School and bike don't mix

[Owlie]

I'm a senior in college this year (how did that happen?). Classes haven't started up again yet, but already it's interfering with my cycling. Other than the fact that it's been really humid here (55%+, on top of 85F+ weather), it's move-in week. This means that the street my dorm is on is temporarily one way--the wrong way for me to get to my usual bike route. The route to get back to it while following traffic laws is not something I'd want to attempt in a car, let alone on the bike. The streets around the dorms (where I usually ride) are also temporarily one-way. I also really don't want to have to negotiate SUVs or minivans and their irritable occupants who are trying to move their (or their kid's) stuff into the buildings.

On the bright side, I don't have class on Monday mornings until 9:30 (and then it's yoga!), so if I get up early enough, I can fit in a bike ride. I've also signed up for the cycling club's e-mail list. I'm not sure if I want to ride with them, since a lot of them seem to be more racing oriented and I just like sauntering along and enjoying myself (okay, with a bit of ZOOM! thrown in).
At least I'll have weekends!

[Tri Girl]

Your last year of school- AWESOME!!!! Dang all that school getting in the way of riding. ;) At least you can still get in some good rides on the weekend and Monday mornings. I'll bet you'll still squeeze in some rides during the week...
I wish I could go back to my early 20's in college- such good and mostly carefree times. :) Enjoy!

[Kris]

The new school year is a major adjustment, for the teachers too. The academic life fits with cycling way better than most jobs, IMO.

[Aquila]

Congrats on entering your senior year! Hope it goes really well for you!

[shootingstar]

At the very least try the early morning rides by yourself several times per week, while the weather is still cycling-friendly (since you live in Ohio which probably has some snow and ice later).

One of the things I regretted that I didn't take advantage of as a student, were the fantastic physical fitness equipments/facilities at the university. As a student, one gets discounts or free access to such facilities at your university campus.

I was still my nerd period. But then, I was poor enough that I could not spare extra money to enroll even in a discounted exercise course while I was pursuing full-time studies.

I guess what kept me fit during that time was the fact that I did not have a car so had to walk or use public transit...which I did use heavily.

[solveig]

I think most of us can relate to having to fit cycling or other exercise / recreation in around busy schedules. Look at this as good practice carving out "me" time in your day, even if it's by getting up earlier than your roomies or winding your way through some clogged streets. You'll feel so good for both riding and for doing your own thing. :)

[HillSlugger]

It's great that you'll be able to fit in some biking around your course work! I hope you have a great senior year. However, please stop complaining about 55% humidity being high; summer in the DC area usually means 70-90% humidity! :eek: ;)

[Owlie]

At the very least try the early morning rides by yourself several times per week, while the weather is still cycling-friendly (since you live in Ohio which probably has some snow and ice later).

One of the things I regretted that I didn't take advantage of as a student, were the fantastic physical fitness equipments/facilities at the university. As a student, one gets discounts or free access to such facilities at your university campus.


Yep, I'll definitely be riding mornings (when possible), weekends, and perhaps during the evenings some days. Classes and grad school applications come first, but I'll be able to keep myself in some kind of shape, as I'll have the bike (useful until probably Thanksgiving), a half-semester yoga class (until mid-October) and fencing 2-3 nights a week. Maybe when the weather turns wet and cold I'll do some indoor cycling. Add to that the 20+ min. walk to class each morning...I think I need to add some weight training to this!

My room is big enough that I can keep the bike in it and out of everyone's way. Every time I walk in I feel like I'm getting the "guilt" look from her.:o Clearly this means I should go test out the new saddle I bought. :D

MDHS--There have been times it's crept up to close to 80%! :eek: I really don't do well in heat and humidity. I can't drink enough to keep up with what I lose through sweating.

[Dogmama]

Senior year - awesome. And grad school too? I'm a junior this year (an older student, ahem....) so I totally understand fitting in cycling. I figure if I just get some cycling and/or gym time (lifting) and make it really good, that's better than nothing. Sometimes, we just have to settle (grumble grumble.)

Sounds like you have other alternatives lined up. Cycling and then yoga - what a great way to start your week!!!