Tangible/Intangible Benefits of Bike Commuting

[Pax]

"You can stop in an antique store and ponder that fact that while others were doing drugs and rock and roll you were campaigning for Nixon. And then you can ponder that drugs might have been a wiser choice."

This made me laugh hardest of all Thanks!

Same here!

[cosc]

Pardes, thanks for reminding me that ever day can be a wonderful adventure.
Wonderful pictures!

[danadear]

I so enjoy reading your posts. If you aren't already you should really consider being a writer. You have great imagination and a knack for seeing things that most of us miss. I love the face in the woodwork photo!

[mimitabby]

Pardes, did you get my email?

What a wonderful story! don't worry; you will get better with your gears. there's a learning curve. And now your bike is like a new one!

great photos!

[pardes]

Pardes, did you get my email?

What a wonderful story! don't worry; you will get better with your gears. there's a learning curve. And now your bike is like a new one!

great photos!

Mimi--no I didn't get your email. It may have been wedged in between the million notices of new postings on TE. I'll check again tonight to see if I can find it.

To everyone: Thanks for your comments. It is a hoot to write these things and even better to see that you like them.

[indigoiis]

You know, it's funny - these things that we see on our commutes, I think we take them for granted. I was telling a co-worker, "Yeah, I'm glad I took the off-the-beaten track route home, even though it's a few miles further. I saw a waterfall I didn't know was there." and she exclaimed, "a WATERFALL? In Rhode Island???"

Yes Virginia, there really are waterfalls in Rhode Island!

[rij73]

You're the best! I feel like the woman at the bus stop from one of your prior posts. I wish my mom were more like you, and I wish she would get on a bike!

It's great that the shop gave you triple gearing. That's going to help you a lot... So, what did you settle on? What are the chainring sizes and the cassette range?

[pardes]

You're the best! I feel like the woman at the bus stop from one of your prior posts. I wish my mom were more like you, and I wish she would get on a bike!

It's great that the shop gave you triple gearing. That's going to help you a lot... So, what did you settle on? What are the chainring sizes and the cassette range?

What a DIFFERENCE the new gearing makes! I'm in heaven and can now vanquish rising terrain without passing out.

Old setup was for the Trek 7.6 FX, 700 X 32 / 32-622 tire with 170 mm cranks:

compact double crankset 36/50
12-13-14-15-17-19-21-23-26 Cassette
New setup is:

triple front crankset 34/39/50
With 13-15-17-19-21-23-26-30-34 Cassette

[maillotpois]

That was excellent! Thanks!

[malkin]

The RMN photo juxtaposed with the "GOODNUFF Peanut Bars" is what got me.

[amy]

A joy to read!!!

[Crankin]

Pardes, I voted for Nixon the first time I voted, DESPITE the fact I was well versed in drugs, protests, and rock n roll...
I can't imagine what was wrong with me. Maybe it was a protest?

[Trek420]

Pardes, I voted for Nixon the first time I voted, DESPITE the fact I was well versed in drugs, protests, and rock n roll...
I can't imagine what was wrong with me. Maybe it was a protest?

Maybe it was the drugs? I forget, who ran against Nixon?

[Tri Girl]

Pardes (I always want to type "padres"), you tell one heck of a good story. Made me smile and laugh and ooh and ah (the puppy part anyway). I LOVED it!!! Keep them coming.
As each year goes by, I'm starting to realize that speed isn't as fun as it used to be. I rather like mosey-ing along and enjoying the scenery and what is around me. I just wish I could tell a story like you!