(sub)urban adventures.

My (sub)urban cyclo-adventures continued this morning with a 27-mile route that took J and I over the river via C.B. Robinson and back to town on Ashland Terrace/McCahill Road/Moccasin Bend.

This "training," per se, has been far more intriguing than any of my past rides. I've truly taken routes that in the past seemed too dangerous or unrealistic for cycling. But after our trip to Earth Fare last weekend, cycling in Chattanooga seems so attainable.

We did, however, pass David Meek's ghost bike on Ashland Terrace, an all-to-recent reminder of driver-cyclist tensions on the road.

I purchased a new Terry saddle today in the ongoing quest to find a comfortable seat for my bum. Either the thickness or firmness or SOMETHING makes the ride feel more like a Cadillac instead of a Honda Civic. I'm still adjusting though—so expect a more in-depth review to come after at least 15 miles.

While we were in the bike shop, one of the mechanics commented on how our ride was very "urban." Yes, true, and that's what I loved so much about it. I walked right out my door and didn't have to get in a car. It's not the prettiest ride through the country, but I'm able to ride to errands as part of my "training." And what's so urban about visiting the suburbs? I don't get to visit them very often—and most suburban areas I have never visited on a bicycle.

Next week, I'm going to conquer the metric century in the Sequatchie Valley! Then on Sunday, J and I are going on a 45-mile, three-farm tour up on Lookout Mountain to visit some CSAs. It should be challenging, exciting and great stress relief.

A Soulful Saturday

A cold Caldera is waiting for me in the fridge as I relax on the couch. I opted out of going to watch the game at a bar and instead have it on the radio—pretty representive of the support of my alma mater—I know what’s going on, don’t have to watch the ads or look at other fans.

What a Saturday! The morning started with a truly urban/suburban adventure. Andrew of Velo Coffee wanted to take an exploratory ride to Earth Fare to see if coffee delivery would be feasible. Around 8:30, Andrew, Andy, Quint and I headed east to the land of big-box stores and no bicycle lanes. Co-op Zac provided sag and photography throughout the ride, as well as take notes of dangerous intersections and stretches.

On the first leg, we took McCallie Ave through the Brainerd tunnels—which have “Bicycle in Tunnel” buttons and lights on each end. It’s the safest of the three (?) tunnels that cut through Missionary Ridge. Since we had an early start on a Saturday, traffic was relatively light. Chaotic, but light. The hills on Brainerd under and around the I-75 exit were somewhat treacherous, but we survived.

Ten miles, 40 minutes and two Wal-Marts later, we assessed the route from the Earth Fare parking lot and headed for Shallowford Road from Gunbarrel. Andy suggested we cut through by Academy Sports, which saved us from hitting the major intersection at Shallowford and Gunbarrel. We crossed over I-75 and barreled down Shallowford, which crosses Hwy. 153 and turns into Wilcox Boulevard.

The second leg had much less traffic. We still had some killed climbs and somewhat rough pavement in places, but the ride was calm and quick. My water bottle flew out of my cage upon hitting a bump, but fast-acting Andy scooped it up. After a big climb to the tunnel, we encountered a few unaware (stupid? Asshole??) drivers, and throughout the tunnel, which is downhill from our direction, I felt like a car was trying to overtake me.

While East Brainerd/Brainerd had heavier traffic, it seemed like drivers weren’t as surprised to see us. Well, they were suprirsed all right, but not as much as the drivers in and around the Wilcox Blvd. tunnel. After being spit out around Dodds and my former high school, we rode down Holtzclaw and decided to wheel over to Blue Plate for breakfast.

The ride was about 22.8 miles and took us around 1:40. Another long, task-oriented ride that felt great with GREAT friends. It was so strange to be out among the consumer capitol of Chattanooga on bicycles—we were definitely unique in that regard.

Have you taken a long suburban ride in areas where drivers don’t expect to see cyclists? How were you received on the road?

Racks, rides and cool mornings

There is something magical about morning commutes in late summer and early fall.

This morning my arms were almost chilly. Not enough to warrant sleeves, but a nice brisk feeling to start the day. Since I've moved out of North Chattanooga, my commute is about the same distance but involves new traffic factors, ie. a busy street to cross initially, followed by a scenic, calm ride through campus. Then I plummet down 7th Street, hopefully getting all the green lights, and it feels like a roller coaster. I feel refreshed as I dismount and sneak inside.

...where I am greeted by the COOLEST workplace bicycle racks! The company that owns my building recently installed four hanging rail-type racks on the wall. They're easy to use (unless your bike weighs 30 lbs.), attractive and behind locked doors. I don't think I could ask for more. Needless to say, my beauty gets to rest under lock and key downstairs while I work, and I never face the elevator anxiety that I did in the past.

Which reminds me—I have been cyclocommuting on a daily basis for more than a year. Sometimes I check out my outfit in the elevator mirror on my way to the office. Sure, I could look a tad more professional in the summer, or stash some dress pants at work when necessary. But the thrill and joy I get from riding to and from work everyday is truly amazing. I can't believe most people don't get to start their mornings like I start my own, and I can only hope to encourage people to try it—at least once.

I also recently ramped up my pedaling in the past few weeks. The noontime temps have dropped and enabled me to get at least 10 miles in on my lunch break between weightlifting days. J and I, and hopefully some co-workers, are planning to ride the Sequatchie Valley metric century on Oct. 2—62 miles and a numb butt, here I come!

I seem to draw comparisons between running and cycling the more extensively I pedal. Running incites a very personal, quiet, meditative state. Cycling, already part of my daily routine, seems to be more adventurous. You can cover much more ground, and though it requires a high level of traffic awareness and tolerance, cycling takes me to new parts of town.

The Fall Rebirth

We leapt forward into the fall evening--the propulsion reminded me of spring--to Atlanta. Away from the moldy shell of my old house and from the new home front that doesn't quite feel like mine. From 8 p.m. on, we carved out a space in the Jeju Sauna, a Korean spa in Duluth. We left around 2 p.m. this afternoon--and I couldn't have experienced a more relaxing vacation weekend.

From scrubs and soaks to nearly 6 different sauna rooms, I literally lost a layer of old, dead skin. I'm glowing and smooth, refreshed and rested. A new house; my pretty awesome, challenging job; my sweet boyfriend, who has been visiting family in Philly all weekend; my future....all await me.

It's true, I ignored some tasks I should have tended to today. But I truly feel deserving of this day and this holiday weekend for relaxing and rejuvenating. Grace and I just had a delicious meal at Porter's in Little 5 Points, and I'm in Decatur for the first time ever, sitting on the packed patio of a poetry reading with a new book in hand. A pedicab keeps circling the block; dreams keep floating around in my head about my experiences. The reality of the time at the sauna sits soundly though--a crowd is forming as I slip into total relaxation.

Packing Day.

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I can't not write about the current euphoria I'm experiencing. Most of the boxes are packed. The rugs are pulled up, the bare essentials remain, as well as the random things that are always left out when I move. The recycling is a gigantic mound at this point, and I don't care that I missed pick-up day.

My work week ended uneventfully yesterday afternoon, and J jetted to Philly this morning. I hope for his family's sake and his enjoyment that the rain from Earl (haha.. what a great hurricane name) holds off till Monday. I got dinner and killed a 6-pack with a friend at Greenlife, and this morning woke slowly and finished my movie from last night.

Soon, even my radio will be packed. All that I'm leaving for tomorrow is the Bodum, pot for water, toaster for my bagel and a knife. A few mugs. The thermos. Coffee and bagels and grapes. Steady arms and strong legs. 

It finally feels so good to be almost out of here. No more strong wiff of mildew when I walk in the door, or lingering smoky smell on my clothes. Yesterday, when I picked up my key from my new landlord (who's name is stragely similar to my current landlord...), he insisted on doing more cleaning before I arrive. He wanted to re-oil the floors and ensure everything was perfect. 

I have grown out of this space, and I am finally at peace with that.