Monday, January 24, 2011

75. Directions

I have no problem with municipal promotion of bicycling, but this sign is just silly.  For one thing, the Capitol Hill the sign refers to is just two blocks up the street, over a freeway--it's not like there is any other way to get there from this starting point.  Moreover, cyclists in this city of hills and rain are pretty determined; casual cyclists a rare breed.  We're independent; we'll decide what routes we take, one-way streets and directional signs notwithstanding.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

74. Roll, Baby, Roll

I don't know whether it's genetic or something I learned along the way, but I'm pretty good at rolling up when I fall (as opposed, for example, to sticking an arm out as a brace, a sure way to fracture a wrist).

So when I fell yesterday, I instinctively curled up.  So no ligament injuries, just bruises.

I think the bike's ok, and I put black duct tape over the tears in my rain pants.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

73. Bricks

Recipe for a fall:
1. Dark
2. Wet
3. Speed: Bus arrives with its 3-bike rack filled, requiring me to race ahead to the transit center where I can safely leave my bike overnight and still catch the bus (as opposed to waiting 30 minutes for the next bus)
4. Light rail tracks crossing my route

5. and bricks:  in an prettification move, as the rails were installed bricks were laid down between them instead of concrete or asphalt.  Need I comment on the slippery factor of wet bricks?

I went down, my head bounced off the payment (thanks, helmet), my rain pants tore, and my handlebars twisted, but I got back on and still made it to the transit center.  I just can't bear weight my knee.  But it bends, so I can cycle.

Friday, January 7, 2011

72. Happy Christmas

It wasn't a hint but a direct request:  I needed a bike stand for repairs, tired of putting the bike upside down, or laying on its side as I bend over while crouching on the dirty garage floor. So I send my money to St Paul, Minnesota and on Christmas day put it together.  A few days later I used it to install fenders, two months into the six month rainy season, better late than never.

The bike on the hoist is my wife's as is the one seen in the background, up the "garage tunnel" that leads to the house.  Hanging vertically on the far left is my spare bike, currently in need of a new rear derailleur--sounds like a job for SuperStand.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

71. New Year's Resolution #1: Be Nicer

Nicer to my fellow commuters, that is. No barely audible muttering (with facial expression to match) when someone delays the commute by asking directions about King County bus schedules from a Pierce County driver or by fishing through a backpack for pennies and nickels to make the fare and then looking at the other riders, asking, "Does anyone have change for a five?

So, I'll start carrying at least five one's to make change or just to give to someone who doesn't have the fare.  Who am I to judge?