Author Topic: Bike into work every day in September  (Read 18211 times)

mindaugas

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Bike into work every day in September
« on: August 31, 2012, 07:46:32 AM »
I must admit I have an advantage on this, I live in beautiful Colorado with 300 days of sunshine. I'm also a fairly avid commuter doing at least 3 days a week. But this month I am going to try for every day. A hiccup will present itself on Sept 10th when I have to bring my son to a doc appointment, I really don't want to miss the morning at work and it won't be possible to do on the bike. Maybe I can make up for it by biking to get groceries or something.

mindaugas

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #1 on: August 31, 2012, 08:39:29 AM »
I forgot I have a vacation for a week at the end of September, but I also won't be commuting into work so maybe it works out. Anyway, bike into work every day that I do work, this September :P

Russ

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #2 on: August 31, 2012, 09:41:08 AM »
I'm in! I don't have a car, which makes the choice a little easier I suppose. To make it an actual challenge, I'll find a place closer to the office to park my bike. Currently I lock up about a mile away and skateboard or walk the rest, which takes an extra 10 minutes each way compared to the time it would take to bike.

I forgot I have a vacation for a week at the end of September, but I also won't be commuting into work so maybe it works out. Anyway, bike into work every day that I do work, this September :P

Yeah, I'd say the days that you don't work don't count. Otherwise, you'd have to bike to work on the weekends too!

AJ

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #3 on: August 31, 2012, 09:54:46 AM »
I'm in! September is a perfect month for this, too. Weather is starting to cool down a bit, but not rainy yet. Awesome :)

mindaugas

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #4 on: August 31, 2012, 10:00:27 AM »
Awesome. Lets keep track of the antics we encounter riding in and share them as encouragement to everyone else. IE, did anyone in Colorado see the f'n moon this morning? It was gorgeous, and huge, and orange, and setting behind some clouds into the rocky mountains. I almost hit a jogger because I was staring at it while riding.

AJ

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #5 on: September 01, 2012, 04:02:29 PM »
Oh man, I'm out...and the reason is really embarrassing. See, I haven't really ridden a bike since I was 9 or so, but I figured it would just come back to me. Ya know, like "riding a bike." And I've spent hours on the stationary one at the gym to get my fitness up, so I thought I was ready. Turns out, not so much. Took a major header on my practice run last night and banged the hell out of my bike and left side of my body. Had to do the worst walk of shame ever home with my now-un-ridable bike and a golf ball sized welt on my face, while all my bike-riding neighbors passed me. :(

I can barely keep that thing upright...I wouldn't be safe on the major highway I have to traverse to get to work. Hubby finally sees what I mean when I say I'm accident-prone.

So, with that, my modified commitment for September is to ride my bike every day in September to practice. Much more lame than intended, but better than an accident on the freeway. I'm also not above wearing knee and elbow pads, so may pick some of those up this weekend...

mindaugas

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #6 on: September 01, 2012, 06:07:09 PM »
First, SORRY! Crashing sucks. No problem on bailing. I haven't ridden a mountain bike at all and took a trail close to my house the day I got my new-to-me used one. I ate dirt after 30 seconds. That was on Tuesday :)
But now you have a new mission: practice riding. Don't give up! It will come back to you. Go ride around a park or parking lot until you feel one with the machine.

Russ

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #7 on: September 01, 2012, 07:27:36 PM »
So, with that, my modified commitment for September is to ride my bike every day in September to practice.

Awesome! That's a badass challenge, and something most people wouldn't do. Let us know how it goes!

corcoran

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #8 on: September 02, 2012, 08:18:51 AM »
I just got a bike yesterday so I'm committed to this challenge.  My work is only 3 miles away so I would be embarrassed if I failed but it's still a change of routine.

6 miles * 19 work days for 114 miles
at 30 mpg city that's ~4 gallons gas = $16 saved from combustive doom.

Let's do this!
« Last Edit: September 02, 2012, 08:39:30 AM by corcoran »

mike@livetheneweconomy

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #9 on: September 03, 2012, 12:50:55 PM »
I'm in.

Nancy

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #10 on: September 03, 2012, 07:13:12 PM »
I'm in!

elindbe2

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #11 on: September 03, 2012, 08:09:07 PM »
Totally in.

Tradies wife

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #12 on: September 04, 2012, 12:40:00 AM »
My challenge is similar. But I don't work. I'm a stay at home mum to two children (3 and 5yo) most of the time. So my challenge is to not use the car for any in town trips. Anything over 10km like Kinder which is 11.5km away I'll use the car. I think in US terms this is any ride over 6.25miles away, the reason is obvious to me. I'm not just carting me around, I'm carrying two children as well and their stuff. I don't just go one way, I have to go there and back and then there and back again (46km for the Kinder run a day, or 28.75 miles a day). But hey, I think if I can get it to all in town trips in the bike we will be much better off, and I'll be healthier and stronger for it.

mindaugas

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #13 on: September 04, 2012, 06:32:56 AM »
My challenge is similar. But I don't work. I'm a stay at home mum to two children (3 and 5yo) most of the time. So my challenge is to not use the car for any in town trips.

that'll work too!

A driver actually noticed me and waved me through an intersection, funny how that works when it's dark but never during broad daylight. It was a pleasant ride in, they finally opened the paths back up where there was construction.

kisserofsinners

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #14 on: September 05, 2012, 01:26:43 PM »
I'm in. I have planned a once every other week drive into work to pick up groceries on the way home.

Well timed. I was feeling a little wussy about my commute. :)

mindaugas

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #15 on: September 05, 2012, 01:29:50 PM »
Well timed. I was feeling a little wussy about my commute. :)

I was feeling that way this morning, it was a lot colder than usual.

TheDude

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #16 on: September 05, 2012, 01:54:27 PM »
It was beautiful up here in Longmont. Of course I dont leave until 7:45 or so but the temp was about perfect I thought.

Tradies wife

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #17 on: September 06, 2012, 01:34:45 AM »
Yesterday, we ran out of chicken feed. Usually I grab a 20kg bag from the stock supply place in the car. Yesterday I took my son and myself and biked it there, threw in the 20kg bag of chicken feed and rode home. Felt great :)

Today, I rode my daughter to ballet class, brought her friend a present for a birthday party tomorrow, stopped off for a play at the park and rode home.

You know, this riding thing is pretty easy with the right bike for your situation, I'm enjoying it :)

Nudelkopf

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #18 on: September 06, 2012, 03:55:57 AM »
Aw, I'd love to do this! But I have the wonderful luxury of uni being a 5 minute bike ride away - it's quicker to walk than to find a park for my bike :P

Tradies wife

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #19 on: September 06, 2012, 10:42:14 PM »
Today it is really really windy. Ok, I'm not being a wimp, gail force winds were forecast for today. But hey, my plan was to ride my bike in town. I'm headstrong and determined, others would call it stubborn. I needed a card for a little girls birthday party later on tonight. So down the shops we went, the two kids (5 and 3) in the front of the cargo (type of children carrying bike, like this one but ours was a good deal cheaper http://www.cargocycles.com.au/bikes/box-cargo-bikes/zeitbikes-shorthaul), and me pedaling 'fighting' the wind, then sideways rain. Can't say I enjoyed the wind much. The rain was bearable. I forgot the rain cover for the kids, so I chucked my raincoat over them. I was warm enough pedaling. Got the card, and went home. You know, all three of us are absolutely no worse off for the experience.

Hope everyone else is also having some 'yeah, we can do this, despite the weather' moments today.

Cheers

mindaugas

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #20 on: September 07, 2012, 06:45:26 AM »
That's some tour de france training right there, you should consider trying out for a pro team, you may even get on dope free. I absolutely despise the wind and have been know to curse and flip it off. It really sucks pedaling downhill just to maintain a measly 12mph. Rain on the other hand is great, snow too if you stay upright.
« Last Edit: September 07, 2012, 06:51:46 AM by mindaugas »

TheDude

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #21 on: September 07, 2012, 08:37:28 AM »
All these great stories make me feel like a wimp. My 2.3 in the morning and 1.3 at night are pretty nice most of the time.

Maybe I just need to start making up stories

Russ

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #22 on: September 07, 2012, 09:39:41 AM »
Today it is really really windy. Ok, I'm not being a wimp, gail force winds were forecast for today. But hey, my plan was to ride my bike in town. I'm headstrong and determined, others would call it stubborn. I needed a card for a little girls birthday party later on tonight. So down the shops we went, the two kids (5 and 3) in the front of the cargo (type of children carrying bike, like this one but ours was a good deal cheaper http://www.cargocycles.com.au/bikes/box-cargo-bikes/zeitbikes-shorthaul), and me pedaling 'fighting' the wind, then sideways rain. Can't say I enjoyed the wind much. The rain was bearable. I forgot the rain cover for the kids, so I chucked my raincoat over them. I was warm enough pedaling. Got the card, and went home. You know, all three of us are absolutely no worse off for the experience.

Badass ride and awesome bike, TW! I have a beater road bike that I use for my commuting and shopping trips, but I often wish I had something with more carrying capacity for those big loads (or passengers!). I came across this over the summer and thought it was super cool. The front half with the bin detaches to become a shopping cart, or you can take the bin out altogether if you don't need to carry anything.

Tradies wife

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #23 on: September 08, 2012, 11:22:44 PM »
Thanks for sharing the picture of that bike. Very cool :)

Yesterday I was feeling a little off, so we didn't go anywhere at all. Easy way to save money, but hey not great for my fitness! I missed it terribly.

Today, after nursing my 5 year old daughter through the night I was a little disappointed to have to stay quarantined at home until she is better. Still I did need a few things from the supermarket for the week. So myself and my 3 year old son, jumped on the bike. Armed with a list and some shopping bags. We did stick to the list (mostly) and fitted it all in the cargo bike with a little room to spare. Just so you know, I'll list what I can fit in (I LOVE this bike).
4L of Apple Juice. I dilute this 50:50 with water to last our family the week, better for the kids teeth too.
4kg of apples.
2 loaves of bread. For the freezer, for making sandwiches for lunches.
1 can dog food. Have in the past made this too.... getting lazy.
2 x cans spaghetti, 2 x cans of baked beans. For easy meals, generally with eggs from our chickens.
1kg rolled oats.
1 can of diced tomato's (so handy!)
24 sausages
some washing up gloves. Didn't take up much room.
Peppermint tea. I really should make this from the mint at home since it grows wild, but it doesn't taste as nice.
My 3 year old 26kg son, and a lolly pop as a treat.

This weeks groceries was a small top up week, but I am really happy that it all fitted into the bike. When I came home, I shaped some bread dough and my husband cooked up a few sausages =  yummo! Making your own rolls is so much cheaper than buying them at the store, so easy and I know what is in them. Another little money savings there, with more benefits than not.

If this is too much info, just let me know. For now, I'll say bye. I'm off to try to prepare our vegie garden for a bumper crop this spring. I best start planting an apple tree or two as well, given the kids love the fruit and juice.


mindaugas

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #24 on: September 09, 2012, 07:26:49 AM »
The info is great, good motivation. I'm always interested to see other groceries lists as well. My family (well mostly me) is pretty extravagant at the grocery store and I'm trying to curb that.

Tradies wife

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #25 on: September 10, 2012, 04:21:52 AM »
Mindaugas, I'd love to hear of what you think of as extravagant groceries! Sounds interesting.

Today, bike riding again. Car hasn't budged since last Thursday. It's now Monday night.
Today I rode my bike to take the kids swimming where I teach them, and home again. Then I rode my bike to work for a meeting, and home again.

Still my car has not budged. Although, tomorrow I know that it will. Kinder run tomorrow, too far to ride.

mindaugas

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #26 on: September 10, 2012, 08:01:14 AM »
I have celiac disease, which is a curse given to me by some gypsies I offended many years ago when I mocked their gypsy queen Cher. Basically I can't eat gluten which is in everything delicious including beer, pizza, cheeseburgers, gravy, pasta ... So in the grocery I started pilling my shopping cart with anything that said gluten free on it. Everything that is gluten free is 3-4x the cost. No, really it is. Plus it's smaller so you buy 2x more than you need.

2x tiny boxes of cookies $10
bag of gluten free flour $16 (lasts two weeks)
gluten free bread $5 (tiny loaf)
2x rib eye steaks $20
vanilla almond milk $3
ready to cook steak pinwheels $20
ready to cook steak kabobs $12
ready to cook chicken kabobs $10
chicken breast $8
giant bag of salmon filets $18 (lasts two weeks)
rice bowls $6

Lists goes on. I kid you not, and this is incredibly embarrassing to admit. Last month we spent $935, on average we spend over $600. For a family of 3 and one of those is a pint sized infant. Needless to say this has been a big wake up call and we are reverting to staples and more bulk stuff. Hence the reason I like to see what other families are eating. We're not extreme consumers, but we eat like we're millionaires.

Daley

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #27 on: September 10, 2012, 10:33:38 AM »
I have celiac disease, which is a curse given to me by some gypsies I offended many years ago when I mocked their gypsy queen Cher.

You too, huh? You make one autotune crack and you're scarred for life.

Quinoa is going to be your new starchy friend, outside of brown rice. If you've got a Whole Foods near you, you can get their pre-packaged organic, certified gluten free house brand 1lb bags for $3 a pop. I'd love to buy in bulk, but I've yet to find a bulk brand that has been labeled "certified gluten free" yet, and a 25lb $70 bag of quinoa that I might not be able to eat is a bit much to chance, especially when it's only marginally cheaper per pound than the stuff at Whole Foods. There's been several good threads and recipes posted on the virtues of quinoa around here, the stuff's versatile and cheap, and can incorporate well into any meal.

Next would be chicken. Buy whole chickens, learn to butcher them and how to make chicken stock. This, quinoa, beans and rice are the cornerstones to our food budget. Our food budget isn't exactly the lowest for two people, but we eat kosher, organic, and gluten free with a reasonable amount of animal protein to keep me functional for around $300-400 a month, and we could probably get that lower if we had a garden and made the effort to participate in more CSAs. (Honestly, I'd go ovo-lacto vegetarian if my body could run on the stuff, but I can't.) If you don't give a toss about eating GMOs and CAFO feed lot critturs, you could likely get that price down even further.

yolfer

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #28 on: September 10, 2012, 04:06:56 PM »
Great idea! I'm in!  I was off work last week, so today was my first day of work, but so far I'm 1 for 1.

Use it up, wear it out...

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #29 on: September 10, 2012, 05:27:56 PM »
I'm in! I had already planned on biking every day this month as a way to start re-growing my 'stache, so it's perfect! Haven't missed a day yet.

Skinnyneo

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #30 on: September 10, 2012, 05:53:14 PM »
I just got my new bike and loving it!  Can I be in for four days a week? 

Anybody interested in joing a run-keeper street team for mustachians?

Tradies wife

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #31 on: September 10, 2012, 10:06:04 PM »
Mindaugas- yep, that would make shopping a whole lot dearer. But still, loads of things are gluten free. I've got a friend that makes the most yummy gluten free cakes as a buisness. I've also got friends who are wheat and dairy intolerant. I even met a little one, with wheat, dairy and egg intolerance. OUCH. But there are some pretty good options out there now, luckily!

Today. My lovely hubby had to do a job close to the Kinder, so I actually haven't moved the car. He did the pick up and drop off. I like the fact that the work truck doubles for children transportation here. Not sure about the US but here kids are in car restraints until they are 8. Makes it a little trickier to make sure whoever is doing the pick up and drop off's have the right seats. Just for simplicity we have both our cars set up for our kids.

Anyway, riding around town today with my son in the front. Took a trip to Toy library, and chucked in a toy for imagination play. Went to the library, read the kids stories there and did a craft activity. Sun is shining and life is grand. My daughter is home from Kinder, and wants to plant some seeds. She is a mighty keen re-cycler, and has used our paper cups from a coffee treat yesterday and put them to use. Yesterday she used them to water the seedlings, and today she wants me to buy some potting mix so she can use them as pot plants. Smart cookie that one :)

So I'm heading out to go get some potting mix (20kg bags), with my kids, in the bike. I'll let you know how it goes. Oh, hopefully I can pick up a couple of cheap spray bottles to spritz the seedlings rather than drown them. That will work better with small children I think :)

Nudelkopf

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #32 on: September 11, 2012, 12:52:18 AM »
^ I love that you teach your kids so much, especially swimming. I remember Mum teaching me how to swim - no expensive boring lessons for me :P

mindaugas

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #33 on: September 11, 2012, 08:43:20 AM »
I couldn't ride yesterday because my son had a doctor's appointment and I could't afford to lose that much time in work. Looks like Thursday is out too since I have an eye appointment. I just need to plan things better so I can use the bike or have enough time after work to shower and get to an appointment. Can't bring my son yet, he's only 6 months old. I'm sure he would love it though, he's fascinated with the outdoors. Cranky? No problem, plop him in front of a window or outside in the grass.

Tradies wife

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #34 on: September 12, 2012, 04:38:31 AM »
^ I love that you teach your kids so much, especially swimming. I remember Mum teaching me how to swim - no expensive boring lessons for me :P

Thanks. Your mum sounds like a gem :)

Tradies wife

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #35 on: September 12, 2012, 04:49:48 AM »
I couldn't ride yesterday because my son had a doctor's appointment and I could't afford to lose that much time in work. Looks like Thursday is out too since I have an eye appointment. I just need to plan things better so I can use the bike or have enough time after work to shower and get to an appointment. Can't bring my son yet, he's only 6 months old. I'm sure he would love it though, he's fascinated with the outdoors. Cranky? No problem, plop him in front of a window or outside in the grass.

Yep. I hear you. Even our best efforts are fraught sometimes. I've also used the car a heap over the last two days. Time is a blur. I had to take my daughter to hospital. I suspected a burst appendix. Seen by many a doctor, and pediatrician, (ok. counting 1 doc, 7 pediatricians), one over night stay for both of us. And a huge driving spree to get to where we had to get to. Thank goodness the car is very handy sometimes.

Back to reducing our fuel bill tomorrow. Sometimes, you just have to get back on target.

Mindaugas- To be riding around, 6 months old isn't really too young. If you check out the gazelle cabby, you will see that it can take a newborn car seat that faces towards you. Hefty price though! I'm gathering in another 6mths you will probably be looking at a baby seat to go on the back of a bike. It's awesome to get out in the outdoors as a family, well worth it in my opinion.  Just saying, if you are super keen there are options, and if it is your first child you may very well get a good 6 or so years use out of a dedicated child bike for kids (then use it for shopping).

mindaugas

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #36 on: September 12, 2012, 06:17:57 AM »
Quote
To be riding around, 6 months old isn't really too young.

Don't tempt me, but my wife would never go for it.

Hope your daughter is ok!

No riding today, I still haven't signed up for the rec center here at work so I can use the showers and it was pouring outside.

yolfer

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #37 on: September 12, 2012, 01:15:15 PM »
Mindaugas- To be riding around, 6 months old isn't really too young. If you check out the gazelle cabby, you will see that it can take a newborn car seat that faces towards you. Hefty price though! I'm gathering in another 6mths you will probably be looking at a baby seat to go on the back of a bike. It's awesome to get out in the outdoors as a family, well worth it in my opinion.  Just saying, if you are super keen there are options, and if it is your first child you may very well get a good 6 or so years use out of a dedicated child bike for kids (then use it for shopping).

+1 on bike seats/trailers, starting young (as soon as your child can sit up reliably). Since we only use it occasionally, we split the cost of a used trailer (found on CL) with a neighbor family that has a child the same age as ours.

TheDude

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #38 on: September 12, 2012, 08:12:52 PM »
Why not invest in a a Burley? I think you could pick one up pretty cheap (100-150). Six months is old enough and if you want you can add a baby snuggler.

I take my kid to day care in a chariot. It was used but still expensive. My mom, dad and wife all pitched in for my birthday. Probably the most useful thing I have bought this year. I use five days a week to take my kid to day care and on the weekends to get groceries sometimes. That morning ride to day care/work is the highlight of my day.

mindaugas

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #39 on: September 13, 2012, 07:56:31 AM »
Quote
Why not invest in a a Burley? I think you could pick one up pretty cheap (100-150). Six months is old enough and if you want you can add a baby snuggler.

You can't secure an 18lb infant in one of those. My son cannot hold his head up with a baby helmet on, nor do I think they even make a helmet small enough. I doubt he will be able to until at least a year, I am planning on riding with him in the spring which is another reason I bought a sturdier mountain bike.

http://www.burley.com/home/bur/multilist_5/faq.html#q643

Tradies wife

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #40 on: September 15, 2012, 05:48:07 PM »
Fair call mindaugas.

Friday, saw me taking the car to work. Yeah, mostly I'm a stay at home mum. Occasionally I do teach. Friday I had the pleasure of being at work. I actually do love teaching and helping students on their path and seeing students succeed. But there is a massive hill in my path to climb if I were to bike it. Because I'm not in any kind of work routine, I was running short of time. I took a banana and two pieces of bread, chucked them into my work bag and took the car. I'm booked in Monday for work, and thinking I might take DH's bike. I'd have to adjust the seat and I'd better get a chain to lock it first, as teenagers can be impulsive and find it amusing to steel teachers stuff. The cargo bike would be impractical to take to school with just me, and my regular bike is currently on loan to my mother in law.

Yesterday, I piled the kids into the cargo bike. Family trip to the local hardware/plant nursery store. We rode up to there as a family, and it was fun. Up quite a few hills to get there, and I did need to stop and walk at some points pushing the bike and the kids up the steepest bits. We brought a heap of seedlings and seeds to put in the vegetable patch. The kids got their faces painted. We generally had a good time. Then we biked home, with the plants in the rear basket.

Today, well who knows what today will bring. I'm thinking, washing, dishes, vac cumming, bookwork, planting seedlings and maybe, just maybe I'll take the kids out for a ride to the park. I'm guilty of having to-do lists a mile long, and seeing how much I can get done. Wishing you a productive day too :)

TheDude

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #41 on: September 15, 2012, 09:31:16 PM »
mindaugas, how old is you little one? We stated my son in the burley when he was about 15lbs at 13 or 14 months. Although my son was born early and is still on the low side of the weight curve

Sfrancophone

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #42 on: September 16, 2012, 04:35:45 PM »
68 miles a week in the Emerald City-- no problem! Easily, this part of my day solves the problems which the rest of the day creates, which revolve around stress. The endorphins released in exercise must be a few st devs higher when you love the place you're biking through. Not every city is created equal, nor every commute: I can choose between the path along the river or a straight shot to work on a single, busy thoroughfare. The cost to relaxing on the river path is an extra 15 minutes on the bike. Our family thinks it might be time for a rental a little closer to the workplace (just a smidgen).

mindaugas

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #43 on: September 17, 2012, 07:15:13 AM »
mindaugas, how old is you little one? We stated my son in the burley when he was about 15lbs at 13 or 14 months. Although my son was born early and is still on the low side of the weight curve

Yeah, that's pretty small for a 13 month old I think. My son is about 18lbs and a week away from being 7 months old. He was born pretty small too, but started gaining a lot on solid food. I've been perusing craigslist to get an idea on prices and what I want. Even if my son doesn't go in it, groceries certainly will.

Use it up, wear it out...

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Mid-point check it
« Reply #44 on: September 17, 2012, 08:32:02 AM »
Hi everyone,

I got to ride in through an Occupy protest (and many police on horseback) today! A somewhat different commuting experience...

We're at the mid-point for the month - how is everyone doing on this challenge? So far, I've stayed the course, taking the bike every day I've gone into the office. It feels great - especially getting up in the morning and knowing that the decision of whether or not to bike has already been made.


mindaugas

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #45 on: September 17, 2012, 08:45:53 AM »
there have been 3 days I had appointments and couldn't take the bike. Got a flat and dropped chain into work this morning, will have to walk to a local bike shop for a tube since the one I brought is for a road bike, oops.

Use it up, wear it out...

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #46 on: September 17, 2012, 08:49:06 AM »
there have been 3 days I had appointments and couldn't take the bike. Got a flat and dropped chain into work this morning, will have to walk to a local bike shop for a tube since the one I brought is for a road bike, oops.

I've been riding without a patch kit, but thinking I should get one together and throw it in the bottom of the bike bag... Last week I came out of work and found my tire low from a slow leak, I was able to get air at a local garage and hump it home, then patch it, but it got me thinking I should be more careful.

corcoran

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Re: Mid-point check it
« Reply #47 on: September 17, 2012, 08:38:37 PM »
Hi everyone,

I got to ride in through an Occupy protest (and many police on horseback) today! A somewhat different commuting experience...

We're at the mid-point for the month - how is everyone doing on this challenge? So far, I've stayed the course, taking the bike every day I've gone into the office. It feels great - especially getting up in the morning and knowing that the decision of whether or not to bike has already been made.

So far so good, 9 days into and back from work! It's only a total of 54 miles so far but I love it.  As I was talking about how much I enjoyed biking to work and how great I felt in the morning, someone asked me whether or not I owned a car! Now that felt great!

mindaugas

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #48 on: September 18, 2012, 06:52:53 AM »
Quote
someone asked me whether or not I owned a car! Now that felt great!

that's awesome! My mtb commuter magnetically attracted every thorn along my route. Including the two I pulled out when I got to work, I pulled out 4 more when I got home. Fortunately it held up long enough to get me there. So I switched all the lights over to my road bike and flew into work this morning. Holy cow, it shaved 15 minutes off my commute.

corcoran

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Re: Bike into work every day in September
« Reply #49 on: September 18, 2012, 07:20:37 AM »
So I switched all the lights over to my road bike and flew into work this morning. Holy cow, it shaved 15 minutes off my commute.

My entire ride is 20 minutes max*!  Yesterday I noticed the exhaust smell as I was enjoying my regular route, and on my way home I noticed a haze underneath the long line of trees along the road.  If only everyone was biking we'd have much fresher air during our commutes. We need more mustachians!

*my drive to work is 15 minutes anyway, 7 stoplights.  The lights are timed such that a car gunning it from one light to the next is likely to stop at the next light, yet it turns green at about the pace of a bike. I've paced my ride along with the lights and it's fun to wonder if the people driving the cars are noticing that muscle is just as good if not better than their motors!
http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/12/05/muscle-over-motor/