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...