and about on a beautiful sunny morning. After the almost-1 hr ride to work, I found myself walking to my desk much more relaxed, happy and ready to face the day. I could hardly wait to get back on my bike and head home that afternoon! When 5pm hit, I grabbed my backpack and without worrying about missing my train or being delayed, I ran downstairs, changed and headed out the door. It was great to ride along and just enjoy my 2nd ride of the day. The next day, I admit I was super excited to do it all over again! This time, on my ride in, I saw baby geese running all over the trail (still in the cute fuzzy stage!) and met a really nice woman on an beautiful Kona singlespeed. We chatted as we came by Elitch Gardens and I thought, "wow...now this is something that wouldn't happen on the train!"


Moral of the story....As apprehensive as I originally was to do a morning commute and throw off my 'routine', I couldn't be happier that I did and can't wait to hit the trails again tomorrow morning!

Commuter and other TCL gear now available online!

Local pickup and shipping options available -- check it out!

https://squareup.com/market/defined-fitness-training-llc/tcl-women-s-commuter-team-gear-high-viz-hot-pink

Coyotes, Foxes, and Rabbits, Oh My!

Technically, I did not see bears on my bike commute.  I was doing hill repeats in my neighborhood last weekend before commuting to my CPR class, when I looked up the hill to the place where the herd of deer usually hangs out . . . and there were two bears!  On the second repeat, another bear had joined the first two.   I think the bears were enjoying the sunrise just as much as I was.

OF COURSE, I did not have my phone, so I could not take a photo.  There is a great photo on the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website, which also contains a plethora of information about how to Live with Bears.

On other days, I have seen prairie dogs, coyotes, foxes, deer, rabbits, cows, horses, llamas (could be alpacas), chickens, mountain bikers, other commuters, dogs, runners, and roadies on my commute.  The rabbits and prairie dogs are especially active on my route right now.  The usually standoffish prairie dogs have been tearing across the paths right in front of me, which seems odd, but they must have somewhere important to be.

Incidentally, kudos to Tiffany for bike commuting for a whole year straight while wearing street clothes.  On the day I saw the bears, I showered and changed into jeans for my commute and found it more than a little unpleasant.   I was thinking about Tiffany today on my way to work while trying to figure out if I had packed all of my gear (had it - hooray!) and hoping against hope that no one was in the office shower when I got there.

This tree is a favorite spot on my commute. Who else has noticed...

This tree is a favorite spot on my commute. Who else has noticed cool stuff when you ditched the car and went by bike?

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Back in the saddle

What a great day for bike commuting! It's my first day this week which is extremely unusual for me. I ride all year long including when the temperature is below zero, but gale-force, relentless, won't-let-up wind like we've had the past several days is the one element that keeps me from riding.

According to my acupuncturist, Inger Giffin at Wisdom Ways Acupuncture, I'm a "liver" person. (I think that's the nice Chinese way of saying I'm high strung, OCD, Type A and wired.) Apparently, wind aggravates my liver and whole well-being, so it's best I not exacerbate that by grinding my way around town.

Today, however, is perfect. The sun is out, the breeze is light and I have a lot of pent-up energy. My morning ride was splendid and I look forward to enjoying the rest of today's commuting miles on two wheels.

Ride on and have a great weekend!

Friday Inspiration

Check out this story of lady cyclists in Afghanistan!

Afghan Female Cyclists

                                Photo by: Peter Breslow/NPR

Why I Biked to School for a Year Courtney Chamberlain,...

Why I Biked to School for a Year

Courtney Chamberlain, bicycling.com

Eleven-year-old Griffin Donavan Schneider rides to school so that kids in Africa can, too

Grif­fin’s fam­i­ly has since moved to a new town, which makes com­mut­ing more chal­leng­ing, but the big­heart­ed fifth grad­er is still rid­ing to schoo…

This kid is awesome! What a cool story.

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Hard Lesson Learned

Well....as a cyclist living close to a city, I'm afraid it was just a matter of time before the inevitable happened to either me or someone I know and unfortunately, it happened to me.  It pains me to report, but my beloved Redline mountain bike was stolen yesterday from my locked bike rack at the RTD lot in Englewood.  If the heart-breaking sight of an empty bike rack (which was still locked by the way!) wasn't traumatic enough, when I called the police to report the incident, I quickly learned that I didn't properly prepare for such an occasion because one of the first questions the officer asked was if I had the serial number, which of course, I didn't.  To be honest, I never even thought of writing it down and nobody ever mentioned it to me.  The officer was extremely nice and highly recommended that, regardless of the item (bicycle, laptop, etc), to record the serial number and keep it in a safe place.  I didn't realize that whenever these scumbag thieves take your precious item to a pawn shop (which is most likely where they'll end up), if the item has a serial number, the pawn shop must enter that into the system, at which time, a stolen item will be flagged and must be reported.  

So please please PLEASE...if you do nothing else today, tomorrow or this weekend, please write down the serial number of your bike and put it somewhere safe.  Do not get caught in the situation that I found myself in yesterday.  Also, both the officer and security person advised to post pictures of the stolen bike on Facebook, Craigslist, Twitter and every other bulletin you come in contact with, because the best chance you have of finding a bike is by someone else seeing it and contacting you. 

And if you happen to see this beautiful Redline D660 hardtail 29er, please contact me immediately.