Coasting and Packing

I took my second journey across Walnut Street Bridge on my way to work this morning. Since only one side of the bridge is open, I still have to be somewhat polite to yell "Bike on your left!" to the walkers in the morning. I feel remotely guilty about this, and it makes me miss the bell I had. The new, yet-to-be-named Bianchi doesn't have much room on the handlebars. 

After a weekend trip to Atlanta, I ordered some Ortlieb Backroller Plus rear panniers. I can't wait for them to arrive—and I can kiss the milk crate goodbye for awhile. It makes mounting and dismounting somewhat uncomfortable and risky. I've found that's a risk I don't like to take. 

Friday, however, J and I conquered a few new utility cycling achievements. We tied a pizza from Lupi's on my rack with two bungees—and got it home safe and sound. Then we rode up to a friend's house (at the top of a monster N.Chatt hill) for a party. J took his recently purchased 1980s touring Bianchi! With... GEARS! 

As a full-time geared cyclist myself, an S.O. who is nearly full-time fixed can pose some challenges. His style of riding has inherent advantages, of course, and requires amazing skills that I don't have. But large ascents and descents are taken at a much different pace. For the first time we were able to COAST together down the monster hills on the way home. Old blue is in for new caliper brakes at Suck Creek this week—hopefully we'll be costing together more frequently!

One Bike, Many Uses

This morning as I pedaled across Market in a cute black dress, I couldn't help but hum a little tune.

This bike is made for touring, and that's just what we'll do! One of these days this bike is gonna tour all over yooou...

That, of course, is my ode to the glorious United States! While I had initially planned to cycle cross country this summer, it's yet to be determined when that trek will occur.

But today marks a return to my bike as a transporter, no longer for just my person and a bag. With a rack finally installed, I can haul groceries and larger items, such as extra workout clothes and shoes. I'm in the market for some panniers, though I'm still uncertain what variety to purchase. Any feedback? 

I'd like some around-town, open style panniers that are more like shopping bags, like this ungodly expensive model or some cheaper, less tech-y variety. But the dream touring panniers are waterproof and cut all the fancy stuff out . What I REALLY should do is a take up an outdoor enthusiast friend's offer to sell me her old ones. No need to invest all this cash for new stuff when I can buy used...


Just another cycling investment. A co-worker, who has persuaded me to cycle on her Waterfront Triathlon team this July, suggested that cycling is the most expensive hobby or sport—even more expensive than golf, she exclaimed. While I see the inherent "start-up" costs, such as a bicycle, I wouldn't rank it among my greater living expenses.

First of all, my bike usage aims to fulfill my need for a vehicle. It serves more a purpose than a weekend jaunt or tool for training. Though I do like to use it for all of those things, it provides endless recreation and—most importantly—quick, efficient daily transportation. I ride to the grocery, other shopping, restaurants, friends' houses. Some would say that living in such a convenient location is too expensive; however, the savings I experience from living within cycling and walking distance of work and play outweigh my housing. 

While many cyclists enjoying "upgrading" to a fancy frame and (what I'm guilty of buying) geeky gear, cycling doesn't REQUIRE those items, especially if you're just riding to work. 

Some basics for riding to work or play:


• A road-worthy bicycle with functioning brakes and gears, if you prefer.
• Highly visible, working front (white) and rear (red) light.
• A helmet!
• Decent lock.
• Bag for carrying whatever you'd like to purchase that fits comfortably on your back with no dangly straps.

Anything I left out?