Happy Bike to Work Day

[divingbiker]

I would KILL for a sticker like that!

PM me your address--I picked up an extra sticker, and am happy to send it to you!

[indigoiis]

I led the 30.5 mile Hope Valley - Providence route this morning. One of our riders came from 14 miles further South in Westerly, for a total of 45 miles - awwwwlright!

It was misty-wet pretty much all the way up. We averaged about 16 mph and had several long hills to wrangle. Once past West Warwick and on the bike path, we flew. One of our riders got a flat right about then. Well, I love that because despite the interruption, I really like to "practice" changing flats. One thing I learned: Continentals are really, really, reallyreally tight tires. We found the offending bit and changed her tire and filled it with air from another rider's AWESOME Specialized hand pump. I'm a C02 girl myself but this is the second time I've used that pump and I LIKE it. I have an older pump that takes forever, but this one really works fast.

Back on the trail, we gathered gunk up our backsides as we rode on wet pavement coated with pollen-laden green bits.

We got in to the city a little on the late side... passed a girl going the other way, no helmet, lovely long locks flowing, about 9 mos pregnant, smoking a cigarette. Truly wished I had my camera...

Our city had a small event in Market Square. Some giveaways, raffles, the mayor spoke... it was nice. We need more Bike to work days. I mean, we all bike to work a lot, but we need more celebration of it. Even though I've been shouting about this all week, the turn-out was pretty small. The weather probably played a part. It's sunny now, and the festivities start again at three... maybe we'll get more folks then.

[HillSlugger]

PM me your address--I picked up an extra sticker, and am happy to send it to you!

Me too?

[HillSlugger]

I posted my report in the Mid-Atlantic forum:

This is my 3rd BTWD and by far the best so far: 2007 was cold and 2008 was cool and rainy but today was great, if a bit humid. Since I knew I'd be having breakfast at the rally point I was able to get out of the house an hour earlier than usual. I discovered that it's so much nicer biking in at 6:20 than it is at 7:20; quieter, with less traffic. I think my future commutes will include breakfast here near work!

Our rally point was sponsored by Bob's Bikes of Poolesville. He was demo'ing electric-assist bikes, one by Ohm and one by Giant and I got to try both. It's a strange feeling.

Swag: water bottle, BTWD socks, T-shirt, funky pen, MD bike map; found a picture they took of me last year and got to take it with me.

[divingbiker]

Me too?

Sorry, I only had one extra, but I could probably walk (or ride) down to WABA's office and pick up another.

[Deborajen]

I was hoping to bike in today since it's the "official" day, but we've got big storms forecast - meteorologists from several big universities are in town ready to watch. That's unusual, so hopefully it doesn't get too bad. It's not supposed to hit 'til this evening, but that could be after work or later. We'll keep our eyes open, but not a good day to plan a bike ride home late this afternoon.

Our local newspaper had a little article on "Bike to Work Day." It was on page one of section B - about three inches long in the bottom right corner. You really had to look to see it. It continued for a few more columns on page three - across from the obits - geez. Sounds like it's time to send an e-mail encouraging some preparatory info - maybe some columns earlier in the week encouraging people to prepare, suggesting how to prepare, etc.--

[7rider]

Sorry, I only had one extra, but I could probably walk (or ride) down to WABA's office and pick up another.

And another?
Cuz ya know...I bike...and I'm awesome too!

[kfergos]

And another?
Cuz ya know...I bike...and I'm awesome too!

Given the popularity of the stickers, I see a real money-making venture for somebody here!

[HillSlugger]

And another?
Cuz ya know...I bike...and I'm awesome too!

Yes you are!

So, what does this sticker look like anyway?!?

[divingbiker]

Yes you are!

So, what does this sticker look like anyway?!?

It's not amazing or anything--just a 1 x 4" (approx) black sticker that says "I bike because I'm awesome" and WABA.ORG at the bottom. On the left there's a heart with a bike inside, and on the right there's the WABA logo (capitol dome with a silhouette of a bicyclist inside). I'll go over there next week and see if I can get a few; I'm sure with a donation they'd be happy to give them to me.

[redrhodie]

I biked to work, but I didn't even remember it was "bike to work" day! It was drizzling the whole way in this morning, so I took the shorter bike path route.

On the way home, it was hot and sunny, so I took my longest route (I have several to choose from). When I got to the beach, it was still sunny, but with low level fog, which is my favorite weather because it's so pretty and strange. There were less cyclists out than normal, just saw maybe 4 this evening, and none this morning. The joy of riding in south county, there's no where to commute to!

[Skierchickie]

Hey! I bike! I must be awesome and in need of a sticker too! Hmmm, I hate to make you go and clean them out. I sure would love one, though. I'd be happy to send you a buck or something.

I did ride today (got 3 rides to work in this week). This was the first year our area had any official events. I did ride the 15 extra miles round trip to go to town after work - it isn't actually on my way to work. They had some dirt jumps set up in the middle of the street, bikes on display, etc. I think I missed the give-aways by not going that way on my way to work. They were having drawings every 10 or 15 minutes, but I didn't hang around very long. Hopefully I didn't have to be present to win - I had registered online, so they have my contact info. It was pretty windy today, but NOTHING compared to yesterday or tomorrow, and sunny, and I ended up getting 36 miles in altogether. We were going to do a tour tomorrow up in the Keweenaw, but the forecast is 37 degrees, rain/snow, and 37 mph winds gusting to 48. So we're going to mail our money and just do the ride Sunday, when it's sunny and 50s. Apparently my wind cutoff is something BELOW 48 mph gusts.

[Trek420]

I did my usual "Bike to day off work" day. I set off earlier than usual and on my road bike. First rest stop a local school. They were just setting up a "refresher station". The teacher who runs this each year recognized me and ran out with a goodie bag.

We chatted a bit, she runs the Edible Schoolyard there. I set off.

2nd stop Hayward BART station. Scored oranges and another goodie bag.

Got on the train, it was a little crowded so Menace and I ("menace" is my bike) got off and waited for the next train. No sense ticking off passengers rushing to work when I'm off. Also I don't want anyone leaning on my baby (the bike)

Glad I did because on the next train was S. a rider I sometimes see and chat with. She rides every day with a folding bike. Says they were out of goodie bags at her stop, I gave her my extra one.

Got off in downtown Oakland, had pancakes, I've never gotten there in time for pancakes. I saw a lot of very cool bikes and clothes including this gal's work:

www.joyriderclothing.com

Caffeinated and fueled I headed home. On the way I stopped at my dermatologist. He'd said I'm to be on a 6th month "inspection" routine. It's been too long and sure enough, he simply has not reminded me. I picked up the form to be able to get my medical records. I'll be looking for a new dermatologist.

All in all a nice ride. One near miss with a spacey jaywalker, fewer goodies than last year but a nice day on the bike.

[kfergos]

It's not amazing or anything--just a 1 x 4" (approx) black sticker that says "I bike because I'm awesome" and WABA.ORG at the bottom. On the left there's a heart with a bike inside, and on the right there's the WABA logo (capitol dome with a silhouette of a bicyclist inside). I'll go over there next week and see if I can get a few; I'm sure with a donation they'd be happy to give them to me.

For all you ladies drooling over the "I bike because I'm awesome" sticker (because you all ARE awesome, of course), here it is in action:


Thank you, divingbiker! It's the perfect addition to my bike-related sticker collection.

[Geonz]

Friday was actually the worst day of the week to ride in - welp, Maybe Wednesday which had more hours with rain, but Friday had the hailstorms and 100 mph winds.

Of course, since I'm the weather goddess, it wasn't raining when *I* was going to & riding home from work. Still, the proposed "event" at the U. was canceled with the "promise" to do something more organized next year.

Ride of Silence is Wednesday.