Bike Lights

I'd like to see my bike better illuminated. IT seems like the whole frame should glow suspiciously enough to make people wonder what it is from far away. I have 3 flashing red lights for the back and 2 headlamps on the front. Each of the wheels also has a cat eye. All this makes the bike visible but not ultra visible. I saw that bike laser that was reviewed so many blogs but it doesn't seem to be for sale anywhere

whats that squeak

I think I need a new bike rack, maybe I just like to spend money but it twists and squeaks as I move so .....

My bike made a squeaking sound as I was ridding up hills today, I cant seem to figure the source. Its not coming from the breaks and I can't replicate the sound when i have the bike up. Anyone have a thought?

I think I'd like to try commuting on a recumbent bike but its hard to sort them out let alone test rides.

they put snow infront of the bike rack

So when I arrived at work today I learned that when it snows 3' in NJ no one expects you to ride your bike to work. They actually piled the snow in front of the bike rack.

Not that I blame them, Monday was the 1st time I know of in NJ where it was too deep to walk to work. Not that it stopped me from trying, I tried driving, biking and finally walking in all three attempts I didn't make it out of the parking lot.

I did get to try the new route avoiding rt 10 on my way home today. It was a very relaxing ride compared to the highway. Even though my luggage rack came undone twice and the hill on Mountain way is steeper than rt 10 it was so peaceful compared to highway ridding. I did observe however that after an hour even if your water bottle doesn't freeze the tip may

layering

On Saturday, my friend Ryan reviewed my layering system with me for cold weather riding, I'm ok down to 20 degrees with less than 15mph winds. Beyond that I'm in trouble. After his review it was time for some shopping. I thought the base layer I was wearing was all but turns out 60% cotton. I think I just assumed. Having grown up with the expression “cotton kills” it never occurred to me that someone would make a base layer out of cotton. As I shopped though, I saw that many people do. Is there something I don't know?

It must be the Christmas Spirt

So Riding in Tuesday morning I no honking, no lane splitting and 3 people waved me in front of them!

Everyday should be like Christmas

Got the new bike rack set up! pic to follow

My friend the back pack

So my its finally happened. After 16 years my backpack has died zipper split and the Taylor I brought it too said they cant fix it :( It split on the ride home but remarkably nothing fell out

Luckily though got a new duffel bag from work this week, and it almost fits on my bike rack. May have to do some bike mods.

Its so much easier to ride sans backpack. I was surprised.

And I'm learning that 16 degrees isn't bad as long as you don't have a head wind.

Also found worldcomute.com great place to track mile

Finally got around to it

So I've been toying with the idea of starting this blog for a while. And I come home every night with a perfectly formed blog entry in my head. Then I collapse from fatigue.

I started commuting by bicycle about three weeks ago after over a year of procrastinating. Ironically I started during November when the weather here in NJ really starts to get cold.

I'm hoping to save money this upcoming year commuting by bike. If I take IRS estimates of .52 per mile over the next year 220 working days, if I ride 4 days a week +/- I'll save about $1800 in gas and maintenance over the year. That is of course if I dont spend all the money on special clothing and accessories. Which its starting to look like it could be easy to do.

Part of the reason I procrastinated so long about the blog is I also wanted to talk about my herb garden and cooking so there may be some off topic entries.