I went for my weekly grocery run this morning. By force of habit I went straight towards downtown instead of turning on Cumberland. (Are you an alcoholic if you instinctively bike towards the bars?) That was a costly mistake, because instead of turning around I decided to turn towards S.Congress and enter HEB that way.
I was huffing and puffing by the time I got to the grocery store. It was a greater distance than I thought, and hills to boot. It was pretty cold this morning, but I couldn't get my scarf and jacket off fast enough at the bike rack. I even went to the bathroom to wipe down my temple and neck, but HEB went green and had air dryers. Figures.
I felt very self conscious walking towards the back where the restroom was, I was sweaty and out of breath. My hair I'm sure, was everywhere. But I looked in the mirror and realized I had a healthy glow that was probably pretty attractive. I dried off in no time. It was all pretty much in my head.
Which brings me to this: one of the biggest excuses people have about bikes is that people will smell and be sweaty, therefore it can't be a viable form of transportation. Especially in Texas where its soooo hot. I have a little secret for these people. Everyone sweats in the summer here. No matter what you do. You go outside, your gonna sweat. I can't be the only one that gets out of my car with a sweat stain in the small of my back. I can't be the only one that feels that trickle of sweat down my spine as I wait for my A/C to kick in. I can't be the only one whose legs slide with sweat on my leather seats. You sweat on the walk to the parking lot, and you sweat on the 5 step trek to your front door. It's a part of life here, and I don't think I have ever been offended by someone because they were too sweaty.
Now on to smell. There is a difference between the smell of being outside, or the "puppy dog" smell as my Mom calls it, and the smell of not bathing for several days. I've smelled both, can't mistake one for the other. While one is mildly offensive, the other is a serious detriment to human interaction. One can be wiped away with baby wipes, the other nothing than a full dunk will do. Personally, I would wipe down after a bike ride to work not protect peoples noses but for my own personal comfort. I don't like the feeling of being sticky.
One thing that strikes me as particularly funny about this excuse is that American customs don't really allow you to get that close to people outside of your family. People generally stand three (give or take) feet away from each other. That cuts down on the number of people close enough to smell your distinctive essence. A wipe here and there, splash of perfume, and your good to go in the morning.
I think people are too sensitive when it comes to smell. The evidence I have for this are the ton of girls who wear so much perfume that I can smell it 10 feet away. Or even creepily, when I smell perfume and no one is around. The negative people that scream they couldn't stand to have their coworker come in sweaty from a bike ride need to take a chill pill. Body odor is unpleasant, true, but we all smell things we dislike in our daily lives and we manage to get on with it. It can be managed, and when summer comes around I'm sure I will find ways to deal with it.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Holy Shit I Biked That Far?!
So it is beeutiful here in Austin Texas. 70 degrees, sun out, with a nice breeze. I couldn't stay inside so I went for a pleasure ride. I usually go north, but today I decided to explore some of the neighborhoods south of 71. The thing I like about the area I live in is HOA (home owners associations) don't have an iron grip and so you can see funky houses, children playing on monkey bars in their backyard, and unusual gardens. In other words, the houses have personality.
So I was just riding around; the funny thing about Austin is they helpfully say bike lanes are ahead, but I had a hell of a time finding one. I was following the helpful signs until one was just too messed up that I couldn't tell which way to go. So, the first part of my ride I had no idea where I was. I ended up on South Congress, and turning south I made it all the way to Southpark Meadows. That was about a seven mile ride. I'm pretty proud of that, despite the presence of bike lanes south south austin (what do you call that area?) doesn't enjoy as many riders.
Southpark Meadows is a huge new shopping center that has just about everything you could possibly think of. I don't go there very often because there is nothing there I can't get closer to home. The parking lots are huge though and I was nervous about going into a place that is obviously centered around cars.
The funny thing is that South Congress has a very wide shoulder, I was under the impression I was already on the bike lane.
My final destination. I hadn't planned on it, but was halfway there so figured why not.
Wal-Mart bike parking. I was pretty impressed, I'm not sure how many bikes this holds but must be quite a few. I was the only one there, so I had it to myself. A lady commented on how nice my bike was with the red crate in the back. That's always nice.
So I was just riding around; the funny thing about Austin is they helpfully say bike lanes are ahead, but I had a hell of a time finding one. I was following the helpful signs until one was just too messed up that I couldn't tell which way to go. So, the first part of my ride I had no idea where I was. I ended up on South Congress, and turning south I made it all the way to Southpark Meadows. That was about a seven mile ride. I'm pretty proud of that, despite the presence of bike lanes south south austin (what do you call that area?) doesn't enjoy as many riders.
Southpark Meadows is a huge new shopping center that has just about everything you could possibly think of. I don't go there very often because there is nothing there I can't get closer to home. The parking lots are huge though and I was nervous about going into a place that is obviously centered around cars.
A very wide shoulder, but had quite a bit of debris in places
My final destination. I hadn't planned on it, but was halfway there so figured why not.
Cycling at Night
I visited a friend today that lives on East 6th street. Naturally, I took my bike. The ride itself was alright, although this was my least favorite experience downtown.
When I was ready to leave he asked me if I wanted a ride home, that my bike could fit in his car. I was actually looking forward to riding home, but could tell he was seriously worried so I let him.
After the ten minute ride to my place, he said as he got out my bike, "See, its in one piece, like you, which was my goal." I looked at him and said, "You realize I've ridden home at night before, right?" His reply was "just because people do dangerous things and get away with it doesn't mean they should do it again and again." I replied the fact that I've managed to get myself home in one piece more than once actually did mean something.
So, is cycling at night inherently more dangerous than during the day? My bicycle company sure thinks so, a bright sticker warned me not to, and it did take me a gathering of nerves to get out there in the "dark". (I put that in quotations because I grew up the country, and so I know what true darkness is.) I see people out on their bikes at night all the time, going about their business like the sun was fully out. In other countries its the norm and not seen as dangerous.
I guess the biggest fear is that you're not as visible at night. I get that, I have my lights and use them at all times, even if its especially cloudy outside. That's a valid concern, but I can't help but think its not necessarily the night that makes cycling dangerous. It's the drivers who aren't really looking out for others. And why aren't they? Because people don't cycle at night because its perceived as dangerous. So, the only way to get out of that vicious cycle is to get out there and just do it. Lit up like a Christmas tree if it makes you feel better.
Now he could just be worried because I'm a woman out at night by myself. That's a whole other set of issues, but I'd rather be on my bike than on foot on any of those scary scenarios. My literature professor in college said something once that has stuck with me. She said, "women shouldn't have to limit themselves to certain hours just because its supposed to be safer. You should have the freedom to go out anytime without fearing rape." The onus isn't on women to stay home to protect themselves from rape, cyclists shouldn't have to stay home to protect themselves from cars.
When I was ready to leave he asked me if I wanted a ride home, that my bike could fit in his car. I was actually looking forward to riding home, but could tell he was seriously worried so I let him.
After the ten minute ride to my place, he said as he got out my bike, "See, its in one piece, like you, which was my goal." I looked at him and said, "You realize I've ridden home at night before, right?" His reply was "just because people do dangerous things and get away with it doesn't mean they should do it again and again." I replied the fact that I've managed to get myself home in one piece more than once actually did mean something.
So, is cycling at night inherently more dangerous than during the day? My bicycle company sure thinks so, a bright sticker warned me not to, and it did take me a gathering of nerves to get out there in the "dark". (I put that in quotations because I grew up the country, and so I know what true darkness is.) I see people out on their bikes at night all the time, going about their business like the sun was fully out. In other countries its the norm and not seen as dangerous.
I guess the biggest fear is that you're not as visible at night. I get that, I have my lights and use them at all times, even if its especially cloudy outside. That's a valid concern, but I can't help but think its not necessarily the night that makes cycling dangerous. It's the drivers who aren't really looking out for others. And why aren't they? Because people don't cycle at night because its perceived as dangerous. So, the only way to get out of that vicious cycle is to get out there and just do it. Lit up like a Christmas tree if it makes you feel better.
Now he could just be worried because I'm a woman out at night by myself. That's a whole other set of issues, but I'd rather be on my bike than on foot on any of those scary scenarios. My literature professor in college said something once that has stuck with me. She said, "women shouldn't have to limit themselves to certain hours just because its supposed to be safer. You should have the freedom to go out anytime without fearing rape." The onus isn't on women to stay home to protect themselves from rape, cyclists shouldn't have to stay home to protect themselves from cars.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wipeout- Or the Worst Grocery Run Ever
So I had a few errands to run today around the 'hood. Get my transcript for dream job-check. Go get groceries-check. Have bike fall over with my groceries in it- Check.
I was yielding to a car so it could pass me (a car was coming the other way and a truck was parked, so 4 vehicles trying to fit in a space meant for two) and that is when my nice little crate decided to give out on one side. The weight of the groceries caused my bike to tip over, thankfully I suffered no scrapes. Unfortunately I put on quite a show for the Austin Solid Waste Servicemen whose truck was the whole reason I had to slow down in the first place. I do not handle that kind of adversity well, and a few choice words came out of my mouth for the universe. (I kinda felt like the lady who walked into a fountain while texting, "Nobody came to help me! Sob Sob Sob.)
Anyway, thankfully I always carry extra zip ties and so I reattached my crate, transferred some stuff to my handlebars and hopped back on. I lost a pear and 5 eggs, but it could've been worse.
I was yielding to a car so it could pass me (a car was coming the other way and a truck was parked, so 4 vehicles trying to fit in a space meant for two) and that is when my nice little crate decided to give out on one side. The weight of the groceries caused my bike to tip over, thankfully I suffered no scrapes. Unfortunately I put on quite a show for the Austin Solid Waste Servicemen whose truck was the whole reason I had to slow down in the first place. I do not handle that kind of adversity well, and a few choice words came out of my mouth for the universe. (I kinda felt like the lady who walked into a fountain while texting, "Nobody came to help me! Sob Sob Sob.)
Anyway, thankfully I always carry extra zip ties and so I reattached my crate, transferred some stuff to my handlebars and hopped back on. I lost a pear and 5 eggs, but it could've been worse.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Biking in Heels
I tried biking in heels the other day after seeing pictures of women doing it all over the web. I know the old saying about a bridge and if everyone else did it, but I figured this would actually be useful to get used to. Well I say tried, I actually did it and very well I would say. I wore some tan boots with about a three inch heel.
So nothing life changing to report. It's just like riding in flat shoes because you usually use the balls of your feet to pedal, not your heels. It's one of those things that sounds dangerous but once you get on you realize there really is not a big difference. It seems like a silly thing, but being confident biking in all sorts of clothing choices is important I think for this to become a real way for me to get around. I thought about carrying flip-flops with me, but that takes up precious cargo space. (Really, if I carried everything that people thought was essential, not only would I need a crate, but a backpack and front basket too.)
Now I did take a relatively easy route through 5th to Dawson to the Ped Bridge, then the LAB, so I didn't have a lot of stops and such. I did scare a runner on the roundabout (what do you call the circular thing that connects the street level to the bridge?) I was going round and round the circular path and didn't see him; he practically jumped onto the concrete ledge. I didn't mean to scare him, but I don't think I was going so fast that I couldn't stop. Anyway, perhaps the city should put some more lights along that bridge and enhance visibility of pedestrians. I bring my own lights because I have to, but the other day there was a whole exercise class out there blocking the entire width of the bridge (a substantial length-this isn't a bikepath). They were gray blobs until I was right next to them because my light isn't designed to illuminate that much space. I guess the city figures that most people will use that during the day, but I know I'm not the only one out there at night/twilight.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The Time Myth
I haven't had too many comments from people about my getting around by bike, which hopefully speaks to it becoming more acceptable around here. My friend did make an interesting comment the other day that I think speaks to a common misconception using your bike for transportation.
Now, I usually take my bike to H-E-B. (Grocery store) I hate grocery shopping, love biking so it evens out. I mentioned this to my friend, and her comment was, "Well isn't that kind of a long bike ride?"
It's really not. According to Google Maps, with the route that I take, it should take 14 minutes to get to H-E-B. Taking the same route, it would be 8 minutes by car. 6 minute difference. My preferred route to H-E-B by car should take 9 minutes.
My point is, there isn't that big of a difference in trips that are that short. Throw in the various variables like stop lights, heavy traffic and such it probably comes out pretty even. The total miles biked are 2.5 miles one way. That sounds like a lot to go by bike, but it isn't. Other places that are that close to my place are Target, my eye doctor, SoLa, Soco, and Sofi business districts that include a whole shitload of fun places to go.
Of course the further you go, the more the difference is. It takes 24 minutes to get to downtown ATX by bike from my place, and I mean the part that actually has bars. By car it takes 10 minutes, so by bike its a little over twice as long. Downtown is one of those places though that I think it is much more desirable to be there on a bike though because of the parking situation. Same goes for West Campus.
So that is something to point out I think if we want to get more people on bikes. "It doesn't take that much longer!" isn't a very catchy slogan but it could work.
Now, I usually take my bike to H-E-B. (Grocery store) I hate grocery shopping, love biking so it evens out. I mentioned this to my friend, and her comment was, "Well isn't that kind of a long bike ride?"
It's really not. According to Google Maps, with the route that I take, it should take 14 minutes to get to H-E-B. Taking the same route, it would be 8 minutes by car. 6 minute difference. My preferred route to H-E-B by car should take 9 minutes.
My point is, there isn't that big of a difference in trips that are that short. Throw in the various variables like stop lights, heavy traffic and such it probably comes out pretty even. The total miles biked are 2.5 miles one way. That sounds like a lot to go by bike, but it isn't. Other places that are that close to my place are Target, my eye doctor, SoLa, Soco, and Sofi business districts that include a whole shitload of fun places to go.
Of course the further you go, the more the difference is. It takes 24 minutes to get to downtown ATX by bike from my place, and I mean the part that actually has bars. By car it takes 10 minutes, so by bike its a little over twice as long. Downtown is one of those places though that I think it is much more desirable to be there on a bike though because of the parking situation. Same goes for West Campus.
So that is something to point out I think if we want to get more people on bikes. "It doesn't take that much longer!" isn't a very catchy slogan but it could work.
Monday, January 17, 2011
I Went Down the LAB
So I know they've had this bikeway for awhile, but I haven't had a chance to go down it. Today, with its nice weather seemed like the perfect day to go for a ride absolutely nowhere.
Gotta say I loved it. I didn't feel "ghettoized" or whatever other things people say about separated bike infrastructure. I would definitely like to see more of these in Austin, and hopefully if it hasn't been shot down yet, they'll make one along Mopac. I don't usually have a reason to go anywhere near Mopac, but if a bikeway was there, I'd probably go just because.
The one problem I had was when I came to an intersection. The sign said to use pedestrian signal. Fine. But coming eastbound on the bikeway, the walk signal button is across the other lane at the corner of the intersection. So, when I wanted to cross I had to get off my bike and push the button, then hop quickly back on to make the light. Not a huge inconvenience, but something to think about as they design other bikeways. Unless I missed something...
A perfectly lovely ride. I ended up being somewhere around Bookpeople, and had a nice convo with a young lady who was lost on her bike. She had the coolest purple wheels that I was very envious of, and had actually seen earlier in my ride. I really want to pimp by bike now. Ok going over to bicyclemuse.com to see some inspiration. Oh shit they have helmets that look like caps! Oh they are a hundred dollars....maybe not.
Anyway my ride couldn't be all good, so of course I almost got into my first bike accident. Some dipshits were going the wrong way on a 2 way street of all things, and they jumped out from the sidewalk behind a parked car, so we couldn't see each other. We almost had a head on collision. Me being my brassy self, told them they were on the wrong side of the road, just in case they were actually that stupid. I got your regular teenage boy cheek, but I'm sure they wouldn't have been laughing if I was a car and had run them over. This was in the downtown area so its not like we were in some secluded neighborhood. Oh, in case they read obscure blogs, I shouted, "Its daylight, stupid!".
Really though, this is something that I hope becomes rarer as cycling becomes more popular. At times for our safety we have to bend the rules, but they had no excuse, other than they are teenage boys and think they are invincible. I sincerely hope I don't open my Statesman and find because of their stupidity they've killed themselves.
Gotta say I loved it. I didn't feel "ghettoized" or whatever other things people say about separated bike infrastructure. I would definitely like to see more of these in Austin, and hopefully if it hasn't been shot down yet, they'll make one along Mopac. I don't usually have a reason to go anywhere near Mopac, but if a bikeway was there, I'd probably go just because.
The one problem I had was when I came to an intersection. The sign said to use pedestrian signal. Fine. But coming eastbound on the bikeway, the walk signal button is across the other lane at the corner of the intersection. So, when I wanted to cross I had to get off my bike and push the button, then hop quickly back on to make the light. Not a huge inconvenience, but something to think about as they design other bikeways. Unless I missed something...
A perfectly lovely ride. I ended up being somewhere around Bookpeople, and had a nice convo with a young lady who was lost on her bike. She had the coolest purple wheels that I was very envious of, and had actually seen earlier in my ride. I really want to pimp by bike now. Ok going over to bicyclemuse.com to see some inspiration. Oh shit they have helmets that look like caps! Oh they are a hundred dollars....maybe not.
Anyway my ride couldn't be all good, so of course I almost got into my first bike accident. Some dipshits were going the wrong way on a 2 way street of all things, and they jumped out from the sidewalk behind a parked car, so we couldn't see each other. We almost had a head on collision. Me being my brassy self, told them they were on the wrong side of the road, just in case they were actually that stupid. I got your regular teenage boy cheek, but I'm sure they wouldn't have been laughing if I was a car and had run them over. This was in the downtown area so its not like we were in some secluded neighborhood. Oh, in case they read obscure blogs, I shouted, "Its daylight, stupid!".
Really though, this is something that I hope becomes rarer as cycling becomes more popular. At times for our safety we have to bend the rules, but they had no excuse, other than they are teenage boys and think they are invincible. I sincerely hope I don't open my Statesman and find because of their stupidity they've killed themselves.
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