Thursday, May 30, 2013

141. Great Price

Just an ordinary street fair; bought a couple of bowls and while talking to the potter and his wife (or the potter and her husband), somehow the subject of bicycles came up (but of course, some would say that I bring up bikes in every conversation, which I categorically deny).

I just bought a new bike, she said, a really nice bike for a great price. You don't think it was stolen? There were so many.

Yes, I do think it was stolen; why do you think it was so cheap?  And too many bikes? Traveling gangs hit campuses and parking lots.  From there to Craigs list or that corner where you got yours. I don't want to know. Go back to your clay.  Bikes wouldn't be stolen if dupes like you wouldn't buy them.  And don't tell me about the great price on that Ebay iPhone you're holding.




Friday, May 24, 2013

140. Done Deal

The skies are March but the calendar says May, and sure enough, more cyclists are hitting the road.  In yesterday's rain, I was the first bike on the bus rack, three stops later, a second bike filled it, then a few more stops and a third cyclist was waiting--but no room.  A few minutes later a fourth cyclist also left waiting.  In the afternoon, again the rack filled after I got on and down the road another cyclist left.

Time to get that folding bike.  The morning ride is okay, I pick up the bus at its first stop; it's been a couple of years since I had competition for the rack.  But the afternoon it's another story; I pick up the bus far from its start.

So I bought it. It was even on a 15% sale. 

Friday, May 10, 2013

139. Folding Bikes, Part II

Three months ago, I became serious about folding bikes with some google searches and a couple of test rides, then put the decision aside.

Now with better weather increasing the odds of being bumped--a bus arriving with the bus rack already full--so I started looking again.

First the Brompton, gold standard for folding bikes.  Folds the smallest, weighs the least, best rep for reliability.  But also $1200, or so my earlier research told me.

My test ride was disappointing: the smaller (than other foldables) wheels decrease stability, especially when standing during climbs.  And the model I'd need would come to $2000. Scratch the Brompton.

Next, a couple of $600 models; not as compact, but that's because of large wheels which means greater stability. I think I'll go with REI's version, given the discount as an REI member, the easy return if necessary, and the convenient maintenance (on my way home from work).

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

138. Bike to Work Month

Yesterday at the doctor's office my blood pressure was 152/83, higher than I can remember it being. I blamed it on stress, almost late, rushing to the office then immediately ushered into an exam room with BP taken right away.  Wasn't quite out of breath but almost.  No acute illness, but I did have a request that I wasn't sure would be addressed the way I wanted.

Today, a bike ride to the bus stop, deep into "The Violinist's Thumb," then the bike ride up the hill to my office, stopping off at an DIY BP machine (well-calibrated, I was assured). Not quite out of breath but almost.

BP = 114/77.

Yes, the advantages of commuting by bus and bike.