Recent near-accidents, etc.

Seriously, if I hadn't been watching that guy, he would have plowed right into me. Perhaps I should've been in the actual lane, but the fact remains that I made my intentions pretty damned clear (up out of the saddle for extra pedaling power to get out of his way so he could veer, following as closely as possible a car that went straight ahead). I'm not sure I can help it when the road (Townsend Harrison and something 16th) looks like this:



See, I don't think people feel the need to signal to take that "turn" since it is not the actual turn. This means that if I look at their blinkers (which I always do if I am not in the actual lane with the cars) I don't see that they are going to turn. What pissed me off the most that I was actually IN FRONT of this guy. He should be looking forward. And then after he saw me he didn't stop or apologize, he just drove me out of the way (good thing I can steer).

/end vent

But yes, I have been learning Danish recently and have not updated as I should. Instead of eating curry and making FB graffiti detailing recent biking escapades, I have been eating curry and trying to pronounce "sygeplejerske." (Note: that is very hard, even when your mouth ISN'T full. This is where some smartass reader says, "That LOOKS like a mouth full." And I reply, "Yes, it is, but it's DELICIOUS.")

In other news I got some new bruises today because the VTA light rail people have keep (Twice in two days!!) shutting the doors on me. Bicycles should yield for pedestrians, right? So I am the last one on the train and that conductor is just RARING to go (and also apparently not peeking out the window to actually NOTICE that someone is still getting on). It's not like I'm dragging my feet...just my bike...BUT IT HAS WHEELS, so it's not slow or anything...

*mumble grumble*

WOWZ, I gots some vitriol today!



But yes, the bruises are expanding their palette, as we have some majestic purples as well as sickly yellow/greens, plus a more typical blue.

On a CHEERFUL, I am over half-way through a 40 mile (minimum) week. That makes me happy. So does birdsong in the early morning (I'm 8-5ing again, temporarily), but not itchy allergy eyes (Thanks, Creek Trail).

Wake up sore

What's funny is that my right side hurts way more.

It's entertaining to watch one's bruises change color, and at the moment I have rather a few to keep an eye on. That one was most dramatic and pic-worthy, although I have a cute little mini blunt trauma split on my right elbow (and I mean "mini" -- you hardly notice it anymore, especially with the bruise in blossom) .

My mom warned me my neck and shoulders would hurt and BOY WAS SHE RIGHT. My right shoulder is le killing, along with general neck malaise. Also, alarmingly my left ankle/tendon/foot something twangs something awful (perhaps because it clearly -- see picture -- got beat to shit).

I took that pic, btw, with my new iPhone. Don't ask me how I managed to afford one (I'm just lucky, not rich -- in fact, I'm still battling the "Be responsible and move to Los Gatos" thoughts), but I did need some kind of phone, since my other one broke, so might as well shoot for the stars.

I'm looking forward to having GPS while biking. Insta-map! I will never have to ask the guy at the gas station where the light rail station is after I bike past it, and past even the next one down the line, and end up biking frantically around Downtown Campbell until I ask a guy -- three times because he doesn't hear me or doesn't think I am talking to him -- where oh where the light rail station is, and I make it with a few minutes to spare rather than getting caught down there all night and having to appeal to the Hotel Holmes...

Yeah, I had an interesting night. It was damp getting out of Caltrain. A cold ride home. Despite that, for reasons you may be able to imagine, my wool street jacket is not optimal biking wear.

My First Handlebar Flip

Some readers may find this ironic considering yesterday's post...

This morning by the overpass I crashed my bike. Luckily, though half of Los Gatos appeared to be entering that freeway, no one ran me over. Actually two people asked if I needed help, but I did not.

Let's see. So the thing about the overpass is making sure you don't get forced onto the onramp, right? I was trying to get into the actual lane. I think the key is probably to make sure you are in the lane BEFORE THE HOLE IN THE ROAD.

I wish I had a picture of the offending hole, but alas, I do not.

Anyhow, what happened is that I did not get over in time to avoid this hole well (perhaps I should've tried to hop it?) and did not want to ride into traffic so I tried to slow down, but did not really manage it. At all, in fact. Hit the hole, and yeah, I will admit to a bit of panic braking at that point.

(I've said in other places that every FML is my fault -- this one is no different.)

Continuing forward motion carried me in a seemily graceful roll over the top of my bike and into the street tangled up in everything. I was wearing a full backpack, so I don't think my helmet even hit the ground until I was lying on my side pinned half under the bike. Shrugged out of the bag and managed to get everything onto the sidewalk pretty quickly. My front light broke. Hope there's a warranty.

Luckily this mess happened on the side of the road (since if I had been in the left lane like I should've been, this wouldn't have happened) so no one was in imminent danger of running me over. In fact, I have hypothesized that it is actually a good thing this happened where it did, by the overpass, because cars were automatically aware that I needed to get out of that lane (it's possible I had even signaled once -- don't recall) and were slowing down around me already. Of course, it meant there were plenty of people to witness this spectacular feat of bicycle fail, but so it goes.

So far, I have recorded various bruises and a couple scrapes, most notably on my hip. I'm glad I was carrying so much stuff, because I feel like if I hadn't been as padded this would've been a lot worse. I even had my big headphones around my neck because they wouldn't fit in the bag, so I imagine they would've done a half-way decent job of keeping things braced if my head HAD hit. I inspected my helmet, though, and it really doesn't look like it was touched. Pretty clean roll.

Anyways, I stood there and teared up for a minute. More just out of stress than anything. Tried to Tweet, but my phone had no reception (which later turned into no nothing -- all I get when I turn it on is a "Contact Service" message -- new phone time, booooo). Thought about trying to call Noel (since he has a car, and wasn't at work yet) but decided that since my bike seemed fine (tested the breaks, etc.) I would just get back in the saddle and ride it. That and my phone was busted.

Was very happy to get clear of the overpass.

Rest of the ride passed without incident, thankfully. Tonight I have to bike to Winchester, and then home from Caltrain, but that should be no sweat.

Hey Biker, hey, hey

I think the helmet redeems this graffito.

Yes, Please to Bicycle finally has its own FB graffiti illustration. Expect many more.

Anyways, I'm a little torn today, after braving the overpass (which was rather harrowing this morning, actually--lots of cars on those ramps). I think I'm going to miss this streamlined commute. Being in the same city (or perhaps the city neighboring the city) you work in certainly has some advantages.

LIKE NOT COMMUTING SIX HOURS AND GETTING ACTUAL SLEEP.

It's very relaxing to wake up, drink a protein shake (this time I tried a different style and a new flavor: Cookies 'n Cream -- hilarious because all the little "cookie" specks settled to the bottom of the glass), putter around on the Internet, learn some Spanish, and THEN strap on the helmet and spin to work.

I just still can't even fathom leaving the city, though, so tomorrow will be my last day on the overpass...and my first day actually trying to catch the San Jose train by 10:30 (which is totally doable! I know it is!)

Ok, not really 12...

More like 10, but we did the Winchester run (straight down it) with no trouble AT ALL. It was terribly easy. Even riding back wasn't so bad, but I still think that for the mornings it will be better to ride the Creek Trail. Just...nicer. More atmospheric for the morning. Birds and whatnot.

As for time, it took about 10-15 minutes and that was not even at full speed, really. I will just have spent 11 hours more or less at my desk, so I will probably be ready to sprint the 2.2 miles. No problem getting to the light rail on time to get to Caltrain (on time).

Other than that news of the day is the same news it is pretty often around my parts:

Food paranoia!

Only this time it's probably warranted. It's way too east to overcompensate, since when I exercise I want to eat the house. Biking ten miles a day (only 10? I feel like I would really like to still eventually get up to biking the San Jose route) is going to make me a ton hungrier, but not really require THAT much more food. And I need to make sure I'm eating healthy even though I'm barely ever cooking, etc. I wish someone would just tell me what to eat at what time. If there are any dietitians in training who need an interesting practice planning project, let me know...

No one shouted at me on the overpass!!!

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

This morning I woke up too early (twice! Good job, body clock!), and then finally woke up for real. Managed to botch putting the cap on the shaker cup while shaking this thing, which the Hotel Holmes kindly provided for breakfast. (The sink has since recovered -- luckily it was just the sink!) I give the chocolate variety a C for flavor (it starts out more like a D, but once you get used to it it isn't bad), but an A for "feeling healthy." How is it going to taste good when it is low in fat AND sugar? Gobs of protein and loads of vitamins later, I am awake and ready to RIDE MY BIKE.

So I did! And as I said, no one shouted at me. I signaled a lot and was successful in not getting shuffled onto the on ramp (during rush hour, need I remind you). I was also not trampled by this HUGE TRUCK that seemed to come out of nowhere.

Scheduling Realization

It occurred to me today that the time I will be taking the overpass is precisely the same as everyone in cars is bound to be getting on/off the freeway -- AWESOME. I'm actually commuting at the rushiest part of rush hour now. I'm sure I can manage. It'll be broad daylight and if they hit me I will make sure it is their fault.

I do regret not taking my bike home to get the rack on -- if I get hit now, how will I know if my bag would have stayed on the rack?

Part two of this is that tomorrow night Noel has said he will accompany me to Winchester station on the first dry run I am making (down Winchester, as there doesn't appear to be an alternative given the creek trail's untimely closed state). It'll be two crazy rides, but after that the way home should be clear.

Best news is that it will be a 12 mile day. That may be jumping the gun a bit after my weekend of time off the wheels, but there is no getting around it. I gotta remember to make sure my lights are charged.

I miss my bike

I decided that since my legs were so sore, maybe I just needed a couple days of time off from the bike to recuperate.

OH WOE.

I miss it. And I'm also nervous about riding again. On the plus side, I will commute back to the temporapt/Hotel Holmes with Noel on Tuesday, so at least I won't have to brave the first post-break ride by myself.

In other news, I briefly and awkwardly stopped by the opening of the Mission Bicycle store (in the Mission! NO WAI!) Maybe someday I will be able to afford one (with orange wheels/handlebars and a blue frame that will get stolen the next day!) but until then, I'm sure I'll be walking by this place, oh...EVERY WEEKEND haha.

Is it me or is the downside of having improved leg muscles this new and not entirely comfortable fit to all your pants?

/need shorts

We're moving to a .com!

But we'll still be a Blogger blog for now because I am no designer. I wish I were. Actually, I rather like this template, although there are a couple things I would arrange differently if I could. Anyways, uhm...yeah!

http://www.please-to-bicycle.com

Tell your friends ;p

Crashing The Hotel Holmes

Last night after a sleepy day at work, Noel and I repaired to his place...s. Here is the general route we took:

The suicide route involves riding down University, where cars speed and cannot see you around the turns.

Note that we rode down Winchester! There is actually bike lane on part of that, which was handy. So it's not that people don't ride down Winchester, it's just that it's a pain. Of course, once it is after 9, the whole area quiets down quite a bit anyhow. I have a feeling that it will not be too big of a hassle, even going the other way (when I eventually have to head back to VTA at night). I might try it. Or I might find a more wiggly way -- as long as I can make it to Diridon before 10:30.

Anyways, I'm getting off topic. We actually stopped at Walgreens for some supplies and whatnot, but in general it was a pretty quick ride. There was one point right around the overpass where the uphill the got the better of us (read: me) so we ended up walking a little ways. Still amazed how the slightest incline can kill your legs, although I had also already ridden six miles that day (and for a noob, that is something!)

Noel is very pleasant to follow, since he is a very considerate leader. Always waited up when I was being pokey and sore. He's a tad more illegal than me (after all this reading about bike salmon I was horrified to become one for a moment on Lark before we turned onto Winchester) but didn't get upset when I pointed that out ;D

When we got to the place (which yes, he calls The Hotel Holmes, and it is, rather!) I am staying, he google-mapped me the morning route, which I reproduce here, crayoned in MS Paint, as I have taken to doing since it is easier than finagling the google map lines unless you actually really want/need (which yeah, I sort of do, so we'll see what future posts look like):

It's not suicidal to ride down University in the morning because people assume that since it's light out cops can see they are speeding? You're also not in the blind spots around curves when biking towards work.

I think next time I doodle in MS Paint, I will make arrows for you. Anyways, I rode this by myself this morning. It's 2.9 miles and easier than it looks. I guess it looks pretty similar to the other route, because it pretty much IS the other route, except you take University. Once your'e on University it's a nice easy ride. It's that left turn and then the overpass that is alarming.

I wasn't scared, though.

I didn't really THINK anyone was going to hit me. I felt like they could see me and that I was communicating clearly. maybe it was confidence inherited in the draft from the cyclist ahead of me, but even on the overpass I wasn't scared.

***

I just took a break because it turned out Noel was going home on his "lunch" (dinner) break and I was able to tag along and get out of work on time. Might walk down the hill to find some food, but then again I might just eat some trail mix here in a minute and pass out. I'm exhausted.

We took yet another route this time, but I'm not going to map it since I wasn't paying good enough attention. The main attraction, though, was that you bypass the overpass, yielding a much more pleasant ride. It is still unpleasant to bike in these jeans, though -- another thing I can fix for next week.

Downtown Campbell VTA to Lark and University, Los Gatos

Exhibit A

So it turns out the safest way to get from the Winchester VTA to work is to actually get off in Downtown Campbell instead and take the Creek Trail. So the full morning commute looks something like this (and we'll even color-code it for no reason other than that my blog is just that exciting):

San Francisco (not pictured)

1. Left 21st to Valencia (See if you can make it down Valencia without any red lights!)
2. Right on 14th
3. Left on Folsom
4. Right on 4th
5. Take Caltrain to San Jose Diridon (And don't be asleep when you get there and have to ask someone if you are in San Jose.)

San Jose (not pictured)

6. Transfer to the light rail going to Winchester
7. Try not to kill yourself (or onlookers or your bike or their bikes) hanging your bike on the rack
8. Get off at the Downtown Campbell station

Campbell/Los Gatos (see exhibit A)

9. Find Sam Cava Lane (I thought this would be hard, but it was just about the first street sign I squinted at. You get off on the left and it is continuing left across the street.)
10. Becomes Gilman Ave
11. Right into that park
12. Right once you enter the Los Gatos Creek Trail
13. Exit at Lark Ave
14. Don't kill yourself turning/walking left onto University (This is another turn I'll have to work up to -- I generally do that one on the way home left onto Harrison now.)

I got to work only a little while after I normally do, i.e. still early. They have confusing bike racks. I didn't really end up figuring it out. Seems like some people just stash their bikes in the game room -- maybe I will see about that.

Now that I know where the Lark exit is, the trail will be easier. And now that I know what a complete pain in the ass biking with a laptop backpack full of laptop and co. is, I will INSTALL MY RACK. I'm not sure getting my bike in the racks on VTA will ever be any easier.

Here is a photo I am using without permission:

(Thanks, wingless, unless you would rather I take it down, which I can and promptly.)

What's funny is that that bike is actually a later version of my bike, which is ALSO the bike that Noel rides. Anyhow, you can see what I have to contend with in the morning without me explaining how difficult it must be even when there are no other bikes, such as above, NEVERMIND the possibility of their already being a bike and its owner present and asking if you need assistance while you try to drive your vehicle up the wall and hook it precariously from this little peg on the top. Grah.

I guess I need to work now. That is what I came here for, after all. BIKE TO WORK DAY is tomorrow, kids, but once you figure out how to do it, you might as well keep on doing it, right? RIGHT? You will have such buff legs.

From San Jose to Los Gatos: The Daylight Route

Well, to my surprise and delight, co-worker Noel mapped a very handy route from San Jose Diridon to work, which we road on Saturday. It was about 12 miles and totally doable, although probably not twice a day, everyday, quite yet. (I will get him to send me the map he used so I can post it. Hopefully he has it saved somewhere...)

Unfortunately the Los Gatos Creek Trail (which makes up the majority of the ride) is closed after sunset, so I feel a bit foiled. He has stated that his next project is to map a street route, and I must say that I anticipate it highly.

I was looking at this map last night (which I am very happy exists), actually, trying to map safe passage even just to the Winchester VTA station (a nice next step, since it would boost the daily milage up to around twelve instead of making the rather a bit larger jump from six to twenty-four), but it appears hopeless to me without either a) taking the trail or b) getting road-killed on Winchester Bvld itself ("Extreme Caution," then "Alert," and then finally AFTER you pass where I work...a bike lane SHEESH).

Anyways, lunch is almost over and I haven't peeled my orange yet. Upcoming topics include: finally installing my rack?!?!? and scoping out the Mission library for bicycle books.

My current favorite bike blog...

is actually not a local one!! *gasp!*

Perhaps even... *dismay!*

but you can't really *dismay!* for too long once you check out Bike Snob NYC.

Obviously I have only been reading them for a short while, but their content has stood out from the other blogs I've been scrolling around in lately due to their tight, humorous writing.

Take the current post, for instance. This, to me, feels like pretty classic Bike Snob NYC. It's long and seemingly rambling, as there are many topics: little bit of booze nooze, little bit of crazytown bicycle pix, little bit of goofy CL -- all with sparkly commentary you actually want to read rather than just scroll by; while other bloggers may feel the need to just post a string of consecutive blurbs, Snob just mashes them all together. I said "seemingly"rambling because even though Snob touches on a number of topics, they are woven together so deftly with some wit reaching back to earlier in the post (my favorite kind of jokes, really) that the end result is perhaps even more entertaining than individual posts (although you can -- and Bike Snob NYC does, as well -- reach with a hyperlink, too).

Anyways, expressing some quick love on my lunch break :D

PS - For "wheel eyebrows" and esp the weather report -- thank you. I know for sure I have never laughed so hard about a bicycle-related topic.

BREAKTHROUGH: Caltrain to Home

I for some reason always felt it was necessary to turn off Townsend, when really, it not only has a bike lane after a big long stretch of practically having a bike lane (roomy parking, and not parallel -- so no real door zone, just a...pulling out into your face zone ;D) BUT it also segues perfectly into Division, which as we have learned before, is a very handy street.

Eventually I will quit pussing out and actually make that left turn onto Harrison. Or maybe not. Either way, I do like to bike home down Harrison.

I wish other cyclists made at least a token attempt at obeying traffic signs. I don't always make SUPER COMPLETE STOPS (and yes, at 4 am when there are no cars, I am guilty of skipping the red light waits -- although this morning I managed to make it all the way down Valencia without reallllly hitting one o_O felt very fancy) but during what could conceivably still be considered rush hour traffic, it seems like there are definitely lights and stop signs for a reason.

One lady walking the other day said to me as I had one foot on the ground during a red light, "You have a bike, you don't have to wait."

GRAH X_X

Anyways, no more hassle on the way home. Townsend to Division to Harrison it is. Hot dog :D

In other related news, Saturday I am meeting up with one of the CS leads at work, Noel, to have an afternoon Los Gatos bike trip. He is also interested in forging a path to Caltrain/light rail, so we will forge it together. He is also lending me an apartment for two weeks, so I'll learn that route as well. Yee hoo.

Rainy Rain

I have come to a conclusion regarding cycling in the rain:

FENDERS ARE WORTHLESS.

Not that mine are on at the moment, but I can imagine how it would go. You just have to realize that rain falls OUT OF THE SKY and does not spin up off your wheels. Some of it that has already fallen MAY INDEED come spinning up off your wheels, but that will be the THE MINORITY compared to the vast quantity of droplets coming down (and, in San Francisco, oftentimes sideways) directly on your head, thighs, shoulders, face.

You will need a rain jacket and certainly rain pants AND SHOES WITH GRIP. At that point, having a fender, not having a fender -- what is the difference? You will be protected from any and all water, whether it comes out of the sky or off of your wheels.

I rode from Caltrain to the Castro yesterday and it was so incredibly soggy. That, and glasses do not have wind shield wipers! Nor do they have..."glasses wipers."

This morning it was still raining, so I decided to do the BART/walk thing. Really, though, it wasn't THAT much drier and it took longer, of course. I guess the other reason, though, is that I'm planning on hightailing it over to the Kabuki after work to catch a flick before bed, which is INCREDIBLY irresponsible, given my current zombie state. We'll see. I suppose I could've biked, but, you know, zombie state. I need some sleep first.

At least don't power spray my bike until I walk away, please ;_;

I followed that route I described last night (in my sleepy haze) to a T, and have reached some conclusions:

~ It is A THOUSAND MILLION times faster than the BART/walk plan. I was locking up by 4:23 AM, so it took about 20 minutes. Granted, this is no traffic and I was FLYING, but still -- fast.

~ When you get there at 4:23 AM there is probably (usually?) a place to park by a tree outside the Bike Hut.

~ There may be a guy power spraying the sidewalk who will inch closer and closer to your bike even as you are removing your velcro lights. Poor bicycle doesn't need a bath! Please to not spray meeeeeeeee.

~ Riding down Folsom is great, as there is a bike lane the whole way and you don't have to monkey around with that freeway entrance nonsense or whatever screws up the Harrison route, BUT...

~ Riding down 4th sort of sucks despite it being one way, because you need to switch lanes (Left! Left!) due to...YES, the freeway. I can't imagine doing this at any time other than quarter after 4 AM (when there is like one taxi on the road). Also, there will be more buses in the mix at other times.

~ Oh, that's why my hands are cold!! I forgot my gloves! Ahhhhhhhh @_@

I sort of wish my final commute were at the pre-crack of dawn, too, because it is really the very best time to be out on the road with a bike. In the evening everywhere will be crawling with cars -- I mean, I'll be doing the San Francisco leg of the trip at like...7:30 pm or something. Booooooo.