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

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:

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 (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.

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.

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

Shopping Aftermath (Dammit, math...)

I ended up going with Arkel's Commuter bag, after reading the testimonial about how someone got hit by a car, bike went flying, and their bag stayed on the rack, laptop fine. If I am lying dead on the side of the road after an accident, my bag had BETTER be on my rack. Plus the way they described the usage possibilities, "If you need to carry a laptop, extra clothing, a pair of shoes, lunch and all of your very own 'nick nacks', then, the Commuter is right for you," is exactly what I need it for (minus the shoes. My job doesn't require dress shoes and I am too poor to have cycling specific kicks.) Can't wait for it to arrive.

Happy hour local shopping consisted of fenders (black, although for some reason the lady was trying to sell me pink ones, sheesh), Valencia Cyclery water bottle (I needed one and I might as well represent), water bottle holder (may pick up another, we'll see), fingerless gloves (mostly to keep my hands warmer, but they are padded to keep pressure points comfier, I guess), and a rack. This stuff will get installed at some point soon. Maybe I'll bother Joseph again, "Trade you time on Rock Band for bicycle assistance!" (He helped me with my wheel and seatpost locks, and the holder for my u-lock that makes me too nervous to use; I don't mind throwing the lock in my backpack, anyway.)

Once all that was bought (mostly by my mom as an early b-day present! Thanks Mom!) I had been planning on picking up some a couple pairs of skinny jeans, since the only pants I really feel very comfortable riding in right now are my Anthropologie cords, but then I realized that what I really need is a good jacket. Hoodies and my puffy vest are good, but when it's chilly and the wind really starts blowing, they don't cut it. I really really REALLY want to take advantage of this sale. This jacket is exactly what I want and they have it in blue. And it's half off. Who could ask for more? The only problem is that I have student loan payments to make, not to mention a 200 dollar CalTrain pass to spring for. I'm probably also going to get a VTA pass for at least the first month while I continue to work on getting my mileage up. Soooooooo, grah. We'll see about that. Also want to grab the waterproof cover for my bag, which I should do with the jacket, if I order it, to save on shipping (10 bucks!)

*yawn yawn* I guess I gotta think about sleeping soon. Another long day tomorrow, but just Kabuki and Casto theaters so it should be an easy ride. Key word: "should" ;D Either that or I won't be able to move when I wake up. We'll see. I wouldn't feel like too much of a pussy if I took the day off of the bike tomorrow. Did a decent job today.

Bike Shop Happy Hour vs. The Shopping List

Valencia Cyclery is having a happy hour event on Thursdays this month where clothes and accessories are 20% off between 5 and 7 PM. Today (later...like after the sun comes back up) is the last day I will be able to go since I'll be commuting home next week, so it looks like I have some shopping to do. I'm wonder what of the things I want/need I should try to get. Here are some things I have come up with that would be nice to have:

Repair kit

This is sort of necessary, but I think what I need to find out is the extent. I've heard all you REALLY need is "two spare tubes, tire wrenches, and a pump." Maybe a multi-tool. *doesn't even know (yet) what a multi-tool is* I do want to learn some basic repair stuff just in case, though, as you can tell if you've browse my links.

Fenders

Duh.

Rain Clothes

My mom shipped out my rain jacket, but I wonder if that will be too big to ride in. Even with a jacket, though, my legs and feet will get soaked. Trying to figure out what to do. They certainly make rain pants and covers for shoes and things.

Clothes in general

I'd like to get a pair or two of straight leg skinny jeans to wear when I'm riding around town, but I'm not sure what to wear for the commute (which I guess I still haven't explained in detail -- next post). I guess just whatever is comfortable, since it will be disgusting by the time I get to work anyhow. Luckily, I hear they have showers.

Eye Gear

I have a lot of problems with wind in eyes making them tear up completely so I can't see anything. Not exactly the safest way to ride, one-handedly while trying to dab under your glasses with the other hand, nor does it look cool to be crying and biking down the street, lol. I don't have a solution here yet. Some people say wrap around sunglasses'll do it, but I feel like I would a) need sunglasses but also not sunglasses, since I will eventually be riding at night, I think and b) something that goes over my glasses. Maybe goggles? I hear they fog up. I don't know!

Gloves

This is a must. When I went to Xav's house (which I could map out in a future post -- it's about a five mile ride) my hands were so cold! Of course, that was pretty tricky because I hit the fog wall. Got super cold and damp. I need a better jacket for this type of thing, too *mentally adds that to the general clothing section* Seems like fingerless gloves would be the way to go? I don't really expect it to keep my hands warm, per se; just cutting the wind would be nice.

Water Bottle Holders

This is another no-brainer, but the bike didn't come with even one, so I will have to figure it out.

Rack and Bags

Yes, the pannier debate continues. Biking with my backpack on is not such a big deal, but it really depends what is in it. Right now I have biked comfortable with a notebook, textbook, and the bike lock, along with some incidentals like cash, cards, DS, maybe a couple CDs -- whatever.

The thing is if I am taking fresh clothes, food, my laptop, etc, then it could get bulky. I can recognize the fact that having panniers will make me feel like I can carry more when it will still be just as hard to move the bike with more stuff on it. I think my real dilemma is that I don't want to just get one big, waterproof bag, since that would throw off the balance. I was thinking if I carry my laptop and maybe clothes in one back, and everything else (toys, books, food) in the other bag, then it would be ok, but I wonder how much that really is.

Also I'm just really paranoid about how to make sure none of this stuff falls off in the middle of the street. Plus I like feeling pretty narrow -- fit more places and cars are less likely to clip you?

Let me know if you have any ideas on things that are good to have. I can't afford much now, but anything worth while will be looked into :D In the meantime, I'm going to bed z_z