Reunion.....

Well, December has come and gone. I haven't written in ages...mostly because I haven't been on my bike in ages. I was in Mexico, then home for 5 days--my home for 5 days was littered with client events and work stuff--which made for 15 hour work days involving public transport and cabs...then--off to Ohio for holiday with family. No bikes there. I did manage to squeeze in a SD Bike Coalition meeting in the midst of my travels...and WOW--what an organization. The Big 5 was established and I am happy to see the addition of a focus on "The Urban Core" along with continued focus on "education". The biggest thing about education is really educating cars that bikes have same rules as cars, and educating people that commuting by bike is easy and can be done. We got to toss around some Bike Station talk too, which, always makes me happy. Come hell or high water, we are getting one of those bad boys in the Urban Core in 2010!! Mark my words..... So..I let Baby Blue have a sleepover while I was in Ohio. She's gingerly perched upon her bike rack at work. I wonder if she missed me? I know I missed her. AND.....Santa brought me the coolest hat. It's pink, and sweat proof, and in the shape of a baseball cap, but, it's a workout cap with a cool blinding LED light on the front. It's perfect for night time riding... It's made my Totes...and a portion of the revenue goes to breast cancer--it's a good will trifecta--well lit night riding, sweat absorbing, and philanthropic. That santa really knows a good gift for a bike commuter when she sees it! There's more thoughts of that awesome Bianchi bike too. My friends Kim and Bill brought me a catalog. I do need to consult with my neighbor friend--Curtis. I promised him that he'd be my shopping mate on the new bike adventure. So, between Bill and Curtis, we will have a great bike buying adventure. GOAL--new snazzy bike by President's Day!!

Bike Transportation Account....

Have you ever heard of this? I haven't. I sit here and type with a brace on my right hand and a left eye that is pink, along with a sniffle and a sneeze every 20 seconds. I went to the doctor semi healthy and came out with 3 ailments. Needless to say, I have a bit of time on my hands tonight to research something new I learned today--Bike Transportation Account. Apparently, there is one. And..apparently in 2007 San Diego got NO money from it. Big ole goose egg. In 2008, we got $135K for signage-thank God. 2009--$1.8 million??? Where do these allocations come from? For the past 3 years the state of California has allocated $7.2 million same amount...not a penny more or less. So...one of the other counties aren't spending their money, so they don't bump it up for the next year, or, no one asked for more...or we're broke. It's probably a bit of all 3. I'm just learning about this, but, wouldn't it be groovy if some of this money went to the Bike Station plan? I think it would.

I need to know...who establishes this BTA? How do we get some money out of it for a Bike Station? Who's in charge? That's our next step. In the meantime, I found that there are 2 allocations out of the BTA 2009/10 budget. 1. $425K Class 1 Bike Way San Luis Rey River by Tyler Street & N. Sante Fe Drive. 2. $1.4 million bones to construct 2 miles of class 1 bikeway between Vista & San Marcos. What is a Class 1 bike way you ask? I had the same question... The following is a list of bike paths in San Diego County.
Class 1 Bikeway provides a completely separated right of way for the exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians with crossflow by motorists minimized. So, how do these people get the money? What can we do to get the money for a Bike Station in San Diego? If I were a Bike Station jeanie...I would put 2 of them in San Diego. 1 in downtown San Diego and 1 in LaJolla/Sorrento Valley area. This is what I do when I don't ride my bike...I obsess about ways to make my bike riding life better in San Diego. Back to the bike. I haven't ridden my bike a ton this week because I have been working from home most of the week since I have this weird Mexican ailment. Saturday, it will rain. I need to be at work at 7:30 for a breakfast meeting. I then merge over to the Bike Coalition retreat. I love me a good brainstorm session. very exciting. Then....I go babysit for my friends. I will be on bike for all adventures. This may be my first activity day in the rain on my bike. Stories to follow...

Cold-Bike-Sick

Riding in was good. No rain. Nice brisk air. Riding home was a sitch. I had a client holiday party, then back to work for my holiday party, then dinner with Uncle Dan. Uncle Dan had to reschedule due to a late appointment with a client. So I thought I'd ride my bike home. It was cold. I felt sick. And...I was waiting at the worst bus stop--Broadway and Park. That place has some interesting charachters. I dialed 511 from my cel phone and found the next bus was coming in 11 minutes. So..I opted to ride. I rode up Broadway which is normally pretty easy for me. Since I have this wierd ailment...I had to walk my bike up 18th - 23rd...I finally got home and am in my snuggie..thank the lord.

Rain+Bike = Good Times...

The true test of this mission is to see if it can happen in the good times and the bad--sorta like a wedding vow. So--Dear Baby Blue--I vow to ride you in the sun, in the rain, in the cold and in the overly global warmed heat we have here in the thick of July and August. Tomorrow is going to be an experience. I've done 1 bike ride in the rain already--but--haven't done one to work yet. Tomorrow will be an adventure. If I am really serious about this lifestyle..I've got to go all the way. So--my bags are packed--slicker ready to go...extra time given in the morning...

I'll leave a wee bit earlier tomorrow for extra beauty bag touch up. Tomorrow I have work, then an after work event, then workout and grocery. If it rains at all during those adventures--I'd ready. The last time I rode my bike in the rain....I was so hot/sweaty when I got to my destination. I am hoping to manage the body temp sitch a bit better this time since I am on my way to work and don't want to be too gross when I get there. Wish me luck:)

Day 55--Not-on a bike....

I'm in Mexico, and am still not driving. There is a shuttle that takes us "into town" and bikes everywhere. If there weren't men with huge guns (not muscles--but armory) outside the hotel and galavanting on the street, then, I would be renting a bicecleta from the hotel. So...we are going "into town"...I wonder what the Mexican bike rules of the road are???

In other news....I saw BIKE STATION on Tuesday. WOW--it was amazing. The location was perfect--in downtown Long Beach--right on the marina. It's easily accessible. You use a magic key--it's a key card--but in my mind it was magic...and that gives you access to your car. There are german bike racks that make it easy to load your bike on level 1 or level 2. There's also a repair person in the "shop" part that engages you in the bike fixing process--if you'd like. If I wanted to learn how to change my tire or tune up my bike---I can--Or he'll do it for me. There's a new bike station coming online--2 floors--showers, the whole deal. It's like a MEGA Bike Station. We met their CEO Andrea--who is awesome--and really passionate about the product. We need to get one of these in San Diego. I am hoping to go back up to that Bike Station to ask more questions and get a strategy down to get this in SD. It will happen..come hell or high water. I still have many questions and I had a sales appt. to go too...so, I felt a bit rushed--I rushed myself--but--I would live to dive in and ask more questions about the public vs. private sector...and how we group them together to make this happen. I know it can happen, just have to get a game plan down.

My friend Bill found my next bike for me. It's an Italian dream. Biancci?? (sp?) She's mint and red and black--I've already named her Bianca.

Off to town...to peruse the cobble stone streets...more bike info on mexico to follow. Arriba!

Modes of transport..I hit them all today...

I started out the day on bike retrieval. I left it in University Heights for a sleepover last night. I slept in my own bed, and Baby Blue shacked up on a parking meter on Park Blvd in front of El Zarape. So, I left the house this morning on foot to hike up through the park, over the hill and into University Heights to retrieve Baby Blue. Along the way I had some objectives. I wanted to watch the Chargers game, buy a bathing suit, take photos of my car for the big car lease swap...etc. This would require going to many pockets of town in San Diego and many modes of transport including foot, bike, bus, trolley. So....off I went... 1st stop--Pizza! I went to a new place in U Heights called Gourmet Pizza Express on Park blvd. across from Small Bar. Had a panini, bottle of water and watched the start of the Chargers game. I got bored--they looked great---so, scooped up baby blue. She was in full tact, ready for the adventure. I rode down to Texas street and I TOOK ON THAT HILL!! Can you believe it?? It's a 15% grade, and cars were whizzing by me. I was a total wuss on that hill and had my breaks on the whole time. The interesting thing about that hill is that it's all down hill with a bike lane. Then POOF--just like that--the bike lane goes away and it becomes the merging on ramps for 8 EAST and 8 WEST. People fly down that hill and onto the highway....I was alert and afraid for my life...but...alas---I made it to Target. One trick about Texas street is although it is a bike lane, there are 3 HUGE pot holes in it. HUGE meaning 2 x 2 in circumference for sure. Thank goodness I was paying attention otherwise that would have been a real tire poppin' moment. I got my suit for my upcoming Mexico wedding....then...scooted across the street to the trolley. I've taken my bike on the bus, but never on the trolley. This was an experience. I had a little time on my hands and wanted to workout boot camp style down town...so...I hopped on the Green Line headed West to Old Town, where I planned to switch trolley to the blue line downtown. Trolley arrived, doors open, the stairs are steep!! So, on the trolley, there's no "rack" per say. It's every man/bike/anything on wheels for himself. I had to put my bike on my left shoulder because as we know I have a looming back injury on the right side. I had to push the button with my right hand, open the door with the same hand, use my left hand and shoulder to shelf my bike as I walked up 4 very steep and narrow steps to get into the trolley. The front wheel was flailing everywhere, it hit the guy in front of me, scraped my left forearm and I tripped up the last step. I got on that damn trolley and sat down. Getting off was about as awkward as getting on. Same story, except the door closed on me as I was leaving, and a very nice stranger pressed the button for me again. I was obviously a "challenged public transit goer". I switched over Blue Line and went to Sante Fe Depot. Off I went...ran a bunch of errands downtown, then did my boot camp. I have to practice up for the Mexico wedding. One day I am teaching the guests..."boot camp with Mandi". It will be a real treat. After boot camp, it was such a nice day with the sun blaring that I took a nice little ride on the Embarcadero. It was awesome....so flat, so pretty and riding on the water is so nice here in San Diego. Ran more errands and rode home--again--up that awesome Island hill. I also learned about my gears on the left. Kitty's brother was in town this weekend and told me the tricks of using my gears on the left. I only have used the ones of the right. Up Hill I'm at a 2. Down hill and most of the time, I'm at a 4. On 30th or 32nd street in Northpark--I'm at a 3. Adding the whole gear shabang to the left makes it much less challenging and slightly more complicated. I am still not quite sure what their purpose is, but, we'll get to know each other more over our tenure on our bike together. All & All......the trolley is super easy to use and very convenient. I was in Southpark, Hillcrest, University Heights, Mission Valley, Old Town, Downtown and Golden Hill all in 1 day in San Diego and NO CAR. It's easier than you think it is people...try it!

Florida Street--

Florida street is the best life line between SouthPark to Northpark to University Heights. It's the main vein that runs between all the coolest little pockets o San Diego. It's got a cool lil' view, a bike lane, is pretty flat and great to ride. It's only downfall is that it's under improved. It's bumpy. There's lots of pot holes. It's uneven, and it's real tough on a gal's nether regions. I met some friends for lunch yesterday after a long hike. We met at SMALL BAR. It's a cool new bar/restaurant in university heights--right on park blvd. I love that place. Getting there takes 20 min on a bike, but, wowsers, it sure is a bumpy ride. The cool thing is that the parking meters in that area have bike lock/racks too. Very bike friendly zone. If only Florida street was a little more smooth---that would make me and my nether regions much happier.

Day 50--Prayers & Blessings...

An 80 year old woman at Thanksgiving said "I am going to say a prayer for you every day". I appreciated the prayer. That sure was sweet. She said this in response to me telling her that I ride my bike everywhere and sometimes ride a bus. Who doesn't need an extra prayer or two? This spawned into a conversation about the Al Gore environment conspiracy theory. Many were of the philosophy that all the GREEN stuff is created to make money. I can see how creating an emerging market in a down economy can be a real drag.... (wink wink) Anyhoo--I had to clearly state the mission behind my bike riding was a personal choice--a lifestyle choice--a health choice and had nothing to do with GOING GREEN. This is a common misconception--one that I normally let people just have...but--in this circle--I had to clear up any misunderstanding that my bike adventure was for me to GO GREEN. I love riding my bike. I love the challenge of figuring out how to get places using a mix of bike/bus/trolley. I like it when people say they'd use public transport more if it were more convenient. Have you ever tried? If you try, you'll find, San Diego is very easy to get around using public transport. I admit--I am blessed--I live 2.5 miles from where I work. I live in a neighborhood that is walkable, safe and easy to get around. I don't have any kids that I need to transport in a car seat or to soccer practice...and I am a low maintenance gal. I don't wear make up and my hair pretty much looks the same all the time--under a helmet or out of a helmet--unless it's raining--then--my hair gets curly. Not a bad look though... So--I'm blessed and can do this journey...and I have an 80 year old woman praying for me....Thanksgiving weekend really makes a gal count her blessings:)

Day 48--Staring at people in their cars....

So, it's turkey day. I know I will eat more than I should later today. I woke up and immediately hit the streets for a workout--sans bike---we're having a "break away" today. A "break away" is a term my Aunt Dena and I coined. We use it during our vacations together. The first "break away" was when we went to Prague in 2002. She really wanted to go to the symphony and I really wanted to sit with the bohemians on town square and watch them make up songs and strum on the guitar. So, we decided we'd part ways, each do our own activity, and meet up when we were done. We called it a "break away"...ever since, we've had them. In Croatia, 5 years later, we wanted to hike over to the local farmer's market--while our traveling companions wanted to layout on the beach. What did we do???? We had a "break away". I introduced the "break away" to my cousin AARON recently. He was in town visiting for his birthday. He wanted to go see USS MIDWAY. I wanted to get my nails done. What did we do??? We had a "break away". It's a no drama, little reprieve, from something--or someone--just for a short time. So, today, I'm having a "break away" from my bike. Tomorrow I have a bazillion errands to run--so, Baby Blue and I won't be separated for long. While I was having my "break away" today, I did a 30 minute boot camp using the stairs and picnic bench in the park behind my house. My old trainer LES taught me the best routines that you can do using your own body weight, and any raw materials--anywhere---. Uneven surfaces, steps, picnic benches, parking blocks--all good things for the home made boot camp. After the boot camp, I had some extra time until turkey day festivities, so, I went for a walk. I decided I would pay close attention to what people do when they drive today. One of the biggest problems with riding your bike everywhere is that you always have to be on the defense. If you choose to ride your bike on the road--as I do--all the time--you are in constant war with cars. The biggest problems with cars while on your bike is that--drivers don't pay attention. Mom's are yelling at their kids. Dads are checking out some bodacious babe. Everyone is texting or talking on their phone illegally. New lovers are making out. Old lovers are fighting. Everyone behind the wheel is basically doing anything, except looking at the road in front of them or around them. So...today, I set out, to look into cars. What exactly are people doing while they are driving? My findings were upsurd. I spotted 4 nose pickers, 3 singers--top of lungs singing...one song was "Proud to be an American"--I endorse that one since it is Thanksgiving and all. A couple guys were talking on their phone. 2 cars were talking to each other through the window, while driving... At a stop light, one guy--didn't event stop--he just blazed straight through. The moral of the story....if you're driving--PAY ATTENTION to the road and your surroundings. If you're not driving...make eye contact with as many drivers as you can and ride/walk on the offense. Be aware and prepared that no one behind a wheel is really driving or even paying attention to the road.

Staring into people's cars today was a great reminder for me. I enjoyed my 1 day break away from Baby Blue....and am looking forward to our reunion tomorrow. Absense sure does make the heart grow fonder...

Day 46--So many questions.....

I've had so many conversations with my work peers and friends. These are the same people I've known for years and see every day. For some reason, recently, they have many questions about this bike adventure. I love it. Their questions are super interesting--quite thought provoking and even funny....

For example, my gal pals--the sisters--asked, "If you only ride your bike, and don't have a car, what would you do if you bought a mattress?" My answer: "have it delivered".
Another question: "How will you get all the things you want to sell at our garage sale to our house?" My answer: "Rent a truck" or "cook dinner for a friend and in exchange, i borrow his truck" I love the sisters. Their best and my most favorite question was, "What about COSTCO? How do you get stuff from COSTCO home?" My answer: "I don't go to Costco. I shop at the Farmer's market...". I hope I cured all of their curiosities. Since it's Thanksgiving Week, and I am all about the Gratitude Attitude....I am thankful for the thought provoking questions because it does help a gal think through these things.

My pal at work--Paul--said, "I was thinking about you the other day as I was wondering, how would Mandi do that?" He was referring to an emergency car ride OR having to take guests to and from the airport. Living in San Diego I am always having friends and family visit. The answer to that is simple--they take a cab. I am a great hostess, I'll just transfer my gracious hostessing from airport pick up to cooking their favorite meal, or having a great welcome gift when they get here--right? OR--throughout the visit, since I started this journey--Aunt Dena has come to town. She insisted we bike only. We actually rode our bikes on an awesome ride...so, it all depends on the visitor--but--I'm not afraid--there's solutions for this.

I also learned something great this past week. If you call 511 on your cel phone, SanDag will tell you anything you want to know about commuting and public transportation. Also, you can get a guaranteed FREE RIDE HOME up to 3 times a year if you pay a small fee. When I say small, I believe it's $5.00. So, crisis averted---when I get rid of the car, I am all set for all challenges. I do like to hear the questions though--it gets me thinking about all the possibilities and prepared for the future. Gratitude Attitude.

Day 45---

Today I really appreciated my bike lights. Granted---they need to be tightened up and their sorta dangling on the front and the back--they're still in tact and visible. They're much more visible than those of a fella I almost ran into today while on the ride home from work. It's dark at like 4 pm now--it's literally like December in Ireland--it starts getting dark so early..so, when I leave work at 630 on a Monday night...it's dark. I rode up Island street--in my mind I convinced myself I was being followed by someone that wanted to steal my 14 year old Jansport--which of course forced me into a pedal sprint up that hill. I was literally heaving and hoeing up that blessed hill--made it to B street finally--when an object came riding at me. It was a fellow biker on the wrong side of the street without a helmet or lights. If I had more notice I definitely would have given him a finger wag---but--no time as I swerved out of the way. I did manage to slip in a "Wrong Side of the Road--DUDE"....it was such a burn. In other news---I got an email back from Dominic at Bike Station Long Beach. He told me to email me some questions and then we'll chat live when I am up there on 12/1 in between appointments. Very excited. I also emailed my employer the fringe benefits section of the IRS Commuter page. Apparently I can claim $230 less per month if I use my bike as my only mode of transport. There are other fringe benefits. I am hoping my employer takes this as seriously as I do. Not only could it be positive tax implications for me for 2010, but, it saves them loads of money on Payroll taxes. The amount of people that ride their bikes to my work need to be aware of this and we need to join together to be sure our employer takes it seriously and takes action on it. Both my management company and parent company cultures are all about Saving the Planet, Health and Work-Life Balance--it shouldn't be that hard to convince them to read the IRS doc and advise all of us what our options are. Just for good measure, I sent an email to the fella at the IRS and at icommutesd.com just to be sure I really understand. More to follow....

Day 44--

I had a bike "date" a couple weeks ago. It was a set up/blind date. He's a friend of a friend and saw my blog. He's been wanting to ride his bike to work more so he suggested we ride our bikes in to work together in the morning before work. Pretty cool idea--and what a good sport. I warned him that I would be wearing athletic gear on the top (sports bra and t-shirt) and work gear on the bottom (dress pants or jeans). He predicted I'd look like a mullet. Party on the top--work on the bottom. He was right. We met at 7 AM on our bikes. He wore his work attire too--dress pants, dress shirt--you know--he looked like a morman cruising around town in dress clothes trying to convert people while on his bike sans The Book of Morman. We had coffee, chatted a bit then rode into work. It was a nice ride. I had to mellow out my kamikaze bike riding style a bit--you know--stop at all the stop signs--not rush through the red lights--and wag my finger at unaware drivers....for fear I'd appear like a crazy bike bandit. He did point out a very cool piece of art that is being erected on a new apartment building downtown on Island Street. It's done by a local artist and it's a big brown tree on the corner of the building. It's the prettiest brown tree I've ever seen...Every time I ride past it, one more block of the tree trunks are put up. I am excited for the finished product. He was a real looker, really smart/nice....He did ask me if I wanted to go hiking sometime at the end of the "date" but...we haven't heard from him yet. We'll chalk it up to a good bike/date story for the blog...

In other news.....I need to do some sales calls in Long Beach/LA on December 1st. I am going to visit the very first BIKE STATION which is location in LONG BEACH. Can you believe it's 3 minutes from my lunch appt. with my client? My colleague is driving and doesn't know about our Bike Station mission yet--but--I'll brief her on the ride up. Also---as far as we know right now--the biggest obstacles to getting a Bike Station in San Diego are funding and location.

If someone wanted to do this privately--any store front down town will work. Unfortunately for the former vendors and fortunately for Bike Station--there are many vacant store fronts in down town SD right now. If not private--and if looking for funding---apparently there is a renovation planned for Horton Plaza area, and a new development in motion where Sante Fe Depot is. If I had it my way, it would be over near the Hilton Bay front--I think they have open spaces there. When I go see the gang at Bike Station in Long Beach, I am going to ask him questions about funding, operating costs, etc. I am curious to see how they do it up there. Is it all privately funded? Do they get any rebates, abatement's, grants, help from local gov? Who goes there? What's the biggest challenge they face? Is membership really only $20.00 a year? It seems like a steal. In downtown San Diego, monthly parking is $65.00 per month for limited 6 - 6 p parking, and $180.00 per month for 24 hour access. All you get is a parking spot--you don't get a locker, or refresh station or bike repair, etc.... I want to see how they price it out and what they get with it. I am also curious about the square footage they have and the hours they actually staff it.... More to follow----on the Bike Station Mission...stay tuned!

Day 39--A Little More Progress--Bike Station

A while back I reached out to SANDAG Planning Tech--Maria Filieppeli. Below is her response. We'll talk on Thursday..... it's small...but..it's a bit o progress to get a BIKE STATION in SD!

Email from Maria to me:
Mandi, Congratulations on your 30 car-free days! I 'm glad to hear of your interest in a bike station, it is something on our radar. To answer your questions:
1) To put a bikestation on City property, you''d have to work with the City of SD. If the desired location is a trolley stop, then you'd have to work with MTS since they own the trolley right-of-way.
2) Anyone can make a recommendation to the City or SANDAG to implement a bikestation. (Of course implementation relies on funding.) Have you contacted the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition (www.sdcbc.org)? I think they are looking at some bikestation locations.
3) The biggest issues are funding and location.
Feel free to give me a call to discuss further (# below).
Maria
Maria Filippelli
Planning Technician
619.515.1177
www.sandag.org

Day 36--Odd Errands

Well, in the last 3 days, I've run some odd little errands. Have you ever done through a drive through on your bike? I have.... I had to pick up my perscription from Wallgreens....Rode straight through on my bike, got my pills, and scurried off. It was super easy. Next mission--A plumber's snake. So, my sick is clogged or my garbage disposal is broke. Don't know which, but, something is awry. So.....I pedaled over to my friends' Amy and Jay's house. They left me that plumber's snake. It fit snug as a bug in my Jansport....then went grocery shopping then home. 32nd Street out of NorthPark into South Park is still my fav. I just know bike riding that street over the holidays is going to be awesome....next stop...today----bike ride to go see Chrissy and Brendan's new baby...then...Bike ride to BBQ at Dennis' for his bday. All in the same area....gotta love South park:)

Day 34

Had a partner in crime on the bike ride in today. It was a nice treat. Learned about a new condo project going up on Island street. It has a cool piece of art on it that looks like a tree spanning the whole front corner of the building. In other news....on the ride home I almost ran over a dog. It was a very small, pudgy dog and the owner let he and his leash span across the side walk like it was his. I was sure he was moving out of the way so I kept peddling..then, I slammed on my brakes, almost fell off my bike and poked my leg real hard with the seat of my bike. It was a real sitch. The ride home was great tonight---felt o so good. 4 miles today...but....didn't have much sleep last night, so, it was justified.

Day 32

Crazy birds on the streets today. Cars were cutting cars off like wild turkeys. I had the friendliest bus driver from downtown to run my errands in NorthPark. Take the 7 from Broadway near my gym to NorthPark--it's a perfect lil' breather after a workout, then, you can hop back on the road and take 30th all the way home. 5.5 miles today.

Still researching the selling the car thing.

Day 31--Bike Station--some progress

We made a little progress on the Bike Station mission today. Looks like Bike Station is on Sandag radar! We got a return email from them. It seems she has some reccomendations or advice...I am going to call her tomorrow. I think this will be a segway to another referral. We'll get this bike station come hell or high water...

To me from Maria:

Mandi,
Congratulations on your 30 car-free days! I am glad to hear of your interest in a bike station, it is something on our radar. To answer your questions:
1) To put a bikestation on City property, you'd have to work with the City of SD. If the desired location is a trolley stop, then you'd have to work with MTS since they own the trolley right-of-way.
2) Anyone can make a recommendation to the City or SANDAG to implement a bikestation. (Of course implementation relies on funding.) Have you contacted the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition (www.sdcbc.org)? I think they are looking at some bikestation locations.
3) The biggest issues are funding and location.
Feel free to give me a call to discuss further (# below).
Maria
Maria Filippelli
Planning Technician
619.515.1177
www.sandag.org

To Sandag from Me:
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 7:18 PMT
Subject: Bike Station?

Hi there, have you heard of Bike Station? I just starting commuting using solely my bike and public transportation. I am doing a 30 day trial to see if I can “live” without my car. In the process, I’ve learned that other cities such as Palo Alto, Long Beach and Seattle have convenient places like a “Bike Station” for commuters. www.bikestation.com San Diego is suppose to be a “Biker’s Paradise” but, I haven’t found very many convenient commuter options such as the Bike Station. I was wondering if you'd help me?
Would San Diego consider putting a Bike Station or something like it somewhere in downtown San Diego? Near the convention center?
Who within San Diego government would make such recommendations?
What information, support or influence do you need from San Diego local government OR other bike organizations that would make a compelling argument to implement?
I am willing to do the work, just need some recommendations of people that are interested in the life of a SD Commuter. To view the “real” life of a San Diego commuter, check out my blog. It's the real deal of what SD needs to make it more of a commuter friendly city. https://www.car-go-bye-bye.blogspot.com
If you’re not the right person to speak with, will you forward to the proper person, OR, will you share some names of people that can assist? Thanks in advance. Have a great day!

Day 30--I did it!!!!

Well---30 days.....bike only as main mode of transport and I have to say--It was pretty easy. It was so easy, I've decided it's going to be my way of life. I am more aware, more alert, more healthy and more conscious riding a bike or walking everywhere. For those places that I can't get to in a jiffy on my bike or on my feet---I'll hop on a bus or a trolley. At last resort, I'll take a car... but...I have to tell you, I have been looking into selling my car. Anyone interested in a 2007 Nissan Versa? She's cute--she's cheap--and she's in great shape since I never driver her.

Biggest thing I've learned over the last 30 days.....PAY ATTENTION! Pay attention to everything.... people can be turning right, when you're cruising up to their right. Some drivers don't even pay any attention while driving because they're texting, or they're tourists, or they're totally lost--physically--or just lost in their mind from the wild day they had. So, do your part to pay attention. Second best thing I learned---San Diego is pretty amazing. There are so many nooks and crannies that one can never find unless on a bike or on foot...so, take some time, to pay attention to your surroundings. I bet you'd be amazed at the fantastic things, people, buildings, nuances that surround you once you stop, breathe, look left--look right--and just PAY ATTENTION to what's surrounding you. Life's too short to pass up the great opportunity to celebrate all that's great in your world...right now:)

Bikes, Balloons, Wind & Lip Gloss

Yes--I said lip gloss.... But, let's start with the important stuff. My gal pal's wedding shower was today. I committed a while back to pick up 20 multi colored balloons that would go with the Mexican theme. Now that I am doing my no car gig, I still had to get the balloons. I ventured off to Vons--which was 3 blocks north and 2 blocks east of Regan's house. I got the balloons, and tied them to the seat of my bike. I rode in the street--stayed clear of the side walks due to fear of the trees--I should have been more concerned about the wind. The wind blew those blessed balloons everywhere including in the spokes of the bike. We lost about 4 on the journey. The pop was loud. The laughs and stares from passers bye--even more loud. The most troublesome part of it all.... the ribbons from the balloons were long and curly...they were wavy in the wind, and kept flying up at my face and sticking to my lip gloss... I know...you're thinking, "Why are you riding a bike and wearing lip gloss"?? 2 months ago I may have said the same thing...but...normally I wear chap stick. 2 months ago my boss turned me onto lip gloss. She wears it all the time--everywhere--it's the same as putting on shoes for her... She never leaves the house, her office, anywhere without lip gloss. She inspired me to buy a bevvy of it..and I am hooked. I always have it on now. I love lip gloss.. So, I am guilty as charged--a bike riding commuting lip gloss addict. Anyway--it made for an interesting ride. I dropped the balloons to Regan's--as I pulled up, a man was holding his baby and she was saying "Ba-lllll-oooooo-nnn-s" I am pretty sure it was one of her 1st 5 words in her vocab. We made the world--and her vocab better today. As I left the balloon drop off spot--I almost barrelled over a very skinny man, on the side walk, wearing shiny black leather pants. He should have been riding my bike, wearing lip gloss with the balloons.....

In other news----I made it home in 14 minutes from downtown today. It normally takes 25 - 30 minutes-- The Presbyterians were not singing today. tomorrow is Sunday though, and I'll be on my bike by 8:15 A.....Church and Sabbath worship HAS to happen tomorrow...right?

Day 27--The Finger Wag....

Something I've gotten really good at over the last 27 days is the finger wag. Picture it... riding your bike, knowing you have the right of way because you stopped at the stop sign ions of time before the car at the other stop sign does...and guess what?? They start rolling through the stop sign... This is when I toss out a "finger wag"? You know what I mean... it's that 1 finger pointing at that person doing wrong, and shaking it at them... not rapidly, just slowly, with judging eyes, eye brows raised--just a shmidge...and a little smile.. Enough to tell them--"we both know you tried to roll through that stop sign", but, coy enough to not make them feel like they want to hit the gas pedal and run me over off my bike. It's a real simple--yet--effective technique...

So, I got to work in 13 minutes today..and home in 24. My time going home, up that hill is getting better. Riding through the ghetto, isn't as scary. Most of the homeless people just like to talk to themselves, and they can't chase me up that big ass hill anyway...I'm on a bike..and they have blankets and what not that hold them down should a chase scene pop up...so, I think the night ride home route is good. Tomorrow is a big day..... I will attempt to buy 20 multi colored balloons and ride them over to my gal pal's house where we're having a wedding shower. Imagine---1 girl, 1 bike, 20 multi colored balloons tied to the seat of my bike. If I can bring at least 1 smile or sense of wonder to a random passer-by...I will have done my work for the day...wish me luck...

Day 25...

Well, today was interesting......I walked into work---on my way I found a co-worker at the bus stop at Broadway and 21st. She was wearing dress shoes--slight heel. I asked, "Would you like to walk with me?" She said, "sure"...and away we walked. It was nice to have an unexpected walking companion in the AM. I left my house at 7:29, and got to work at 8:01 A....just in time for an all morning meeting with an AMAZING organization--that--can you believe it??? They promote Healthy living! The stars were aligned and I wore my tennies all day with my work gear. They were quite inspirational. Next.....I rode my bike to the gym. It was "cardio day"....so, I did 32 minutes. 7 minutes rower, 10 minutes running on treadmill and 15 minutes on the bike--as if I didn't have enough bike action for the last 25 days. You see...I thought I was going to take the bus home, so, I got my "bike on" in the gym instead of "on the road"....I left the gym drenched in sweat, and the moon was awesome..the night felt so good and I didn't want to deal with putting my bike on the front of that rack on the bus...so...I decided to ride home... Last ride home at night was awesome--and I took my favorite street--ISLAND--but--it was a little dark--and I was a little scared for my life on 12th - 24th streets...so, I opted for Broadway the whole way home. The hill on Broadway is more steep, but, it's way more lit and much more safe. Along the way as I rode I heard cheers of people between 3rd - 10th from various pubs. World Series is on tonight--Phillies vs. Yanks--and the cheers supported both teams at various times as I passed. I got to 16th and couldn't ride anymore. I was beat. I had a 3 mile walk to work, a 32 minute cardio session and now I was going to ride 10 more blocks up a huge incline??? What is wrong with me?? So, I walked my bike, and called my sis. She and her hubby are staying at my parent's house in FL for the week. She was tipsy and her hubster was watching the world series. She celebrated the great day she and my mom had. They went to a play in Florida with all the blue hairs. While in the bathroom at the play, my lil' sis discovered that the woman just one stall over had only 4 toes---GROSS--of course she took a photo of it and texted it to me with a caption: "Just saw someone that reminded me of you.....". To be clear, I have all my digits in tact--10 fingers, 10 toes...however, I do hate feet. They totally gross me out. Had I seen that sitch in the stall next to me, I would have barfed for sure. Better her than me...but still, was a great picture text to get midday today. Lil' sis asked me if I wanted to talk to her hubby. I gingerly declined and told her that would be a dude's worst nightmare to talk to his sister-in-law on the telephone in the middle of the world series. She claimed I was a better woman than she, and shortly after, we hung up. I did promise a shout out to her... so, there ya go--Vikki---you've been shouted outed!! I hopped back on my bike and was home in 5 minutes. The Presbyterians were up to no good though... I noticed all the lights on in the church, but this time--all the blinds were drawn....and no one was singing..... Seemed a little more serious and less gleeful tonight... I wonder what they're stirring up in there......

Day 24--still on the honeymoon...

I am still giddy and in love with riding my bike or walking as a mode of transport. 11 minutes flat to work today. Walking in to work tomorrow...need to be there a bit early for a meeting....but....looking forward to the workout and ride home tomorrow night. Something fun I learned that happens in my hood in the AM on the way in is that the Iglesia Presbyterian Hispanic church has a women's choir. They sing their hearts out. I am not quite sure when their practice is because I've heard them singing on the way home during week--appx. 730 p. I've heard them singing on the way in--appx. 715 a, and I've heard them singing on the weekends at various times of the day. As far as I'm concerned....it's a Choir Shelter for lady birds. Oh the things you become aware of along the way when you're not couped up in your car watching traffic, and you're in the fresh air, celebrating life and being concience of surroundings.....

Nostalgia

I should write an Ode to my Jansport. I realized today that I have had my Jansport back pack since I was a sophomore in college. Who wouldda thunk it would stick with me all this time and make this wacky bike journey. 14 years old...and it's as sturdy as the day I bought it. Cheers to you Jansport. I will not trade you in--even if you make me look like a butch lesbian on a bike.

I think I'm getting faster, and Island Street is still my favorite. Made it to work in 13 minutes today. 4.3 minutes per mile. Then...I rode to the gym, worked out for an hour, and rode home in the dark dark darkness of Island Street. I made it home and up that massive hill in 25 minutes flat. It totally helped that I rode like a bat out of hell on 17th street through 24th street since it was so dark and there were homeless people and gang members eye balling me the whole way. I should have taken the bus home, but, the moon was full, and it felt so good under that night air.

Oh the things we see along the way....

Day 22..Bike ride to Amy/Jay's today to have a date with Jaden. With my puffy letters, construction paper and musical instruments packed...I was ready for an afternoon with a 2 year old. 3.5 miles to their house, 20 minute ride...Still super slow--5.6 per mile. Dude, I'm light molasses. The positive is that I found a new route and there was so much beauty along the way...

I took 29th to Juniper to 32nd to University to Swift. Awesome Ride. the houses in the guts of Southpark on 29th and 32nd are amazing. Totally decked out for Halloween--still. Note to self....drive this route over xmas season...guaranteed to get any passer-by in the holiday spirit. Great ride there, great ride home. The plan was to go grocery shopping when I was done. I discovered I did not have any $$$ or id with me when I left Amy and Jay's...so....rode home-- 3.5 miles. Got shiznit...headed back out to grocery--2 miles RT. Overall it was a good, flat 9 mile trip on Baby Blue today. Amongst my travels I swear I saw a spitting image of Tyne Daly...remember her from Cagney and Lacey? Anyway...it was a brilliant Sunday! This week will be all about Bikes, Gym and Protein...

Day 20--Blessing In Disguise...

Today I take on TEXAS HILL!!! I have eye balled that hill for years. I've walked up the hill and down the hill, but never rode up or down that hill. I need to go to Target to return somethings and go to Michaels to get the remainder of my Halloween costume. I am wearing all black, sunglasses, boots, hat, black rubber nose...and a sash with bright glow in the dark puffy paint that says "BLESS YOU". My costume--A Blessing In Disguise.... My house to Target is 5 miles. The ride will be easy, but, down that hill will be quite an adventure.

Day 19---5th avenue hill

Well, 5th avenue hill looks good on paper. Most men i date look semi good on paper. Then.....we get to know them, and, well, we all know that story.... 5th avenue---same deal.

Mapmyride AND ridethestreets show that 5th avenue from work is a straight shot. 1.5 miles. This translates for me to be appx. 8 - 10 minutes on my bike--TOPS. I've driven 5th ave before, and walked 5th ave before...but...riding UP---5th ave with a 25 pound satchel of goodness on your back...different story. 5th avenue takes appx. 30 minutes to ride from 5th/L - 5th/Laurel...mostly because of it's classy ginger incline. The other piece is because getting out of Gaslamp with jack ass drivers and all those lights is a real sitch. Thankfully....my date was patient. So...note to self---on paper, 1.5 looks nice, but, once you get to know that journey, a little more of a raw deal. Change into workout clothes next time, and ride over to the park for self induced boot camp to round out the experience next time.

Day 18--Research

I learned alot tonight about being an SD Bike Commuter. The online resources are endless. Although we currently don't have any "Bike Stations"...there are Bike Lockers several places in SD. The 2 that are downtown are in weird locations. Mission this weekend: check out these aforementioned bike lockers....I'm still not convinced.

This is an awesome website: www.icommutesd.com Check it out. You can go on TripTracker and evaluate the difference between 1 person in a car, vs. several carpooling. Also, it shows an entire list of what San Diego top public and private companies to for their employees that supports commuting. There are even financial incentives and tax breaks--links to IRS websites that outline. Something else that blew my mind...the Guarantee Ride Home Policy. If you're stranded somewhere without your bike, or have an emergency that you need to hop in a car...they have a GRH policy that you make a $3.00 co pay and 3 times a year, the GRH service will take you wherever you want to go. San Diego also gives an award to the top San Diego companies that are Best Places to work for Commuters.

Found another cool websiteL www.ridethecity.com Normally I use mapmyride.com to find the best routes. I've found that is not well versed on the 1 way streets, the streets without a bike route, and the streets that have no light. Ridethecity.com actually has 3 route choices: 1. direct route, 2. safe route 3. safer route. I re ran my most frequently traveled routes and still--Island Street--the best one---it's the safest, the quickest, and has a bike lane.

I sent 10 emails tonight to various people in SD Planning in SD local government to get advice on how we can get a Bike Station here...Stay tuned..who knows....maybe we'll email a list of all those HR people listed on the "Best Places to Work for SD Commuters" list....heaven help those people....

All this stuff about things employers are doing to reward their employees for riding safe and being socially responsibile got me to thinking, "What does my employer do for all this?"..So, I sent our HR person an email too. Along with that I posted a question on Facebook tonight. I haven't heard anything back yet..but, am dying to hear what other employers are doing to celebrate commuters....So...what does your employer do?

Night Riding....Lessons Learned...

Day 17, and I rode 7 miles today. Have you ever heard the song by REM called "Night Swimming"? Apparently it's about skinny dipping. This post is not. However, the piano riff in that song is in my mind as I say to myself, "Night Riding" and replace the proper words to the REM song over and over on my ride tonight. Some things I've learned:

1. 3rd gear is the best gear to use when riding on 30th street between north park to south park.
2. Ear buds (basically iPods) are illegal to wear when riding on public streets on your bike.
3. The head light on your bike needs to be able to shine at least 30 feet in front of you.
4. One can not ride a bike on a side walk in a "business zone"..aka--the gaslamp district...
5. Island Street is still my favorite street to ride out of downtown---easy incline into Golden Hill, never many Kamikaze drivers to worry about, and I can cruise straight through...There are several homeless people and questionable "neighborhood-ish" people along that street, but, they are seemingly harmless when you're greased lightning like me on my Baby Blue.

Don't even ask me how I learned all of that in one night, but, let's chalk it up to another, "Trial and Error" moment or 4. So, I had a crappy day at work and decided to meet some friends at Toronado after work for beer and Mac/Cheese. Of course, I am on my bike, so I give the traditional disclaimer--"I think I'll be there in 30 minutes or so, but, give me an hour just to be safe". My friends are so awesome and supportive of this mission, so, they kindly go along.

So, I took Island to 16th to B to 19th to Pershing. The stretch between B, 19th, Pershing was super scary....it's really dark and there's not much of a bike trail. The climb up Pershing is awesome--and semi tough. It's super gradual, but, it's long enough to break a sweat. The cars speed up that hill. My new front headlight and back flashing light were installed earlier today. All it cost me was a box of chocolate chip cookies, and the promise of home made ones by next Monday. I made it to Toronado from downtown in 30 minutes flat...and that Plant to Pint Pizza Port beer was fantastic. The ride home was exhilarating. Brisk air, 10 minutes, totally flat--30th was awesome and Bloc Party was playing in my ear. I know, I know...it's totally illegal, but, it's all about the experience. Nothing could make me happier at that moment than to cruise down the street on a short ride listening to Block Party with the safe light flashing in the back and my 30 foot headlight on the front of my bike. Best part--I looked like a total dork. Picture this: pony tail, glasses, helmet, bike lights---It was a page straight out of Dork City--and I loved it!

Day 16...A New Route....

So, I've been doing full gym workouts on the weekends, and just biking during the week. This week I decided to switch it up. Bike to work--all down hill--4 miles. After work, bike to gym .5 mile, work out at gym, take bus home. The bus system is starting to get super easy. Now that I am a pro at loading my bike onto the bus---it's my new favorite thing to do. After a good workout I hopped on the bus. WOW, what an experience that was. That bus from downtown to Golden Hill sure is weird and crowded at night. I am pretty sure I knocked over people's bags as I got onto the bus. My helmet was hanging out of my satchel, and I was all crammed in the corner. I got home in record time...but...I think i am going to ride home int he dark tomorrow. My new bike lights came in the mail over the weekend, so, I am going to rig those things up tonight, and see how night riding is tomorrow. Tomorrow we'll try--ride to work, ride to gym, do full workout, ride home--with lights... Maybe I can coin a new name--Night Rider...

Overall journey is appx. 10 miles.

Day 15...a ride to SMALL BAR

Well, it's very easy to get from Golden Hill to University Heights. Our long time pal Matt Stringer was in town from Saudi Arabia. We were to meet him for brunch. I decided to ride my bike the whole way there, instead of hopping on the bus. The route is easy---Florida Street goes all the way between Golden Hill to University Heights. So, I glided down Florida, Left on El Cajon, Right on Park--super easy. Great way to get to those great resturaunts/bars...SMALL BAR...EL ZARAPE...LEI LOUNGE...etc. 3.5 miles...easy peezy.

We got there and learned that it was the LIVE WIRE pub crawl with bikes. We were in good fellow biker company.

Kick Gas Festival Was a Bust....

Mid day....Day 14...I hopped on the #2 to meet a gal pal at the trolley stop downtown. While on the #2 bus, I met a fellow Croatian named Marco. He was multi tasking and sweating. He had a dress shirt on a hanger in one hand, holding it high so it wouldn't wrinkle and touch the ground. In the other hand he held his cel phone and profusely told his lady that he loved her and that he had a great day with her. As he hung up, he asked me if his shirt was bothering me. I told him NO. Then...he proceeded to tell me it was his first day at a new restaurant that was opening that night. It's called BICE. It's pronounced, BEACH-AYE. He said he's sure people will butcher the name and call it BITCH. That was pretty funny. Marco had a thick Italian sounding accent, however, he proved to me he was Croatian by showing me his Driver's Licence. You see--a true Croatian's last name ends with a "C"...Marco's last name, ended in a "C"...just like mine. We were Croatian brother and sister. We both got off at the same stop and I wished him good luck on his first night at BICE. He was a pro, and I am sure he did well on his first night. As we parted, Marco the Croatian gave me a proper Croatian farewell--double kiss on either side of the cheek. Check out the restaurant...I am curious about the wines... Marco insisted they were "REMARKABLE" http://bicesandiego.com/
As I waited for Kim I found The Red Zone. It's a sports bar on the corner of 5th & C. Looks like there's a new f/b license that was posted, so, Red Zone's days seem numbered. We met there and waited for the trolley. Took the BLUE LINE from downtown to OLD TOWN, we switched to the GREEN LINE and got to Qualcomm in a jiffy. As the trolley rolled up I could tell the Kick Gas Festival was NOT the place to be. It was on a HUGE piece of land. Barely anyone was there. They had 3 big stages. The stages were as big as the Radiohead stage from their concert in Embarcadero a couple years back. It was embarrassing--big stage--small acts---and loads of college kids. As we walked in, we found "The Ticket Booth". There was literally a hand made sign that said "Ticket Booth". We entered, and found a row of women in Bikini's....what they were selling, we're not sure--but--they were rightfully placed directly next to TONY'S SAUSAGE STAND. We walked further and found LLAMAS. Yes, there were LLAMAS. They were called, SOLAR LLAMAS. One had to be 70 pounds or under to ride the Solar Lama. We walked a bit further and found the beer garden. it was the biggest beer garden i've ever seen in my life. Imagine the La Mesa October Fest Beer Garden x 3...this was the same size. We got a beer and found a tug of war game starting just behind us. We saw a row of college kids grabbing the rope and one side and wondered who would be their worthy opponents. Of course...it's the bikini girls. VOILLA...they appeared out of no where. They had some help from some very kind college fellas...and guess what??? They won! The whole experience was really weird and at best reminded us of a 7th grade science fair. Everything was home made with magic markers, and there was no connection between the vendors, and saving the planet. I was happy that we rode the trolley in. It somehow justified the experience. It also justified us leaving in a huge Toyota Tundra with a cab on the back. Our friends took us home from the event...and we carried on from there. So, the good news---is that, the trolley is very easy to ride--and we learned about a new restaurant in the Gaslamp called BICE. The bad news is that San Diego has a ways to go before they have a fully evolved GREEN FESTIVAL promoting public transportation. I do think the intentions were good..and 5 years from now--Watch Out--KICK GAS FESTIVAL 2014 will be the place to be.

Day 14...Old friends...

What a great morning on the bike. It wasn't even 11 AM and I had already logged 11 miles on my bike. THAT feels fantastic! This was the first day I "ran errands" on Baby Blue. It was so fun. Dry Cleaner, Grocery and Candle Store. My satchel of goodness was very busy today. Along the way, as I rode up Island Street (PS--this is the perfect incline from downtown to southpark---Broadway, and C are killer hills...) anyway, I as rode up Island street, I saw some pop up tents in the distance.... It appeared there was a mini neighborhood festival of sorts. Nothing makes me happier than pop up tents on a sunny Saturday. As I approached the tents, I bumped into 2 old buddies of mine--Ricardo and Gerry. It had been so long since I have seen them, and it was such a fortuitous treat. They both are doing great and just opened a new coffee shop in that hood called: Latte Mi Corazon. www.lattemicorazon.com I am definitely going to check it out next week. Had I never been on my bike, I would have never bumped into 2 of my favorite blasts from the pasts, and never would have heard about the new coffee shop. Another random act of kindness is that Kathy from the bike coalition sent me a helpful book called: "Street Smarts: Riding Confidently, Legally, and Safely". I definitely need to take a gander at that thing. My neighbor friend Angela called me "Kamikaze Mandi" the other day as she referred to my bike riding. I take that as a sign that I am not safe or legal on the bike. Thanks Kathy for the tips.

So, today, we are going to the KICK GAS festival. It is at Qualcomm. We are not riding our bikes there. We are taking the trolley--Blue line to Orange Line--easy peezy.

day 13,,,,

Lucky # 13. WOW, those new tires make me ride so fast. I got to work 7 minutes faster today. So, now it only takes 10 minutest to get there. Riding my bike makes me realize what a horrible driver I am. I am painfully aware of cars that are turning right, or, merging into 3 lanes to the left...or are parked and about to open their door on my face and make me a mashed potatoe bike road mess. Tomorrow is the KICK GAS event. I can't wait. An entire day of Eco Friendly goodness.

"I'm gonna write a letter".....

Have you ever known someone that everytime something goes wrong, they say, "That's It...I'm Writing A Letter". I have known many people to say this, and never do this. Well, I did it. The objective is to get a BIKE STATION in San Diego. I want one of these in San Diego so bad. We need one. I sent a letter to the exectuve team at BikeStation.Mobis Transportation. These people own Bike station. They were featured in last month's FAST COMPANY magazine. Long Beach and Palo Alto have a Bike Station. San Diego is such a "Biker's Paradise" but...we don't have anything like "Bike Station" and we need it. Join my mission to get San Diego a Bike Station. http://www.bikestation.com/ Check out the progress....

Letter--to Bikestation from Me 10/11/09:
Hello Andrea, Bill, Bruckner, Steve, Matthew OR Andrew! How are you today? I am not sure who in your company reads the general inquiries so a proper greeting to all is in order. A couple weeks ago I read Andrea's article in Fast Company mag. I was really intrigued by what she said. 1 week later I went to New Belgium;s Tour De Fat, where the Funeral of the Car was 1 of the many awesome bike enthusiast experiences. It got me to thinking...."What do we need to do to get San Diego a Bike Station?" What is your process of setting them up in Long Beach, Palo Alto-etc? Who do I need to write a letter too or harass a bit about the importance to have one of these in SD proper? I am sure in your business plan, you have key decision makers, and influencers. When you are soliciting cities for new business, who are your targets?
I am a rookie bike rider, but, am on board with helping to get a Bikestation in San Diego. Any advice you can give on who we reach out too in support of your business would be much appreciated.

Mandi


10/14/09: Email from Bike Station--Bill Ewing to Me:

Hi Mandi,
Thank you for your email and your interest in us. We do not currently have plans in San Diego. Bikestation are public infrastructure and it always starts with a few people pushing the system locally. I hope that might be you. The planners and transit authorities are usually the catalyst stakeholders. San Diego is one of the places we should have a few Bikestations.

All the best,
Bill
Bill EwingMobis Transportation Alternatives Bikestationwww.mobisinc.com www.bikestation.comT 562 733 0106 F 562 733 0107E bewing@bikestation.com

10/14/09: Email to Bill from Me:

Hi Bill, great to hear from you. I agree, everything good starts with a few people pushing the system. If I were to do some pushing, which job titles do you normally start with? Is it the city planner? All I need from you is a title of people that have made it happen in your other cities, and I will take it from here. I have plenty of other pushers that will help me too. If you can help me with the specific titles in Palo Alto and Long Beach that have made it happen, that will give me a good starting point. I 'd like to give some examples.
Also, do you have the main contacts from other cities with Bike Stations? If I can call them, and pick their brain, it will give me more ammo when I am speaking to the decision makers in our city.

Mandi

10/15/09: Email to me from Bill:
Each city is different and has their own fragmentation issues. Any title that has Planning, Transportation, Bike or Sustainability is a fantastic place to start. My regards,Bill

Karma Police...

Day 7--Retroactive.... I know I am on day 10, but, I forgot to share something very important from Day 7. On my way home from dinner on Day 7, while on the bus, I checked my voice messages. My coolest neighbor friends ever left me a message. "Mandi, Curtis and I were at dinner and we were thinking your bike may go faster if you had different tires. We went to the store and bought you 2 new road bike tires. The cost is $25.00 and the labor is free. If you don't want to do this, no worries, we'll take the tires back. Curtis likes to tinker with bikes, so, it's no problem for him." What? Are you kidding me? How awesome is that? My neighbor friends are so friggin' cool that they bought 2 new tires for the bike, and installed them on the bike when I got back. All I had to do was give them $25.00. How amazing? I am so lucky to have awesome neighbor friends, and even more lucky that Curtis used to own a bike shop and loves putting fast tires on a slow bike. Guess what??? That 11 mile bike ride on Sunday was fast like greased lightning. It was all because of the random act of kindness from the Coolest Most Awesome Neighbor Friends--Angela and Curtis--on the whole planet!! Anyone reading this--PAY IT FORWARD. Go out and do something nice for someone today. It feels good to do, and it feels good to be on the receiving end of 2 new shiny wheels!

Boards, Bikes and Beer

Day 8. The Boards, Bikes and Beer festival started at 12 noon at the Catamaran. Our friend Andy partnered with Andy to organize the event. Proceeds went to Discover PB, so, of course we volunteered to help the cause. It was Angela's birthday. For her birthday, to support Andy and his PB mission, and to add to the bike adventures....we rode our bikes to the event. 11 miles it would take. The "Johnson" sisters and I met at 10:30 in Golden Hill and made the trek. We took Broadway to Pacific Coast Highway to Sports Arena Blvd to Mission Beach. It took us about an hour, and it was stunning!! Down hill on Broadway through traffic, dodging buses and cars was just a teaser for the 5 lane highway with cars furiously merging onto PCH. I know I've said this before, but, for all you car drivers out there (me included) Cars are soooooooooooo unaware of bike riders on the road. As a driver---you have to watch for bikers on the right, when you're turning right. As a driver, you need to watch for bikers on the left, when your car is parking on the street and you're opening your car door. As a driver, if you're going to make a quick merge over 3 lanes on the road into the left lane....take a look in your rear view mirror--and look for bikers and other cars will you? For the love of Pete...I know I am a horrible driver, but, I never realized how my driving can impact bike riders until I became one. Once we got through PCH and rode over the bridge on the bike trail into Mission Bay--it was stunning. The best part of the ride was over the bridge, over the water and along the bay. Again, the water was super calm and the breeze in SD was perfect on Sunday. It's funny that I rode over the bridge. My family will barely believe me using the word, "bridge" and "happy place" in the same sentence. When I was a little girl, I was petrified of bridges. As a family we were watching Ripley's Believe It Or Not when I was about 7. There was a surge back in the 80's of drivers in HOLLAND that would drive into canals. Apparently, Holland was no good with their "Warning there's a canal 50 feet ahead" signage, and the road would end and cars would drive into them. For some reason that image of the car going under water and people being trapped in it stuck in my head, and I've been afraid of bridges ever since. (thanks Mom/Dad for the scar:) My fear of bridges was conquered when I moved to San Diego 9 years ago and drove over the Coronado Bridge for the first time. Now, I am the biggest fan of bridges. In fact---one of my favorite San Diego Landmarks is the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge. I used to run and ride my bike over it all the time when I used to live in Bankers Hill. It's a historical landmark and was built in 1913ish. Another notable bridge that's been there forever, but, I just found is the Musical Bridge. It's on 25th and Market and goes over the 94 highway in Golden Hill. If you walk over the bridge, grab a stick as you approach. You can run the stick over the "chimes" on the left side of the bridge and it really sounds like a bell or a musical medley of goodness. Apparently, it's another historical San Diego landmark. So, the bridge over the bay into Mission Beach was amazing. The event was amazing also. The "Johnson" sisters and I looked like a band of bike bitches walking with my big red satchel on my back, and our 3 helmets strapped to the back of it. I am sure we scared the very nice and polite brunch patrons at the Catamaran. We drank beer first, then volunteered. Along the way, I learned some things. I met this amazing couple who had just finished a 40 person bike ride from Phoenix to San Diego. They were raising money for Marines that served in the middle east and when they get back, each of them get $1000.00 to do whatever they want for them. They raised $140,000.00 total for the organization. I asked the one woman what her favorite part was, she said, "I was riding with some of the veterans who were injured. They were stronger than I was going up the highest hill, the highest point. When I got to the top, I cried." That was pretty powerful. They gave me their website, I need to check it out: www.therideofsemperfi.com

I also learned about Butt Butter. This is not something I will consider trying, but, apparently, it's most commonly used among the "male riders" for various reasons. I guess it's the best trick out there to protect the "nether regions".

So, 1 long bike ride down, another great event, and loads more info about bike riding.

Eyes Wide Open.....

Yesterday's bus/bike adventure was new in every way. I had to get from work which is downtown up to NorthPark for a quick bite to eat. I was exausted from the work marathon from the previous 48 hours, but, I didn't want to cheat--again. So....I learned if I ride my bike to the 12th/Imperial MTS station, I can hop on the 11 bus to Adams avenue, and that would take me to El Zarape, where I would meet a gal pal for a quick dinner. I've never actually put my bike on the bus rack, but had read horror stories about people stealing bikes off the front of the bus while the bus was stopped. I proceeded with caution. I was more concerned about jumping in front of that big bus to load my bike onto the front of it, and less concerned about the theft. Getting my bike stolen off the bus while I was actually on it, would probably cause some sort of chase scene, which would actually be a good story, so, my concern weighed more heavily on the bike loading sitch. (Sitch - situation in Mandi-speak) I rode over to the 12th/Imperial station, bought my $5.00 day pass which gets me onto any MTS transport anywhere in SD county--trolley, bus, etc. I was to look for the #11. It rolled up, I walked over to the bus driver's window, and said, "Excuse me, I have a bike, I've never done this before, can u help me?" Although she had a crew of new passengers loading the bus, she was very accomodating. She got off the bus, and showed me to pull the rack down, pull down the front lever, load my bike with the front tire, near the front lever, and clasp the lever. VOILLA! We did it. It was so easy. Then I looked at her and said, "Does this bus go to Adams Avenue?" And she said, "NO". You'll take the next #11 that will be here any second. I unlevered my bike, lifted it off the rack and waited for the "next #11". Thank God she was so accomodating and gave me a quick bike loading tutorial. Then..the next #11 came up, I was a pro in the bike load dept. I knew exactly what to do, pull down the rack, load the bike, secure the lever--and VOILLA! This time...we were on our way. I made my way to the back of the bus.. not in a Rosa Parks sorta way--but, in a "i like to sit in the back of the bus" sorta way. It's probably a throw back to being in 4th or 5th grade when all the cool kids sat in the back of the bus. I can't remember being that cool, but, I do remember the back of the bus was cool. Anyway, I ended up sitting next to a gal who seemed to be mildly normal. Anyone who has ridden a bus in any city knows that it represents the city's best and most diverse people. She seemed more like me than anyone else on the bus. She was asking the bus driver about a route, and I went in for the intro. "Excuse me, do you ride the bus because you don't have a car, or for environmental reasons?" Most people are agitated or mortified by my questions--but she was very welcoming. She replied: "Well, my husband is a hippie. We have 1 car, but, whenever possible we don't drive it. In fact, there is a festival next weekend called Kick Gass celebrating not driving your car and only taking public transportation. My husband's band is playing at it. It's sponsored by MTS and it's at Quallcomm stadium". WOW, I was so delighted to hear this. Had I never taken the next #11 bus, and never sat in the back of the bus, I never would have heard about this new event. We carried on a long conversation about various topics when I noticed she had 2 large bags with her. 1 of them was bright pink. So, I asked: "Where are you coming from with those 2 big bags?" She said, "TJ". "TJ??? Did you go shopping for the day?" She went on to tell me that she was in TJ for the week giving a stress relief workshop. She is a psychologist and was speaking to women about ways to reduce stress in their lives. She said exercise--bike riding and walking specifically--are the top ways. She also went on to educate me on Cortizal. She said that women get "grease" around their belly from Cortizal. I asked, "Grease" what do you mean?" She had a heavy accent so as she tried to translate what "grease" was I suggested she was talking about FAT. "Do you mean fat? like fat rolls on your stomach?" She said, "Yes". It was time for her to leave the bus, and as she got off she said, "I will leave a ticket for you next week with your name on it at the Kick Gass event"... I am totally going. Can't wait

I Cheated....ish...

Well, alot has happened in the last 72 hours. Some notables:
1. I made it 1 week without driving my car!--HOORAY!
2. I am incredibly sleep deprived and am writing this with 1 eye open---
3. I've learned alot about bus/bike etiquette--let's just call this one-"trial & error"--mostly error--
4. I already knew my neighbor/friends were the coolest people in the world--but--their random act of kindness tonight, coupled with their endless knowledge of bikes--and the accessories to follow, bumps them into the rock star-a-rama category-for sure.

So, I cheated--I think. You be the judge and let me know. The Harvest Fest was great. The unicorn that scooped me up for the adventure was Kim--(my friend and Bill's girlfriend). She was a great driver. It was the 1st time I was in a car in 5 days. Previous to that--all bike rides. If there's 3 of us in the car, and it's not my car, and I am not driving--we're still saving gas and saving the planet--right? I call this the "little white lie" cheat. Harvest fest was fun, filled with wines o plenty, a dueling chef cook off, and a beer stand. We lost track of time when Bill made us leave in a mad dash realizing he was late to the concert. He forgot his phone in the unicorn's car, and my hands were full with my camera, beer and that weird plastic plate with the hole in the side that also holds your wine glass. Good for networking events--bad for girls with bad balance--like me. Needless to say, I was not looking at my phone--or the time--when we realized it was 9:15--YIKES.. We were suppose to call the unicorn for the pick up so Bill and Unicorn can go to the concert. The next thing I know I was racing outside with Bill. Let's add in that Bill is 6 foot 1 million and I am 5 foot nothing, so, his 1 stride is 7 for me. He was sauntering out the door--I was sprinting. Before I knew it, Bill was trying to give me money for a cab, I declined--I didn't realize until I got in the cab why we was flashing 20 spots at me like I was a Taiwanese Connect 4 Champion, and then I hopped in my own cab. We parted ways... I went home. Unicorn and I caught up on the phone and it seemed like everyone's night ended up OK. This was the 2nd time i cheated... Is taking a cab, with 1 other person--that person being "the driver" cheating? It was a moment of weakness with 20 dollar bills flying at me, and a mad dash was involved. I think I can also let this one slide as "the little white lie that never could?" I am going to pretend like it never happened. So, in 1 day, I had 2 car rides. Next day, I had to do the grand daddy of all packing when I had to prepare for being at work all day long, into the night, and to get myself home that night, somehow without cheating again. So...I rode my bike in--my back pack was so full, it was busting at the seems...literally. I got to work, and realized, I had to do 2 airport pick ups for customers. I had to drive the company car which is a Prius. Again, it's a Prius, and each time I had 2+ passengers---is that cheating?? I think it's an authorized cheat. What was I gonna do, tell my clients to ride on my handle bars?? I think this was an OK exception to the rule. The day and night went by very very fast and furious when I realized it was midnight, and I had to be back at work the next morning at 7:30 AM. All wound up, not being able to sleep, not having my head light for my helmet, and no reflective vest in sight...I cheated for the 4th time--I took a cab!!!! This one was a bad cheat. I could have taken the bus. I got home, laid awake for hours just trying to settle down from my very exciting 2 days at work, and finally fell asleep at 2ish. 530 rolled around the next morning, and I sprung out of bed. My bike is at work, i am at my house, and I can't take a cab in. So....I got ready, gave myself 3o minutes and walked in. It was a nice morning walk. It was a little sprinkly outside, which is weird for San Diego...but, it felt good. I went through my work day, again--very fast and very furious, and ended at 5pmish. So.....do all of these "cheats" really count? Could any of them be "prevented"?? The Unicorn carpool and the client pick up/drop offs in the Company Prius are acceptable. Definitely, hall pass worthy. The cab home from Harvest and from client dinner could have been prevented. I could have taken the bus each time. And....now that I am a near-expert with the bus routes in San Diego, and know how easy it would have been to get a bus from both spots...I should have taken it. To make up for my cheats, and now that I've told on myself....I will add 2 days onto the 30 day trial. It will now end on November 13th. I think it's fair...don't you???

More about the bus etiquette, the errors and the coolest neighbors ever, next time... For now...hitting the hay...all this cheating and fast /ferociousness is exhausting...

Pork Loin--$10.75

This morning I gave my nether regions a break and walked to work. It takes appx. 30 minutes to walk from my house to work. Along the way I noticed many things I would not otherwise notice had I been driving my car. For example, as I walked past The Turf Club--a fantastic local dive bar that has cheap/stiff drinks and specializes in grilling your own food--they had a very small, 8 x 10 flyer posted at eye level that said: "Special Tonight: Pork Loin--$10.75" Who wouldda thunk? And...as I sauntered past Broadway as I entered into downtown at 7:40 AM...I found a new place---well--at least it was new to me....it was called "Wolfy's" yes, "Wolfy's" something about Chicago was on the sign, and a small derby style hat was over the "o" in Wolfy's. I am assuming it's a bar/eating establishment combo--but, still, I'd never seen it before. My normal route takes me down 8th through Petco Park and to the hotel. Although I was on foot...today was the same. I ended up biking home in record time. The nether regions feel tougher than ever and I am ready for my next ride. My friend Andy---who is an avid biker--among many things--invited me to volunteer for the Boards, Bikes and Brews event on Sunday in Pacific Beach. It's Angela, our gal pal's bday, so we decided to volunteer from 12 - 2, then join in the festivities after. As a team, we are going to bike our way there. We agreed--via email--that she would pick the route there, and I will figure out how to get us home. It's likely we'll be tipsy, and in an unrideable condition--so, putting the bike on the front of a bus will be a fun and new experience. Details will follow. Tomorrow is the Harvest Fest. Bill says he has the transportation all worked out. Tonight will be the first night in 4 nights where I don't pack my bag, and pick out my work clothes before I go to bed. No post slumber bag packing strategy---what will I do? I think I'll stay up 20 extra minutes!! It's like when we were kids and it got light later, where we were aloud to stay out until 8 p, instead of 7 p. Very excited.

Getting Creative...

My nether regions still hurt. I need to give them a ride off. So, I rode into work, and walked home today. I rode into work today and got there in 17 minutes. This is 4 minutes longer than my average 13 minute ride in....but, I wasn't speed demoning it down the hill like I normally do. I had to look presentable, so, I coasted in this morning. Worked all day and was suppose to conduct a boot camp class at 6 p, then ride home. We had a long meeting that was very informative and quite nice....but, it took the energy straight out of me. I cancelled boot camp. The ride in front of me seemed daunting, especially since I had to go grocery shopping and carry groceries in my satchel while riding up that god forsaken hill. I decided I'd walk home today. I got my groceries, and began the journey. I talked to a gal pal on the phone as I hauled tofu, bananas, broccoli, chicken, assorted veggies, and my lap top on my satchel. As I was walking up that hill my satchel came loose and my bananas fell out behind me. It ended up jumping at the back of my ankle and I was sure I was getting bit by an animal. Oh no...no animal..just a jumping banana. Since it's dark, and i left my glasses at work, I couldn't see at first that it was my bananas. I stopped, reloaded, adjusted the satchel and headed back up the hill. In a moment of weakness I went to the local liquor store and got nacho chips, cheddar cheese and a 6 pack of beer. Am I emotional eating because I am stressed from the walk? Maybe....but, thank God I have my jumping bananas and Tofu to fall back on. It takes about 35 minutes to walk to work, so, I will leave extra early tomorrow, work for the day, workout at the gym after work, then bike it back home. As long as I don't use my car, I am still honoring the 30 day Trial.....but, my next magic trick will be to figure out how I will get to Balboa Park on Thursday for an event, and to LaJolla on Friday for another...My plus 1 for each is not aloud to drive me according to the rules....so, it's bike, walk or bus for both of us. Let's see if they're willing to play in the 30 day trial sandbox...

The Trip to the Airport......

10/12/09, 7:52 PM...The Airport Ride....Well, I did it. I left my house at 5:15 AM this morning on Baby Blue, made it there by 5:50 for my 6:35 flight to San Fran. Made it back to SD by 6:15 P tonight, and home by 7:00 P sharp. Those are the basics. Here's the meat in between...

It's really dark in October at 5:15 AM. I couldn't find my helmet light, so, I opted for a reflective jacket. (mom, that was your influence..thanks for the idea) There is absolutely nothing on the roads in San Diego in the morning except for buses and homeless people. Buses are very cautious, as was I. The homeless people edge the outline of Harbor Drive. It is so Serene to ride on the bay so early in the morning. The water is so still, and it is so silent, so nice. I was having a moment of serenity on my bike, with my reflective vest, without my helmet light, in the dark, on the way to the airport, without my iPod blaring in my ears when I accidentally ran over a homeless man's hand. He grunted at me. I think it was a man, if not, it was a very masculine grunt from a very broad shouldered homeless woman wearing a Snuggie. You see....the edging of the sidewalk on harbor drive is real rickety. It twists and turns and curves, and frankly, I was too afraid to ride on the street because of the mad dash people were making for the airport. As I approached Harbor Island area, I started riding on the side walk, and discovered buffets of homeless people. In an effort to not fall in the water, and dodge the homeless man to my right, I ran over a homeless hand on the left. I said I was sorry and sped away. He/She seemed OK. If my iPod was blaring, I would not have heard it. Thank the heavens I was enjoying my moments of morning silence, otherwise I would have thought the homeless hand was just another curve, bump in the road. At least I got in an apology. Speaking of curves and bumps in the road.....can we all say a prayer to the bike Gods for my nether regions?? Riding a bike every day is great cardio and great for my quads, but, there has to be a solution to my ailing nether regions. I am not talking about my ass....use your imagination..but, I am sure I look like I have been riding a horse for 4 days. Do you think there is a special seat, or shorts, or padding a girl can find to protect her nether regions? The "nethers" only hurt as soon as I hop on my bike. It goes away minutes later when I have to refocus on the bumps in the road and dodging homeless people...but, the pain is insane. I have learned a recent survival skill which is to stand up off my seat when I go over a big curve. That prevents some of the nether region pain. I arrived at the airport at 5:50 A and found the bike rack in Terminal 1 near the parking lot. The bike parking area is about the same as what you'd see at McDonalds. It's 2 curly red racks. The bike racks at my work are more sophisticated, and secure. I was running late, so, I got through security, made a mad dash for the bathroom, changed out of my ride clothes and into my work clothes then borded the airpolane. I am pretty sure I looked/smelled like sweat at my meetings today. This is something I need to work on..because, it's gross, and not very presentable. I can only get away with the "I rode my bike in...." excuse so many times before I become "that girl" in the office.. Meetings in San Fran were great, I changed back into riding gear at SFO to ensure a comfy ride back, and saddled up my back pack for the ride home. Upon arriving back to SD tonight, there was my Baby Blue. She was all in tact and not stolen off the not-so-safe red rack. I realize....cars do not care if you're on the road. I am just as guilty of a driver as anyone, but, I made a maternal finger wag more than once at an inattentive driver or two when it was my turn to cross. They decided to just keep driving.....Come hell or high water, we'll raise driver awareness, even if I have to run over homeless people and wreck my nether regions...at least there will be better drivers out there.. So, here I am 8.6 miles later...safe and sound. I just ordered a new light for my helmet. (yes mom, I will go 2 or 3 days without my light)...but I will wear my reflective jacket as a decent substitute. My first big challenge is down, next one.....How to go to a fund raiser on Thursday with my friend Bill--without being sweaty when I show up....and not use my car??? I have 2 days to figure it out....any ideas?