I forgot to mention this the other day (by which I mean, like, last week -- and actually, I don't mean forgot, but more like, didn't have time), BUT I had my first two run-ins with Critical Mass, both pretty...negative?
I never really had a lot of love for the concept. Sure, people will notice you if you block up the roads and ride around as a big pack, but they will also get pissed. Hell, I wasn't even in a car and I got pissed.
I was actually biking to the gym and ran into them, but even worse was biking home after my swim. They were coming down...Harrison? I think? Taking up the whole street, making it pretty hard to just commute home.
Really makes me wonder if the ride "promotes bicycle commuting?" I wonder if there has ever been a study about how many people in Critical Mass actually ride regularly around town and follow the rules most of the time. I mean, I'm sure for some people saxophones and nudity on your bike are a special occasion thing, but esp in San Francisco I'd be willing to believe that some people just want to get crazy when the crazy is police-escorted.
Obviously, you can tell I'm not on the inside here, and maybe I just sound like a stick in the mud, but it seems like the best way to promote bicycle commuting would just be doing it and showing people that we can play nice with the cars, even if we don't like them.
Showing posts with label Commuting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Commuting. Show all posts
Monday, August 10, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
I have been biking, see?
This is what I did this morning when I couldn't sleep at 4 am:
Google says 10.2 miles.
The other day I biked to Alta Plaza to play tennis, so I started off doing that same route -- straight down Castro and Divis over the couple of hills. Then for a fleeting second I had the idea I might ride to the beach, but the hill up Geary to the Richmond made me think I should take advantage of the fact that it was 4 am and ride downtown while there are no cars, so I bombed down Post (as much as one can bomb while mostly obeying traffic signals) and meandered my way down Market to the Embarcadero. From there on the ride was very familiar, since I just took the Embarcadero to Townsend and did my homeward commute. Sun was just coming out when I got back and I breakfasted on leftover Vietnamese sandwich. Gonna grab a soy latte on the way to work, I think, leave a bit early.
It was pretty trippy riding around downtown -- I am not (yet?) brave enough to attempt Market during the day, even though it has bike lanes. Everything is really different from a bike, for whatever reason. I was going pretty fast past Union Square, since the lights were lining up for me at that second...
Anyways, hope I make it through the day without getting too sleepy. I'm really glad I went out. I spent about an hour on the bike, which is great, since I am going to a movie after work with a friend, so will probably take BART downtown instead of riding.
On days I have been commuting, it's been great. They installed a bike rack in our side of the office, too, now, so there is more parking. Riding both directions is second nature, so I hardly have to think about it anymore. There was one day I didn't get over soon enough for the turn onto Harrison from Division, which was frustrating, but it wasn't the end of the world.
Off to shower.
Google says 10.2 miles.The other day I biked to Alta Plaza to play tennis, so I started off doing that same route -- straight down Castro and Divis over the couple of hills. Then for a fleeting second I had the idea I might ride to the beach, but the hill up Geary to the Richmond made me think I should take advantage of the fact that it was 4 am and ride downtown while there are no cars, so I bombed down Post (as much as one can bomb while mostly obeying traffic signals) and meandered my way down Market to the Embarcadero. From there on the ride was very familiar, since I just took the Embarcadero to Townsend and did my homeward commute. Sun was just coming out when I got back and I breakfasted on leftover Vietnamese sandwich. Gonna grab a soy latte on the way to work, I think, leave a bit early.
It was pretty trippy riding around downtown -- I am not (yet?) brave enough to attempt Market during the day, even though it has bike lanes. Everything is really different from a bike, for whatever reason. I was going pretty fast past Union Square, since the lights were lining up for me at that second...
Anyways, hope I make it through the day without getting too sleepy. I'm really glad I went out. I spent about an hour on the bike, which is great, since I am going to a movie after work with a friend, so will probably take BART downtown instead of riding.
On days I have been commuting, it's been great. They installed a bike rack in our side of the office, too, now, so there is more parking. Riding both directions is second nature, so I hardly have to think about it anymore. There was one day I didn't get over soon enough for the turn onto Harrison from Division, which was frustrating, but it wasn't the end of the world.
Off to shower.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
I caught a nasty cold
which explains the lack of bicycle updates. It was a pain to even ride the bus, much less pedal and deal with traffic. Anyways, I'm feeling a lot better, although there is still some residual nonsense going on in the back of my throat. Aiming to be back on the bike tomorrow.
In the meantime, I've been taking either the 27 bus or BART. Both are pretty crowded at rush hour; yet another plus of riding a bicycle is that you are out in the open air and not crammed in a train with a hundred other people. Like today, I think the lady I was forced to hover behind on tip toe, almost hanging precariously from the overhead bar in an effort to reduce my depth (a backpack full of two laptops and associated cords decreases my skinniness), had not washed her hair in a while...or had washed it in something that didn't smell very good. Sigh sigh. I hope my shampoo doesn't make my hair smell lame.
Anyways, Twitter does not have showers, so I'm thinking of biking in the shirt I wore the day previously with a new shirt along with laptop (just one from now on) in the backpack. And I can wear my new jacket if it gets cold.
Good news is that I was able to return that heavy duty pannier that I no longer need. Less good (or perhaps equivalent) is that I've gotten interested in Rickshaw bags and since they are coming to work next week to show off their wares, I have a feeling I will only become more interested.
Finally, I think the Twitter diet is really good for me. Well, I think it would be good for anyone -- they feed us quite well. Fresh fruit every morning, sometimes bagels with cream cheese and salmon, other bakery items. Lunch is could be any number of things (falafel, sushi, sandwiches), but most days also includes some salad. Feeling healthy before you even get on your bicycle is definitely something to be either cherished or aspired to :) -- and not taken for granted (Stupid cold!) ;p
In the meantime, I've been taking either the 27 bus or BART. Both are pretty crowded at rush hour; yet another plus of riding a bicycle is that you are out in the open air and not crammed in a train with a hundred other people. Like today, I think the lady I was forced to hover behind on tip toe, almost hanging precariously from the overhead bar in an effort to reduce my depth (a backpack full of two laptops and associated cords decreases my skinniness), had not washed her hair in a while...or had washed it in something that didn't smell very good. Sigh sigh. I hope my shampoo doesn't make my hair smell lame.
Anyways, Twitter does not have showers, so I'm thinking of biking in the shirt I wore the day previously with a new shirt along with laptop (just one from now on) in the backpack. And I can wear my new jacket if it gets cold.
Good news is that I was able to return that heavy duty pannier that I no longer need. Less good (or perhaps equivalent) is that I've gotten interested in Rickshaw bags and since they are coming to work next week to show off their wares, I have a feeling I will only become more interested.
Finally, I think the Twitter diet is really good for me. Well, I think it would be good for anyone -- they feed us quite well. Fresh fruit every morning, sometimes bagels with cream cheese and salmon, other bakery items. Lunch is could be any number of things (falafel, sushi, sandwiches), but most days also includes some salad. Feeling healthy before you even get on your bicycle is definitely something to be either cherished or aspired to :) -- and not taken for granted (Stupid cold!) ;p
Sunday, June 7, 2009
A lot to report!
If you're wondered where I've been for the past week and a half, I have a simple answer for you: I've been off getting hired by Twitter! Yes, that Twitter. DO YOU REALIZE HOW MUCH THIS CUTS DOWN MY COMMUTE?
If you recall...
And now check this out:
It's a little frustrating because it's JUST far enough that you can work up a sweat if you're riding fast. I suppose one could just...RIDE SLOWER, but then you might as well just BART and walk, which is definitely an option given my shiny new June MUNI pass. I'm almost tempted to get up early and ACTUALLY go riding, shower, and then head to work. We'll see. I do need to get miles somehow. I could prescribe a long route, but that equals more sweat. I'm guessing all of this will somehow end up depending on whether or not they have showers... They DO have a bike rack IN the office, though. So great XD
In other news, I locked myself out of the house last Monday. It was great! I had my bike, and my bike lock key (which I had forgotten the previous day, woefully mangling plans to go to MOMA), so I just tooled around, mostly. Ended up riding down Castro/Divis for the first time. Some hills! Climbing is good for you, though, if not for your knees, specifically. It was actually not so bad.
Latest lameness:
* Turning left onto Folsom from 16th some horrible fellow shouted at me to get out of the way. There was nowhere to go! There were two lanes and I was in the left to turn, waiting for the cars. If it had been a left turning car it would have been the same...see?
The repeated arrows show his apparent hastiness. RAWR V_V
I (the blue smiley face) am waiting patiently for random placeholder cards blue and green to go before I make my turn at the smiling green light. Creepy fangy death-face behind me who shouted, "Get out of the way!" was wishing he were in the lane with the placeholder orange, pink, and turquoise cars to the right, who were moving straight on without interruption since there were no other vehicles with the right-of-way. I think he just hadn't had his coffee yet or something. Then again, I hadn't either, but I didn't shout at him for being an asshole.
(I just blogged about it later. Does that make me passive aggressive? *sigh*)
*My least favorite incidents occur with other cyclists. Why are you getting frustrated with me? Seriously! The sign says loose gravel and I would not like to skid out on this slightly downhill turn where someone has 78% certainly PUT the gravel there on purpose to keep hardcore cyclists from barreling into innocent pedestrians. If you want to race, go race in the street. I'm gonna slow down and not spend the rest of the afternoon picking rocks out of my shins.
*On the same trail (the Los Gatos Creek Trail) there are sometimes areas with obtrusive posts to keep you from flying through high traffic trail intersection areas and killing stroller moms/dog walkers/old people. I was pedaling slowing up hill behind a pair of middle-aged women on a social walking exercise outing. I don't mind going slowly. I know it's their right-of-way. I have ULTIMATE TRAFFIC ZEN. Not so with the fellow coming down the other way, he was ready to STORM down that hill and mumbled some irate remark as I navigated between the posts around him. What's silly is that I went on my right, so why didn't he go on his? It's a two lane trail, guy!
/end vent
And now, to end on an up note, I'm going to say W00t, Sunday Streets in the Mission was awesome! I volunteered from something like 9 to 2:30 and then had free lunch in the park. Met up with some cats for Humphrey Slocombe (Peanut butter curry ice cream zomg -- does it get any better?) afterwards. My first post was at 25th and Osage from 9:30 to 12:15, but they needed someone to relieve a couple of girls on 20th and Valencia, so I did that afterwards.
Part two was wayyyyyy more fun and lively, since I was in the middle of a closed street with tons of people milling around, some actual responsibility (allowing cars to cross, usually with the lights, but always with the police prompts), and a really chatty policeman. A couple people took my picture while I held up the STOP sign. That was a little awkward. One of them even took my name, so I've been googling to see if I can find it...should've probably asked where he was going to stick it @_@
Incidentally, I tweeted up a storm, mostly while I was doing rather a bit of nothing during part one, but I got in a couple at the second post, too. Highlights include:
"Because 24th street is closed I am allowed to make Osage a two-way alley. My true power is unleashed! #sundaystreets"
"Hint: when attending #sundaystreets, do not bring a car."
"To the dude biking on the sidewalk: UR DOIN IT WRONG. #sundaystreets"
See more @emawii, or by searching for the "sundaystreets" hashtag. I retweeted a couple of other cool posts, too. There were at least a couple people besides me tweeting pix. Looking forward to doing it again next month :)
Oh, before I finish this MASSIVE RUN-ON BLOG ATTACK, I should note that I re-bought my front headlight, finally. Thanks to Noel for allowing me the use of his in the meantime. Got another Flea. I also finally ordered that jacket I had been oogling. I may actually see if it's not too late to return the awesome commuter bag I bought, since I will not really be traveling far enough to require it, even if I do want to bring my laptop somewhere. I may have run out of time. We'll see what the Arkel folks have to say. If not, maybe CL will be kind. SPEAKING OF WHICH...
I'm selling a June Caltrain pass if anyone is interested. Zones 1-4, also good on SamTrans and VTA! Rar gorg! Please, I could really use the cash ;p
/end commercial
That is all! Hopefully I can remember to update more frequently instead of unloading all at once like this, haha.
If you recall...
And now check this out:
If this looks a lot like the way to the Caltrain station, it's because it essentially is.
It's a little frustrating because it's JUST far enough that you can work up a sweat if you're riding fast. I suppose one could just...RIDE SLOWER, but then you might as well just BART and walk, which is definitely an option given my shiny new June MUNI pass. I'm almost tempted to get up early and ACTUALLY go riding, shower, and then head to work. We'll see. I do need to get miles somehow. I could prescribe a long route, but that equals more sweat. I'm guessing all of this will somehow end up depending on whether or not they have showers... They DO have a bike rack IN the office, though. So great XD
In other news, I locked myself out of the house last Monday. It was great! I had my bike, and my bike lock key (which I had forgotten the previous day, woefully mangling plans to go to MOMA), so I just tooled around, mostly. Ended up riding down Castro/Divis for the first time. Some hills! Climbing is good for you, though, if not for your knees, specifically. It was actually not so bad.
Latest lameness:
* Turning left onto Folsom from 16th some horrible fellow shouted at me to get out of the way. There was nowhere to go! There were two lanes and I was in the left to turn, waiting for the cars. If it had been a left turning car it would have been the same...see?
The repeated arrows show his apparent hastiness. RAWR V_V(I just blogged about it later. Does that make me passive aggressive? *sigh*)
*My least favorite incidents occur with other cyclists. Why are you getting frustrated with me? Seriously! The sign says loose gravel and I would not like to skid out on this slightly downhill turn where someone has 78% certainly PUT the gravel there on purpose to keep hardcore cyclists from barreling into innocent pedestrians. If you want to race, go race in the street. I'm gonna slow down and not spend the rest of the afternoon picking rocks out of my shins.
*On the same trail (the Los Gatos Creek Trail) there are sometimes areas with obtrusive posts to keep you from flying through high traffic trail intersection areas and killing stroller moms/dog walkers/old people. I was pedaling slowing up hill behind a pair of middle-aged women on a social walking exercise outing. I don't mind going slowly. I know it's their right-of-way. I have ULTIMATE TRAFFIC ZEN. Not so with the fellow coming down the other way, he was ready to STORM down that hill and mumbled some irate remark as I navigated between the posts around him. What's silly is that I went on my right, so why didn't he go on his? It's a two lane trail, guy!
/end vent
And now, to end on an up note, I'm going to say W00t, Sunday Streets in the Mission was awesome! I volunteered from something like 9 to 2:30 and then had free lunch in the park. Met up with some cats for Humphrey Slocombe (Peanut butter curry ice cream zomg -- does it get any better?) afterwards. My first post was at 25th and Osage from 9:30 to 12:15, but they needed someone to relieve a couple of girls on 20th and Valencia, so I did that afterwards.
Part two was wayyyyyy more fun and lively, since I was in the middle of a closed street with tons of people milling around, some actual responsibility (allowing cars to cross, usually with the lights, but always with the police prompts), and a really chatty policeman. A couple people took my picture while I held up the STOP sign. That was a little awkward. One of them even took my name, so I've been googling to see if I can find it...should've probably asked where he was going to stick it @_@
Incidentally, I tweeted up a storm, mostly while I was doing rather a bit of nothing during part one, but I got in a couple at the second post, too. Highlights include:
"Because 24th street is closed I am allowed to make Osage a two-way alley. My true power is unleashed! #sundaystreets"
"Hint: when attending #sundaystreets, do not bring a car."
"To the dude biking on the sidewalk: UR DOIN IT WRONG. #sundaystreets"
See more @emawii, or by searching for the "sundaystreets" hashtag. I retweeted a couple of other cool posts, too. There were at least a couple people besides me tweeting pix. Looking forward to doing it again next month :)
Oh, before I finish this MASSIVE RUN-ON BLOG ATTACK, I should note that I re-bought my front headlight, finally. Thanks to Noel for allowing me the use of his in the meantime. Got another Flea. I also finally ordered that jacket I had been oogling. I may actually see if it's not too late to return the awesome commuter bag I bought, since I will not really be traveling far enough to require it, even if I do want to bring my laptop somewhere. I may have run out of time. We'll see what the Arkel folks have to say. If not, maybe CL will be kind. SPEAKING OF WHICH...
I'm selling a June Caltrain pass if anyone is interested. Zones 1-4, also good on SamTrans and VTA! Rar gorg! Please, I could really use the cash ;p
/end commercial
That is all! Hopefully I can remember to update more frequently instead of unloading all at once like this, haha.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
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).
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).
Saturday, May 23, 2009
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 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.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
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!)
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!)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
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...
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.
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 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.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
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.
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.
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 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.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Downtown Campbell VTA to Lark and University, Los Gatos
Exhibit ASo 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.
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.
Monday, May 11, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, May 1, 2009
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.
~ 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.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Race to work, race to bed: A baby bicycle step
Tomorrow I'm going to bike to CalTrain by taking Valencia to 14th and then going down Folsom before turning onto 4th as recommended here. No map today because damn I'm hella tired and damn I only get six hours of sleep. I left work a little late, though, so that explains it. I'm banking that biking will be about a thousand (or maybe two) times as fast as BARTing (not to mention I would rather not have to buy THREE monthly passes, for May -- when do I have time to find a VTA one, anyhow? Why can't the machines just sell them? The VTA machines are horrible, as we already know...) walking, so I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out. I have a good lock, and the Bike Hut is right there, as Dominic pointed out. Even if my bike isn't actually IN it, it should be good deterrent, right? Time for bed -- not joking! I don't want to live on caffeine like I did today. Hydration and exercise and leaving on time so you don't stress out. That is the life. Me and my happy bike will save the day *doesn't know what she's saying anymore*
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Don't Be Lazy
Well, ok, real quickly........
my final work schedule has been decided and it is actually such that I would not have to ride at all...
M-R
11 PM - 10 AM
i.e. no weekends, when the trains have shortened running hours (although holidays will be short...that said, I can take company holidays if I want to).
This is completely unexpected.
I guess, though, that I am not going to let that deter me from getting tons of exercise. I will just check the weather the night before and see what it looks like. If it's gonna storm or something, I can take the drier route *shrug*
I'm slowly realizing I will never have time to blog again, but I'll keep you posted on that ;D
Monday, April 27, 2009
Bike park bummer (but some good news, too)
I investigated Bike Hut next to the 4th and King CalTrain today. Great system and an affordable-seeming repair shop, too. Anyways, I was all excited about the possibility of starting off with just doing the easy leg of the trip (CalTrain and back -- no sweat) and parking all day in a safe, indoor location. Unfortunately they don't open until quarter to seven and I need to catch the train at either 4:55 or 5:23 (yeah, AM), so that's not gonna happen. I can actually take BART at 4:17 in the morning, though, if I want to, so at least that is nice. Walking just seems cruel. It takes about an hour. Even if I take BART I will still be walking part of the way, though. Biking is really the fastest, but I'm just not sure about leaving my ride out all day long, even with a good lock and cable, is the smartest idea.
The other thing is that it's just a good way to get miles in during the week. It is pretty unlikely that I will get home after a long day and a long commute and be like, "Hellz yeah, 8 o'clock! Time to get on the bike!" unless of course, I have somewhere to go. I might ride down to SafeWay tomorrow for lunch supplies. Food is dwindling around here and I need to think of not only things I can take to work to eat, but simple things I can eat when I get home.
Incidentally, news of the day is that Cryptic has a bicycle commuter reimbursement program. Something like 20 dollars a month? I clearly need to look into it more.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Lost in Presido-land
Ohhhhhh boy. Today was a long day -- and cold! But yes, let me tell you what happened with the bike route. Instead of sticking with what I know (Kabuki) I decided to go for mileage. "Ah ha, the Presidio! That sounds far!" I thought. INDEED.
You may recognize this as part of this Bikely route, which loops the city in about 30 miles. I'd wager this is about a third of it? Less than half, but still a pretty substantial chunk. Obviously a little round about, but for a reason, since you're not pushing up any hills or heading down Van Ness, which seems like sheer madness. Not that the Embarcadero wasn't busy on a farmer's market morning, but they have a bike lane ;D
The Presidio is also a maze, and it didn't help that I was going to a place that doesn't yet exist (the Disney Museum), and to a building that is part of that place, but not at the main address. Anyways, this is more or less the route I took. I am too lazy to show that I missed the Mariposa turn and went all the way to sixteenth before heading East, etc.
You may recognize this as part of this Bikely route, which loops the city in about 30 miles. I'd wager this is about a third of it? Less than half, but still a pretty substantial chunk. Obviously a little round about, but for a reason, since you're not pushing up any hills or heading down Van Ness, which seems like sheer madness. Not that the Embarcadero wasn't busy on a farmer's market morning, but they have a bike lane ;DI actually got quite lost before I even got to the museum the first time. Just in the Presidio. What is it about this place? I guess if I had a map (or iPhone!) it would help. Anyways, so I tooled around there for a while before finding the museum, but what I saw was the clearly under-construction main building, and not the hall where the reception was taking place. I think part of my problem was that I thought I was taking tickets, since that's what I signed up to do. I had heard of the Letterman Digital Arts Center (Is that what it's called?) in relation to this event as well, so then I figured it must be over there, so I called my friend Xav for an address, which it did not really have, aside from cross streets.
Later on I realized I could've just cut through some places, but I ended up going all the way back to Mason and missing a turn and going down Laguna to Chestnut and then still ending up frightfully lost for quite some time even though I was in the correct complex. There just weren't any signs...at all. The Yoda fountain, though, I did finally find that. (I love that it has its own Yelp page XD)
So I parked my bike, got it locked up well (easier to do it around actually bike parking spots than streets signs, when it comes to the thickness of my frame and whatnot), and went inside only to find that actually, my shift was working the after party which WAS back at the Disney Museum (but at a hall around the corner). I got minorly lost on the way back there, but eventually found it.
So my reward for something like 2 hours of biking was four hours on my feet volunteering, but it was really worthwhile :D (A story for a different blog, perhaps.) Also, I'm pretty psyched about having biked such a "long" way. (Yeah, I know it's nothing, but I've only been at this for...two weeks?) I guess that must've been around 12 miles, at least? So it seems that I am definitely capable of doing my the "to" part of my commute. I cheated today and got "from" taken care of by the bf in his Outback: X but hey, baby steps.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)