30
Dec
Happy New Year!
I don’t think it’s too early to wish everyone a very happy new year! Yes, technically, we still have another day to go in 2010, but I hope you are all starting to give some thought to new years resolutions I also hope that at least one of your resolutions has something to do with cycling. Are you a recreational cyclist who is willing to try out commuting to work by bike? Are you a fair weather commuter who would be willing to brave a few chilly or snowy days? Did you commute just once a week last year by bike and are willing to try for two?
What’s your bike related resolution for 2011?
2 thoughts on - Happy New Year!
When I came back from Deepwater Horizon (oil spill) cleanup in October, I resolved to cycle commute year round to the greatest extent possible. So far, I've been true to this resolution. Sadly I don't cycle-commute every day – child care, elder care, and other weirdness… can't ride every day.
I've taken it very seriously. Summer riding is easy. A pair of shorts, a bike helmet, I'm good.
For the winter, I bought $250 in lights, > $1000 in cold weather clothing, and $150 in a full face motorcycle helmet (for both protection from the cold, and the safety).
I ride the same route repeatedly, at generally the same time. I find that cars are slowly giving me more room and more respect. Hard earned gains, but hopefully it benefits all cyclists going that way.
Happy New Year!
I started by having a conversation with myself.
"You like riding your bike?"
"Sure."
"Then why would you drive to work when you could ride?"
"Good point."
Each time I ride to work it becomes more of a habit, When I add it all up the benefits far outweigh the injuries and I wouldn't do it any other way. Special winter gear? I found that I can't prevent getting a bit wet. I could buy a lot of expensive gear but that would only reduce the amount of water that gets through, not eliminate it. In the Winter I modify my normal commuter gear. I add a warm hat, a fleece layer, toasty gloves and lightly insulated Sugoi "leggings"(?). Throw in a scarf on bitterly cold days.
The hardest part was getting out of my car.
Happy New Year.