Why?

The temperature was around 20 F (-7 C) this morning when I left the house. Some people - myself included - might wonder why I would choose to cycle on a day like this.

1. It's not any more difficult than my other options. Let's see. I could have walked to the MARTA station. I would still need to dress warmly, it would take a little longer, and I would be waiting or underground for much of the trip. I could have driven to the MARTA station, or even to work. That would have involved warming up the car, dealing with traffic, hunting for parking, and possibly paying to park. It would have taken about the same amount of time. And I still would have needed to dress pretty warmly. So that's a wash.
2. It's comfortable. Since I cycle regularly, I don't have to think too hard about what to bring or wear. I added an extra wool sweater and some thicker gloves, since I was a little chilly on Monday, and was comfortable for the whole trip.
   
3. It's beautiful! There are views of the city that you can only enjoy by traveling under your own power. This is something that I can't explain to someone who hasn't experienced it... The clarity of the sky on a cold winter morning, arching over your head and reflecting in thousands of windows, is breathtaking. The rhythm of shallow orange sunlight slanting through a stone railing - brilliant. The towers of the city emerging from behind buildings as you approach the urban core... There is no way to describe it; it can only be experienced by walking or bicycling. Even the train, which has many other merits, cannot give you this.
   
4. I never regret it. No matter how unsure I feel before leaving the house or office, I am always glad to be out, flying free through the streets and perceiving the life around me.

Cute Bicycles...

Just a quick note... I occasionally check Craigslist just for kicks. Almost every day there is some cheap vintage bicycle, being sold by someone who doesn't understand its value. Today, they have a vintage step-through Raleigh for $150! I have a full house, but hope this great bicycle will go to someone who appreciates it. http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/bik/1538133240.html

Shoes!

First of all, I would like to emphasize that I don't consider myself part of the "cycle chic" trend. I've been cycling long before it started and plan to continue cycling until I am old and gray and wrinkled. Plus I will never be considered chic...

However, I do credit the images of everyday female cyclists on Copenhagen Cycle Chic with showing me that I was underestimating myself, and overly buying into the American marketing of bicycling as a specialized sport. So I tried riding my bicycle in high heels. Know what? It was easier than walking in them. I tried wearing a skirt on the bike - no big deal. Sure, there are always some outfits that misbehave, whether you are walking, bicycling, driving, or just sitting.

My favorite pair of boots, by Naturalizer

I've been riding in heels for a couple years now, so it's normal to me. But I realize that lots of other women still have questions. It's not vanity or trendiness - it will make you a better cyclist. And if you typically wear heels off the bicycle, then it will expand your transportation options by eliminating a previous limitation. OK, and maybe it's fun to intimidate, impress, or inspire the men and women who see you.

Ultimately, you just gotta try it. You should make sure that your shoes fit well, as in they don't fall off. Also, make sure they aren't too slippery on the bottom. If they are, you can use non-slip pads.

Cute ankle strap shoes become bicycle-friendly with a $1.79 modification

You can also slip a rubber band or two over your pedal. Another thing is to make sure your bicycle fits you well. You should just be able to get your toes or maybe the ball of your foot to the ground when you are sitting on the saddle. Technically, it is proper to come off your seat and straddle the bicycle when you stop. For a good example of this, see the video posted by the late Sheldon Brown, guru of all things bicycle.

I'm totally happy to answer questions or even help out the Atlanta gals...just ask.

Back to Routine

It was 17 degrees when I left for work this morning. Yep, just a few degrees warmer than Chicago and ten degrees colder than my hometown of Portland, Maine. And, after two weeks of furlough and break, I wanted my bicycle commute! I layered up with wool socks, long underwear, a thick wool sweater, and my parka, plus a double-layer wool hat, scarf, glove liners, and gloves. And pants. Of course .Sorry, I was too cold and rushed to take photos.

I warmed up quickly. However, the fingers on my left hand just would not stay warm. I think the gloves are too tight with the liners under them. Also, and more seriously, my rear brake apparently froze. I just used the front brake and had no problems. There were only a couple small patches of ice. And when I got to work, I was pleased to see that someone else in my building cycled to work, too.

My office building seems to have the highest percentage of female bicycle commuters in the entire city. Usually all four parking spaces in front are taken by women. I'll grab photos of them as I can, and if they will let me!

Meet the Bicycles

Let me start with a brief history here...

First of all, I never, ever, ever rode a bicycle as a child. My parents bought me an adorable pink bicycle with streamers and flowers on the seat and a shiny silver sissy bar. And I had always loved my little red tricycle, so you'd think I would have switched easily over to the bicycle. My dad tried to teach me to ride it, and yes, I probably did go up and down the block a couple of times. And then never touched it again. Don't ask me why. I tried again in high school and might have gone a full two blocks on a friend's ten-speed. No further.

In college I rode a motorcycle, and loved it, but sold it for my move to Atlanta. Here in Atlanta, I started using the transit system and walking a lot. Then I got a job out in the Cumberland Mall area where the bus routes are much further apart. If I missed the 5:15 commuter bus back to town, I had a long suburban mile to walk to the nearest regular route. After a year or so, and influenced by some friends, I decided that a bicycle would make things much easier. Every bus has a rack on the front that carries up to two bicycles.

Bicycles on buses. Credit Cobb Community Transit

I got a generic women-specific mountain bike and started learning to ride it. After a month or so of regular riding, I felt pretty comfortable. I realize now how much I still had to learn, but it was not too hard - considering I was, um, not young anymore... It wasn't long before I outfitted the bike with commuter gear - lights, fenders, bells, smoother tires - and rode it all over town.

My first adult bicycle - Specialized HardRock - rugged but slow and uncomfortable on city streets

After a few years, I realized that my cycling habits called for more of a road-style bicycle, and started looking on Craigslist. This is when the Takara found me and changed my life. The Takara was so useful! Fenders that really work! A rack to put my bag on! A slender sturdy frame and easy step-through dismounts! A seat with springs and upright riding position to make me comfortable! I was hooked. I wanted more, actually. Soon I added a Huffy BayPointe with matching fenders and cheap internal hub, and a Free Spirit (Sears) Pinnacle 12-speed. But they couldn't match the Takara, and I eventually sold them off.

Who needs a living room?

After a while, I realized that the Takara was just a late 1970s Japanese version of British bicycles, most notably the Raleigh. So, when I saw a Raleigh for sale, again on Craigslist, I bought it before I could think twice. It needed a little work. Now, I'm somewhat mechanically inclined, but mostly I rely on help from bicycle shops, the Sopo bicycle repair co-op, and my wonderful friends. We got it running and I rode it during the summer. Then, one of my tires blew out (or should I say, "tyres", the British spelling - they were probably original) and I had trouble with the shifter cable during replacement. Plus I really need a new seat. But I love the ride. He is a 1973 Raleigh Sports. So anyway, I got "Cecil" the Raleigh fixed tonight. I hope to have him on the road this week, barring rain.

Nevermind the mess...meet Cecil

Brrrrr

A chilly day in Atlanta. It barely got over freezing. I didn't have my bicycle with me so I spent the day on foot. But others were out and about, including a lovely young woman on a vintage step through frame, riding down the Freedom Path through Decatur (although it looks like she's on a sidewalk).

Friends, Food, Fresh Starts

Happy New Year!

We've been celebrating the passing of 2009 with craft beers and the company of friends. The rain and sleet of Wednesday evening (New Year's Eve Eve) didn't stop me from meeting some friends at Twain's, a Decatur pub that brews its own beer and has a convenient bicycle rack located at the front door. Most of my friends cycled there too; note the plethora of fenders, racks, and other handy things. Also, a shower cap will keep your seat dry.

The trip was made easier by MARTA, which I took most of the way there and back.

The following day, I ran some errands with the Beau. We had to do some grocery shopping, so I tried out a pair of panniers that he actually made by hand. The workmanship is fantastic - I think he has a potential side business here! But they are definitely his style, not mine, and I tried futilely to convince him of the merits of things like sequins, patent leather, and embroidery. The purpose of borrowing the panniers, in addition to grocery transport, was for me to test them and to figure out how I would want my own panniers to be designed. For that purpose they were a smashing success. Hopefully, someday, I will be able to post pictures of my dream panniers. I wouldn't want to use them all the time, though, just for trips that require extra cargo space.

Anyway, we took a circuitous route through town. It included a stop at the video store, where I stayed outside to guard the groceries. When I got bored waiting, I started to take some photos.
 
We also stopped at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market near Grady Hospital. I hadn't been there in a while, and I really have to recommend it to any intown bicyclists (or potential bicyclists). There are plenty of oddly-shaped but convenient bicycle racks out front. It is accessible by several low-volume streets (Edgewood Ave., Hill/Bell St., and Jesse Hill Dr.). It is barely a mile from the neighborhoods of Grant Park, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Castleberry Hill. And, while it is nothing like the big farmer's markets, it does have fresh local food at good prices. Yum! I also recommend Grindhouse Burgers, located in the market.

So, the year is off to a good start. Thoughts for 2010: No matter what the past has been, the next moment is still undetermined. Every choice, every action we take in the present changes the world, if only slightly. Choose wisely.