Author Topic: August Cycling Madness Challenge (Read 6773 times)

Ottawa · « **on:** August 01, 2013, 06:42:12 PM »

Here is the August Spreadsheet Everyone!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0As4ivvrHB-LkdGtVOE5GZ3ZUdUdEMGFta1R6VWVNT0E&usp=sharing

Any mile loggers from July will be present for August. Let us know if anything isn't quite right!

I'll let someone else enter a cycling question for this month...

jflo · « **Reply #1 on:** August 01, 2013, 10:54:58 PM »

Would love to join but the spreadsheet won't let me duplicate.

Word about me - recently discovered the blog, seems to fit my values and my DH's rants :) I think it will keep us in check to achieve what we keep talking about - no more working for someone else, time for what matters. Once we've saved a bit more/paid down more student loan debt, we'll be getting out of LA to downsize so for now trying to keep it simple.

I'm a long time cycle commuter. I'm leaving my job on the 9th to start another one the 19th. My commute will be longer, so this should help keep me motivated. Used to be 3 mi + 10 mi train ride + 2.5 mi; now that last leg should be 5 miles for a 16 mi roundtrip ride w/ 20 mi roundtrip on train (metro gold line in LA, very cheap at $1.50). I've done a 20 mi roundtrip commute before, so in theory this should be fine, but so easy to make lazy excuses.

Ottawa · « **Reply #2 on:** August 02, 2013, 05:07:47 AM »

Quote from: jflo on August 01, 2013, 10:54:58 PM

Would love to join but the spreadsheet won't let me duplicate.

Word about me - recently discovered the blog, seems to fit my values and my DH's rants :) I think it will keep us in check to achieve what we keep talking about - no more working for someone else, time for what matters. Once we've saved a bit more/paid down more student loan debt, we'll be getting out of LA to downsize so for now trying to keep it simple.

I'm a long time cycle commuter. I'm leaving my job on the 9th to start another one the 19th. My commute will be longer, so this should help keep me motivated. Used to be 3 mi + 10 mi train ride + 2.5 mi; now that last leg should be 5 miles for a 16 mi roundtrip ride w/ 20 mi roundtrip on train (metro gold line in LA, very cheap at $1.50). I've done a 20 mi roundtrip commute before, so in theory this should be fine, but so easy to make lazy excuses.

Welcome! I forgot to change the permissions to edit. I have done so now - hopefully you are good to go!

You are certainly badass by taking a job further away and INCREASING your commute by BIKE!

jflo · « **Reply #3 on:** August 03, 2013, 05:20:04 PM »

I know re increasing the commute. Not mustachian in simplifying, but new job may allow for transfer to cheaper area soon. In the short run though, I'll just have to step it up. . . driving's not really an option anymore.

jen_saves · « **Reply #4 on:** August 07, 2013, 02:42:19 PM »

My biking mileage was horrible last month, for a couple of complainypants reasons, but I just found out today that my employer refunds the mandatory parking fee (taken out of each paycheck) for every week that I bike to work at least one day. Bi-weekly paycheck, $6 per paycheck for parking - If I manage to bike in at least once a week for 6 months, that is... about $75 in free money (on top of the money I save on gas, upkeep, etc). Not tons of money, but I'd rather have that $75 of my salary than let my employer have it. We submit our calendars quarterly, so it looks like I'll be able to include June on the next one.

boy_bye · « **Reply #5 on:** August 11, 2013, 09:57:12 AM »

Thanks for hooking it up, Ottawa!

I moved August 1st and have been driving my clown car to work every day while getting things situated in the new apartment. SMDH.

But this morning I got out and did the new commute to work, just to practice, and it was great, so I'll be back to logging miles tomorrow. It's about a 5 mile trip each way, on roads not trails, and again I live at the top of a big hill ... But it is not anywhere near as big as the hill that I used to live on top of. I had to stop coming up it and rest and few times this morning, but I think I'll be powering up it pretty soon. It's only like .6 of a mile, I'll get there. :)

NinetyFour · « **Reply #6 on:** August 11, 2013, 06:57:16 PM »

I'm with you in spirit. I have not done ANY clown car driving this month. (Actually I haven't done any since late May.) I am not working right now, since I have the summers off, but I have been doing all of my errands by bike or on foot. My bike computer is not working right now, so I do not know how many miles I have put on it--not many, since all the in-town places I go are within just a few miles.

Keep ridin'!!!

yolfer · « **Reply #7 on:** August 12, 2013, 01:48:14 PM »

Anyone want to do the wrap-up post for July's numbers? My exclamation-point key is broken!

FiveSigmas · « **Reply #8 on:** August 12, 2013, 11:32:29 PM »

Quote from: yolfer on August 12, 2013, 01:48:14 PM

Anyone want to do the wrap-up post for July's numbers? My exclamation-point key is broken!

Funny, my semi-colon also appears to be busted... ;)

davisgang90 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 14, 2013, 05:40:22 AM »

Gorgeous ride in this morning. Best part was getting out of the shower at work and hearing "I-95N is a Nightmare this morning" on the radio.

Nancy · « **Reply #10 on:** August 15, 2013, 07:11:37 AM »

I'm very happy to report that there was significant traffic in the bike lane today. I felt like I was part of the peloton.

DougStache · « **Reply #11 on:** August 17, 2013, 04:16:38 AM »

Biked to work all five days this week! Unfortunately, got my first flat on my way home Friday but managed to fix it; glad I practiced for that!

AJDZee · « **Reply #12 on:** August 17, 2013, 12:44:42 PM »

Ok I added a tab for myself, not sure how to update to it's in the graph... or if even you guys can see my addition.

Thanks for setting it up!

StashinIt · « **Reply #13 on:** August 17, 2013, 12:58:45 PM »

Hi Mustachinas, I'm BBBAAAAAAACCCCCCKKKKK!!!!

Life has been crazy since my last recorded miles in May. Quit my day job, moved to Texas, traveled around. Biking has been intermittent now that I don't have a commute.

Nice to see ya'll (you all) have kept up the biking challenges.

Onward!

davisgang90 · « **Reply #14 on:** August 23, 2013, 05:02:06 PM »

Hit my goal of 150 miles for August today!! What's that? There's another week of August left? Guess I'll shoot for 200!!

young_one · « **Reply #15 on:** August 25, 2013, 12:33:50 AM »

Just purchased a bike today (after much internal discussion.) Going to begin biking to work within the next week or two. I really need to get my stamina up and firm up some logistics of storing my bike, showering, changing, food, etc.

The goal is to ride to work every day (~8 miles each way), thus saving in the ballpark of $1000 in gas a year. I live in San Diego so weather is never much of concern though I may drive or take the bus during the odd days when it actually rains. Either that or invest in clothing for the rain.

My girlfriend and I are also looking to bike for common trips to the grocery store and other weekend adventures.

I will begin my miles logging September! Cheers!

AJDZee · « **Reply #16 on:** August 25, 2013, 06:15:19 AM »

Quote from: young_one on August 25, 2013, 12:33:50 AM

Just purchased a bike today (after much internal discussion.) Going to begin biking to work within the next week or two. I really need to get my stamina up and firm up some logistics of storing my bike, showering, changing, food, etc.

The goal is to ride to work every day (~8 miles each way), thus saving in the ballpark of $1000 in gas a year.

Young_one, congrats!! I'm guessing the internal discussion you had was what you are going to do with all the money you're going save! :)
I hope you figure out the logistics of clothes, storage whatnot... I know everyone's situation is unique but there are lots of threads on here devoted to how people make biking work into their daily commute, so you're bound to find to find all the answers - and of not, start your own thread, ask specific questions you're stuck on and the community will help ya out!

Another thing you might want to look into - calling your insurance company and tell them your annual miles you drive has drastically been reduced. They may lower your premiums a bit and you can add any savings to that $1000 / year.

jflo · « **Reply #17 on:** August 25, 2013, 11:13:29 AM »

Young_one - big congrats! I'm in SoCal and the weather really is no big deal. Most days I don't need to change because our mornings are so cool (and who cares if I get home sweaty).

As for the rain gear, don't bother investing. Just go for a waterproof windbreaker (you can DIY the waterproof if what you have now won't suffice) and get really cheap rain pants at a place like Kmart or online. There is no magical waterproof yet breathable material so don't pay the big bucks for something that promises that - you'll notice a very slight improvement for a ton a money. Just don't wear a lot of clothes under the waterproofs or you'll sweat like a pig.

Clothing/food/etc. is so much a matter of trial and error as everyone has their preferences. For storage, if you have to lock on the street, do invest with a good lock and always lock the frame and both wheels (you might need a cable extension or second lock to accomplish this). If they'll let you bring it inside, all the better.

Some days it sucks to ride because you're tired, stressed, have a ton to carry, whatever. But then you go on a ride with your friends who are "into cycling" or "training for a big century ride" and you realize that you can kick their asses because your commute is actually training you to be awesome :)

young_one · « **Reply #18 on:** August 26, 2013, 08:32:47 PM »

Thanks for the advice and support! I am quickly remembering my love/hate relationship with my road bike's seat. Good shout out on lowering my car insurance and cheap options for "cold" weather gear.

Looks like a will be locking my bike in the rather secure parking garage adjacent to my office building (U-lock and cable I already have will do just the trick.) I also have a workout and locker room at work with showers that I can use to rinse off in the morning (backpacking towel will be perfect.) I will also utilize my daypack (~30L) to carry daily food, clothes, etc to work. The dress shoes will stay at work too.

jflo · « **Reply #19 on:** August 27, 2013, 04:07:18 PM »

Ah - the road bike saddle. Day 2 is awful, but it gets better after that.

boy_bye · « **Reply #20 on:** August 27, 2013, 05:55:10 PM »

Whew! I rode to work today after not riding to work for like two weeks ... two weeks during which I happened to also drink and eat a lot. And it was revoltingly humid. And I felt on the verge of bonking like the last 3 miles.

BUT! I took my time and made it home safely up the hill, and it's all good.

There are at least two kinds of biking happiness, I learned today -- the kind that comes from a beautiful la-la-la feeling great ride, and the kind that comes from simply getting it done regardless of how not fun it feels in the moment. Badassity, I think it's called, yes? :)

Off for what promises to be the best hot shower of the week!

livetogive · « **Reply #21 on:** August 29, 2013, 03:52:13 PM »

I thought my commute was badass because of the San Francisco hills and urban traffic dodging (think similar to NYC at rush hour. 4-5 lanes move with or through the flow), but now i'm rethinking it at just about 2 miles. GDrive is blocked on this computer but i'll check it out tonight for a potential continuation next month!

NinetyFour · « **Reply #22 on:** August 30, 2013, 06:17:34 AM »

I don't know how many miles I have biked in August (my road bike has not bike computer at the moment), but I have not done any clown car driving this month! Last night, I got together with colleagues at a pizza joint which was about 5 miles from my house. I biked there (and back). Everyone else drove, including the couple who live about 1 mile from the place! (BTW, biking home was a good way to start burning off the pizza calories!)

davisgang90 · « **Reply #23 on:** August 30, 2013, 06:40:27 AM »

I hit 220 for the month. Not bad considering my goal was 150.

mpbaker22 · « **Reply #24 on:** September 01, 2013, 08:14:54 AM »

I set a high goal this month. Then I put an offer in on a house so I had a lot of days where I had to drive to work in order to go to the house after work. I only did about 78 miles.

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Author Topic: August Cycling Madness Challenge (Read 6773 times)

Nancy