If you haven’t guessed, I’m coming up with 10 things I am grateful to have discovered, this year. Not that hard to do, and a good way to let the bike industry know which ideas are good, and areas for improvement. I’m going to be riding bikes awhile (hopefully forever), so I think this is a small investment towards continued quality products. I’m trying for something different each time, to cover all the bases.
These sandal/shoes came were a treat to wear when traveling in a new destination (previously mentioned Albuquerque trip), in 100 degree heat. As a repeat customer to Keen, I was surprised when I ordered the same size I have in 3 other pairs of regular sandals or shoes, but these came in narrower and seemingly longer. And yet they still fit. I suppose the extra width may be provided so that you don’t hit the crank arm? The shoes are easy to put on and off, especially great for running errands, spending a day on the bike between different facilities.
Keen Commuter Sandal
One distinct attribute that sets it apart from my Sidi Dominator bike shoes, is that it is clearly not a performance shoe. The elastic and neoprene fabric does stretch a bit when you lift up on the pedals, so I wouldn’t recommend to take this mountain biking on technical rocky sections, although its pretty great for hiking with its aggressive tread and toe bumper. It forces you to chill out – which can be a welcome change, sometimes. You get to feel the wind in your toes!
*picture from another review on Road Cycling.
Culture Shock
Some things just need to be said.
Relocation Observations
The decision to make a transition to the East Coast (from the San Francisco, CA area to Pittsburgh, PA) was not a simple one. It’s likely that everyone takes a lot of time to consider their chosen lifestyle habits and the impact such a significant change will have on them. For me, the minimum requirements for a livable community include bicycle access on roadways to urban areas, a plethora of (technical) trail networks, a passionate cycling community, development of youth programs, and awareness of economic/energy/healthfulness impact by local politicians. Over the last few years, family needs have increased simultaneous with my academic pursuit; I’ve been keeping Pittsburgh on my radar. In my research on lifestyle compatibility, it can’t be discerned whether the community has grown more cohesive or my methods of research are more competent. The ultimate observation is that the cycling community here has needs, opportunity and a welcome atmosphere for new ideas. I’m hoping to continue contributing to the Bay Area advocacy scene with the expanding resources and yet call Pittsburgh my new home and primary focus. Expect to see and hear more news on Pittsburgh…
One word: Righteous!!
More here.
Another take from SF Bike Coalition.
“Bike to Work” book
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW4sb1BpAz8&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&feature=player_embedded&fs=1]
Complimenting evidence that you should ride your bike to work, instead of getting in some car.
” * Riding a bike is cheaper than driving a car.
* On a round-trip commute of 10 miles, bicyclists save roughly $10 daily and spare the air 10 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. Commute Solutions, Emissions calculations They also burn 360 calories! SmartTrips
* Based on gas prices of about $4/gallon, the annual direct cost of owning, operating, and driving a passenger car roughly 15,000 miles is nearly $14,000. (It costs about $300 a year to maintain a bike.) Commute Solutions; Moritz, 1997 ”
~ from Bikes Belong
Introducing the Commuter Phenom
My coffee hasn’t kicked in yet, and I am pedaling a high cadence in a low gear to warm up my legs, one icy morning. Every morning, I stop at the customized intersection that the presence of the new Oakland Whole Foods solicits. A tear from wind chill falls down my cheek. I wait as the rush hour car traffic crosses my path for the freeway entrance, when a flurry of bike commuters race through the intersection – green light or not – racing to the underpass. Most mornings, this just makes me more grumpy… but today, I am enamored by the specialness of the business suit and foam helmet combination. I find great irony in the juxtaposition of confidence despite their equipment and skill level, in contrast with the racers I have actually competed with. So brave! Indeed, the new breed of commuter does not see threshold as something limited by their heart rate, VO2 max, or power wattage. They see the destination they used to reach by driving, as an obstacle to be surmounted on bicycle – mountain or high water. So strong! I can just see the preoccupied thought bubbles follow behind them, as they put their heads down for the hammer: “Why are there so many cars on this street?”, as they continue with their habitual driving path. My heart pangs for them to know the route I’ve carefully selected, which is much more pleasant.
Of course, still living a rushed lifestyle makes them inherently competitive and prone to overloading their bikes to a burdensome degree. As I let the swarm of businessmen rush across the intersection in front of me, I head towards the bike boulevard one block further and I am hit with a wave of smells. I wonder what their coworkers must think of all this newfound body odor? Are they really that polite? Are the unstable gas prices improving the demand for body deodorant?
Now I am awake.
