Thursday Surprise

What a great day to commute! Within minutes of pulling onto Baseline I was pleasantly surprised to be tapped on the shoulder from Heather McKernan ; she was commuting in with a friend to Boulder. I'm sure she appreciated the spin out after the punishing Defined Fitness spin class Megan put us through last night!
The Flatirons view was stunning this morning which when driving I don't have the solace one does on the bike. Luckily I didn't forget any must haves like I did last commute...That said, the more I utilize the nice paths Boulder has to offer, the better equipped I'll be.

If I Can’t Bike to Work …

I’ve worked in downtown Boulder (the Pearl Street Mall specifically) for the past 10 years. Although I love Boulder’s shopping, restaurants and trail system, so does everyone else. Driving into Boulder is hectic and it takes me about 30 minutes to drive to my office from Louisville. It only takes me 32 minutes to ride my bike to work. The only thing preventing me from riding to work every day are the roads. Right now, the roads from my house into Boulder are still covered in ice and the shoulder is not particularly safe. I hate being constrained by my car waiting for the snow and ice to melt. I need to run errands and I have numerous meetings outside of my office throughout the day. But, taking my car to drive less than 5 miles and losing my coveted parking spot is unthinkable. So, I keep a commuter bike in my office. It’s so much easier to hop on my bike and either run errands or ride to a meeting. And, I find myself looking forward to running errands and going to meetings out of the office. It’s also opened up my lunch options considerably.

TGIF Friday commute

Amazing what few degrees makes.  This morning I commuted to work left the same time 6:45, as yesterday. It was 44° when I left, compared to 27 yesterday. This is what I wore today which kept plenty warm......capris, long socks, wool base layer with a short sleeve jersey over it. Arm warmers, a beanie cap under my helmet, one pair of gloves, and no shoe covers! It was great, really makes me itch for spring :-) Loving this weather.

What a difference a few hours make on temps

I had a nice commute to work today, and an even better commute home! When I rolled out of my driveway this morning it was about 27° in Littleton.  I was comfortable with the exception of my hands which is not atypical for me. It was a totally different story in the 50 degree temps on my way home!! I was able to shed most of my gear and wear a short sleeve jersey (our commuter jersey of course), arm warmers, lined tights which I could've easily done without, one pair of gloves and no headband, it was beautiful this afternoon :-). 

I am going to try experimenting with putting small handwarmers inside the bar mitts on my next cold morning commute and see if that helps. Two pairs of gloves today really did not keep the hands warm. I am wondering if my base layer glove is too tight, cutting off the circulation a bit and  causing more numbness and tingling than normal? If you remember I have Raynauds so it can be a bit uncomfortable. Any suggestions on a good thin base layer glove that has worked for others? 

Happy commuting ! 

Carrie 

1st Commuter of 2016

Last night after Megan's Wednesday class the thought of packing up and riding to work in the cold was exhausting. Oh the sun shining this morning was saying "Hey gal, get that breakfast in and hit the pavement!" If drivers could have seen my face, I was grinning ear to ear. It's a short ride in (7.7) but reminds me how nice it is to clear the brain ahead of the fickleness associated with daily life.
Notice the PINK gloves? Ladies gotta' match.

Quick Grocery store stop :)

I underestimate how great it is to keep work clothes and shoes on, jump on the bike and throw a helmet on.  Down to the  grocery store I go for some quick groceries. Such a fun thing to do, and so much more enjoyable than riding 1.5 miles in my car!  Happy Friday! 

Great day to bike to work !!!

Layering so as not to arrive all sweaty was key. Jeans ...light sweater ...a down vest and scarf did the trick ! 

Gorgeous views. And my dog loves the commute too. 

At the office ready to kick off this day !!