The Money Mustache Community
General Discussion => Throw Down the Gauntlet => Topic started by: jordanread on June 01, 2014, 12:10:18 PM
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Here is the link to the spreadsheet for June:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ao9WawExpjLNdEJCaVptQ3VlVFZzRGNrUHpDVFlMV3c&usp=sharing (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ao9WawExpjLNdEJCaVptQ3VlVFZzRGNrUHpDVFlMV3c&usp=sharing)
If you need assistance adding yourself, just drop a line in here and one of us will help us out. I haven't gotten the super easy one click version working, so this is just like last months. That being said, some people liked some status updates from the previous month, so here they are.
Mustachians cycled a distance of > 5680.2 (9141.4 K) miles during the month of May 2014. That means that we rode further than the distance from Anchorage, AK and Guatemala City, Guatemala. We pretty much traversed North America!! (Driving instructions on Google Maps says that the distance between the two is 5,671 miles). We prevented the need to burn over 5600 lbs of C02, which weighs more than a female 18 ft long Killer Whale at Sea World (who clocks in at 5,384lbs). Way to go Mustachians!!
Since the challenges have started, we now have broken 100,000 Miles!! That is going circling the earth more than 4 times!! Or, put another way, we have travelled a distance equivalent to making it 40% of the way to the moon (averagely).
Way to rock it people. Happy Cycling this month!!
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Had a family party last night and everyone was complimenting me on how trim I was getting. I don't think anyone will become a cyclist, but one of my college-aged nieces seemed curious, so maybe?
Happy cycling everybody!
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I'd like to join. But.... I are not very smart with computers could some body add me a tab. I would hate to screw the thing up.
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Hedge_87, added you to the sheet. Go into the Tab with your name and add your miles each day.
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Thanks, Jordanread! Awesome status updates!!
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Thanks, Jordanread! Awesome status updates!!
Glad you like them. It was fun finding stats like that.
Hedge_87, added you to the sheet. Go into the Tab with your name and add your miles each day.
Thanks for helping out with that.
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Thanks for the new sheet!
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Cool stats Jordan.
Thanks for starting another month.
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Count me in this month. I've actually been bike commuting for years, but just never joined this challenge before...My original bike commute when I started forever ago was less than 2 miles. My longest commute was 18 miles roundtrip when I lived in Salt Lake City. My current commute is about 8 miles round trip.
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Finally tallied up my miles for May and it was 92.7. Going to see if I can break 100 miles for June, which should be fairly easy since my husband and I basically ditch the car in the summer except for road trips. Pretty much all non-commute trips will also involve the child in the bike trailer, adding a bit more badassity. :)
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I added myself in with a new tab. Had to build some laptops over the weekend for new employees, so I got to ride in with a decent amount of weight on the rear rack.
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Hedge_87, added you to the sheet. Go into the Tab with your name and add your miles each day.
Thanks
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Thanks Jordan,
Back in the saddle this month.
Last month was possibly my worst month for mileage ever. No more flimsy excuses left.
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Just making a note to myself to keep logging miles. If I had understood we were keeping track of MMM-clan riding distances, I would have put my miles for last month in!
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I just want everyone to know I f'n hate wind
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Thanks Jordan,
Back in the saddle this month.
Last month was possibly my worst month for mileage ever. No more flimsy excuses left.
Yeah, jeez. A piddly 180 miles you slacker. :P
I just want everyone to know I f'n hate wind
I feel you. I think I went on a rant a couple of months ago about that. I think the verdict was that wind is stupid.
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You know it's summer when your breakfast consists of gnats and cottonwood seeds...
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I just want everyone to know I f'n hate wind
I feel you. I think I went on a rant a couple of months ago about that. I think the verdict was that wind is stupid.
[/quote]
Could be worse ...
http://www.reddit.com/r/bikecommuting/comments/26s0bn/cross_post_from_rvideos_this_is_yet_another/
The actual video http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=3b5_1400689840
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Could be worse ...
http://www.reddit.com/r/bikecommuting/comments/26s0bn/cross_post_from_rvideos_this_is_yet_another/
The actual video http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=3b5_1400689840
Holy crap!!
Note to self...if I ever find myself riding about in Perth, Australia...be very aware of what is going on around me. I love the fact that the cycling infrastructure is so awesome here in CO. Couple that with the fact that for the most part (at least here in Colorado Springs) cyclists are expected, and it makes for a great ride. All that being said though, could you imagine how amped up you would be by the time you got into work?
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Would someone be so kind as to correctly add me to the master summary. I duplicated myself, but my miles aren't showing up. Thank you!
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Would someone be so kind as to correctly add me to the master summary. I duplicated myself, but my miles aren't showing up. Thank you!
Done!
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Thank you gamergirl!!!!
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Thanks, Jordan!
Last month sucked, but I'm going to keep going--every day is a new opportunity. Aiming for commuting by bike 2x a week now. :)
So glad I started back when it was cooler. It's much harder to get the will to get on the bike when it's 80+ degrees outside with no shade...
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Thanks, Jordan!
Last month sucked, but I'm going to keep going--every day is a new opportunity. Aiming for commuting by bike 2x a week now. :)
So glad I started back when it was cooler. It's much harder to get the will to get on the bike when it's 80+ degrees outside with no shade...
You are welcome. As far as the weather goes, I find myself waking up earlier and earlier as it gets warmer. On the plus side, that means I get off of work earlier as the days get longer, which means more time to pretend I've already caught FIRE!!!
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yay! Sounds fun! I just saw this and added my name, but I"m out of town until the 9th. I'll get with it then!! Thanks!!
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I think I added that right? I'm keen to track just what we're doing with the bike as we move forward. My goal is to bike anywhere 3 miles away and under, provided it's not pouring rain, and farther if I can. My daughter loves the bike, and wants to wear her helmet around the house *all* the time these days.
We're using an adult tricycle (which has gotten me some weird looks and more attention than expected), which lets me carry a full load of groceries with my toddler daughter in a child's seat on the front. :)
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I think I added that right? I'm keen to track just what we're doing with the bike as we move forward. My goal is to bike anywhere 3 miles away and under, provided it's not pouring rain, and farther if I can. My daughter loves the bike, and wants to wear her helmet around the house *all* the time these days.
We're using an adult tricycle (which has gotten me some weird looks and more attention than expected), which lets me carry a full load of groceries with my toddler daughter in a child's seat on the front. :)
You got it mostly right. All you need to do here on out is update your sheet, and the other stuff will automatically update. I have a guy around here who rides one of the riding ellipticals...it's amazing how something just a touch different draws all kind of attention. Keep On!!!
Can someone add me back into the sheet? I'm back in the saddle again, after a bike theft threw me off pace a few months ago. I got a replacement bike, but was working such insane hours it was hard to get back in the groove. We recently moved offices and yesterday I biked to/from the new location for the first time. About 30-35 minutes, which is less time than it takes me to take the bus. about 8km each way, 10 miles round trip.
Looking forward to tracking progress and contributing to the totals!
I got you added. Just update your sheet and you are good to go!!
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yay! Sounds fun! I just saw this and added my name, but I"m out of town until the 9th. I'll get with it then!! Thanks!!
A deer? Damn dude. At least it didn't happen like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2oymHHyV1M (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2oymHHyV1M)!!
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I think I added that right? I'm keen to track just what we're doing with the bike as we move forward. My goal is to bike anywhere 3 miles away and under, provided it's not pouring rain, and farther if I can. My daughter loves the bike, and wants to wear her helmet around the house *all* the time these days.
We're using an adult tricycle (which has gotten me some weird looks and more attention than expected), which lets me carry a full load of groceries with my toddler daughter in a child's seat on the front. :)
You got it mostly right. All you need to do here on out is update your sheet, and the other stuff will automatically update. I have a guy around here who rides one of the riding ellipticals...it's amazing how something just a touch different draws all kind of attention. Keep On!!!
Thank you!
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I think I added that right? I'm keen to track just what we're doing with the bike as we move forward. My goal is to bike anywhere 3 miles away and under, provided it's not pouring rain, and farther if I can. My daughter loves the bike, and wants to wear her helmet around the house *all* the time these days.
We're using an adult tricycle (which has gotten me some weird looks and more attention than expected), which lets me carry a full load of groceries with my toddler daughter in a child's seat on the front. :)
You got it mostly right. All you need to do here on out is update your sheet, and the other stuff will automatically update. I have a guy around here who rides one of the riding ellipticals...it's amazing how something just a touch different draws all kind of attention. Keep On!!!
Thank you!
Not a problem. Happy Cycling!!!
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So I'm the only person to ride a bike where I work commute or recreation. I get all sorts of comments about this. Today was the first time I've had to ride in the rain. You would have thought I showed up with dead babies in my lunch box. I didn't think it was that crazy it was just drizzling. Apparently everybody else couldn't believe it. The kicker is my job is an outdoors job rain or shine you would think they wouldn't think anything about it.
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Wait for the reactions when it snows!
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Wait for the reactions when it snows!
I know it will be epic. I just figured at my work (electric lineman) we brave the elements all the time! Hell I've been out in the middle of a ice storm in -20 F! You wouldn't think it wouldn't be that big of a deal for a guy to ride a bike 1.2 miles in a light drizzle.
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I hope "goblins" are an acceptable badass condition :P
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I hope "goblins" are an acceptable badass condition :P
Depends on how they were armed :D
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Just added myself to the spreadsheet. Got over 50 miles in so far :)
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I've been slacking off majorly this month, but did have an awesome ride last night. It was the Starlight Spectacular, a nighttime charity ride that was a blast. About 1500 people showed up in various states of costume, cops closed down huge thoroughfares throughout the city, and it was overall a really good time. Unfortunately, we don't have regular Night Rides like they do in Longmont, but oh my it was a blast.
That being said, I have a few more items to complete on the new and improved spreadsheet, and was curious who would be interested in helping me test it. If you are interested, just comment here or PM me.
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Lab rat, reporting for duty!
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Lab rat, reporting for duty!
Sweet!! I'll PM you the link and details tomorrow. I have one thing left to complete, which I'll do tomorrow, and then see how it goes. For the most part, it's just automating the initial setup, but I'm adding some additional tracking options.
Btw, I totally thought of you on that ride yesterday. I was kicking ass going up this hill, passing everyone around. All of a sudden, I hear a sound to my left, and it's some guy hauling around 2 kids in a trailer, who then proceeded to kick my ass. My first thought was: "Is goblinchief in Colorado Springs?" :-D
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Btw, I totally thought of you on that ride yesterday. I was kicking ass going up this hill, passing everyone around. All of a sudden, I hear a sound to my left, and it's some guy hauling around 2 kids in a trailer, who then proceeded to kick my ass. My first thought was: "Is goblinchief in Colorado Springs?" :-D
Hah! Nice :)
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Pains me to admit it, but I think I have to give up on the self-powered minivan. 3 kids are just too damn heavy, since anywhere interesting to bike to requires at least one granny gear climb and no matter how correctly I position the seats and maintain cadence, it's wearing my knees out.
This means getting up at 5AM or earlier to get decent exercise, then biking at 8ish mph with the older two with the youngest in the trailer. Fuck.
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Pains me to admit it, but I think I have to give up on the self-powered minivan. 3 kids are just too damn heavy, since anywhere interesting to bike to requires at least one granny gear climb and no matter how correctly I position the seats and maintain cadence, it's wearing my knees out.
This means getting up at 5AM or earlier to get decent exercise, then biking at 8ish mph with the older two with the youngest in the trailer. Fuck.
It might be cheating, but you could potentially get the kids some of the electrical assist things...or (and I have no experience here) one of the extendor seats so that one or two of them could help...
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Pains me to admit it, but I think I have to give up on the self-powered minivan. 3 kids are just too damn heavy, since anywhere interesting to bike to requires at least one granny gear climb and no matter how correctly I position the seats and maintain cadence, it's wearing my knees out.
This means getting up at 5AM or earlier to get decent exercise, then biking at 8ish mph with the older two with the youngest in the trailer. Fuck.
It might be cheating, but you could potentially get the kids some of the electrical assist things...or (and I have no experience here) one of the extendor seats so that one or two of them could help...
My DH did a ton of research on e-bikes last fall. If I had to haul 3 kids, I'd get one of these for the tow bike, http://www.electric-bike-kit.com/all-products.aspx.
The only other option I could come up with was a tandem bike, mod'd to bring the pedals up high enough for the largest child to ride stoker and then haul the smaller two in the trailer. However, cheap tandems are really hard to find.
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No money to spend on e-bikes, and they'd still outgrow it besides.
Pretty sure my kids would freak out on a tandem. They're super sensitive/afraid about balance as it is. And I've almost never seen one used.
Last summer I got them up to 7-10 miles roundtrip, albeit with threats/coaxing. By next year I can get them into 20" multispeeds (I could probably get them to fit one, but again no $$). This year is just awkward growing pains, I guess.
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No money to spend on e-bikes, and they'd still outgrow it besides.
Pretty sure my kids would freak out on a tandem. They're super sensitive/afraid about balance as it is. And I've almost never seen one used.
Last summer I got them up to 7-10 miles roundtrip, albeit with threats/coaxing. By next year I can get them into 20" multispeeds (I could probably get them to fit one, but again no $$). This year is just awkward growing pains, I guess.
Gotcha. I did see a 3 person tandem, with a trailer at the ride the other night. My only thought was "bike limousine!!".
Won't help with your other cycling challenge, but if you were feeling really hard core, you could carry the small one, and run along side the two older ones. :-) How badass would that be? And by badass, I mean totally freaking miserable!! :P
Do you have SPDs on the bike that you haul them with, or just platforms/clips?
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Do you have SPDs on the bike that you haul them with, or just platforms/clips?
Platforms with traction pins. They are the boss.
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Platforms with traction pins. They are the boss.
So no power on the upstroke, right?
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Platforms with traction pins. They are the boss.
So no power on the upstroke, right?
That is correct.
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So no power on the upstroke, right?
That is correct.
You may want to try the PowerGrips (http://www.amazon.com/Power-Grips-Strap-Set-Black/dp/B0011ZH312/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1403219134&sr=1-1&keywords=power+grips) I mentioned last month. They changed my life. Totally killed it going up hill. No special shoes or anything.
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The only other option I could come up with was a tandem bike, mod'd to bring the pedals up high enough for the largest child to ride stoker and then haul the smaller two in the trailer. However, cheap tandems are really hard to find.
How about a bike - trail-a-bike - trailer combo like this (http://daily.sightline.org/2012/07/25/babes-on-bikes-ii/davey-oil-mama/ (http://daily.sightline.org/2012/07/25/babes-on-bikes-ii/davey-oil-mama/))? I've heard one LBS owner say he built one for his sister and it's great, and I heard another LBS owner say he did it and regretted it (but he didn't give details and I didn't think to ask at the time). In Montreal it's fairly easy to find a used trail-a-bike on craigslist. Two years ago we got lucky and found one at a garage sale for $5; it's a bit rusty but it works fine after a minimal tune-up.
I've hooked the trail-a-bike up to our cargo bike a few times and it does introduce some wobble when my son shifts his weight from side to side. On the cargo bike, this impacts steering because the front wheel is so far ahead; it's better when the other two kids are in the box and their mass helps keep things steady.
We started using the trail-a-bike with slow rides in an empty parking lot and gradually built up the speed and distance. With my eldest starting summer vacation in a few days, I'm hoping to take him out with the trail-a-bike attached to my hybrid so that we can explore more parks and bike paths while still giving him a bit of exercise that he wouldn't get by just sitting in the box bike. I'm impressed that you got your kids to bike up to 7-10 miles!
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Looking at CL, trying to score a decent 20" multispeed but they're not super common. Will have to be patient, but since I also need to find a bike for DW (small frame hybrid, wish me luck) it's worth it.
Meanwhile we got in a 3 mile roundtrip, which is the longest they've done by themselves. I figure I'll up the miles each week, trying to figure out a good "destination" to have as a goal each time :)
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Looking at CL, trying to score a decent 20" multispeed but they're not super common. Will have to be patient, but since I also need to find a bike for DW (small frame hybrid, wish me luck) it's worth it.
Meanwhile we got in a 3 mile roundtrip, which is the longest they've done by themselves. I figure I'll up the miles each week, trying to figure out a good "destination" to have as a goal each time :)
Good thinking. Hope it turns out well!!
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Couple questions. What do you use to track miles if you don't have a smartphone? Does anybody else have recommendations for peddles for someone who wears size 15-16 shoes. (I want to still wear my tennis shoes and hiking boots and not have to switch every time I get off the bike).
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Couple questions. What do you use to track miles if you don't have a smartphone? Does anybody else have recommendations for peddles for someone who wears size 15-16 shoes. (I want to still wear my tennis shoes and hiking boots and not have to switch every time I get off the bike).
If you don't have a smartphone, you'd probably want to get a cycle computer. Nashbar and Amazon should have some inexpensive models. No personal experience with them myself, but others maybe can chime in with recs.
For pedals, I like platforms with traction pins. I have Nashbar's Verve pedals: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_549650_-1
They're one of the biggest pedals I've seen. My feet are only 11 but I use them with chunky boots and there's a lot of usable grip surface.
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I have neither smart phone nor cycling computer, so just use Google maps/knowing where I'm going to calculate distance. How accurate you need to be will depend on your purpose for measuring distance. I am mostly interested in general monthly amounts and miles between various maintenance items, so don't care about a mile here or there.
I also have pedals similar to GoblinChief's and they've served me well, though again my feet are smaller. If you were interested in other options that would allow you to bike more efficiently you could consider pedal straps (cheap, easily removable, would work with most any footwear), clips (again, would probably work with most footwear), or a hybrid clipless/platform pedal (you would need a cycling shoe for the clip-in side).
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They're one of the biggest pedals I've seen. My feet are only 11 but I use them with chunky boots and there's a lot of usable grip surface.
I think this is one of myour biggest problems. I know I'm supposed to ride on the balls of my feet but is that all that should be touching. I also feel like if I'm going to get my cadence any higher I'm going to have to change pedals because my feet feel IIke they are going to fly off the pedals.
I have neither smart phone nor cycling computer, so just use Google maps/knowing where I'm going to calculate distance. How accurate you need to be will depend on your purpose for measuring distance. I am mostly interested in general monthly amounts and miles between various maintenance items, so don't care about a mile here or there.
That is really all I am interested in for now. I just tend to meander my way back to the house sometimes so I'm not sure how far I've been.
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Will there be another challenge in July? I'm riding to work tomorrow for Bike 2 Work day, & I want to make it a regular habit - at least a couple of days a week, and I could use the extra motivation of a challenge.
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Will there be another challenge in July? I'm riding to work tomorrow for Bike 2 Work day, & I want to make it a regular habit - at least a couple of days a week, and I could use the extra motivation of a challenge.
We put up the challenge every month! Good luck working it in to a regular schedule. The challenge comes in setting out a routine and then sticking to it.
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I just graduated from rides for fun to rides with purpose. I'm throwing my hat into the challenge for this month.
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I just graduated from rides for fun to rides with purpose. I'm throwing my hat into the challenge for this month.
Riding for fun is a perfectly valid purpose lol (never thought at 26 years old two wheels and some pedals could still be so much fun). This is my first month though and it really helped me with consistency logging miles every night welcome aboard!
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I just graduated from rides for fun to rides with purpose. I'm throwing my hat into the challenge for this month.
Riding for fun is a perfectly valid purpose lol (never thought at 26 years old two wheels and some pedals could still be so much fun). This is my first month though and it really helped me with consistency logging miles every night welcome aboard!
You guys are all rocking it!!
For me, with the temps getting in the 90s, I'm getting ready to ditch the laptop backpack. Unfortunately, it won't fit in my current panniers, so I'm looking at something like this (http://www.arkel-od.com/us/all-categories/laptop-bicycle-pannier/commuting-bike-bag.html). Not a fan of the price tag, but I think it'd be worth it. Back sweat sucks!! :D
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Does the laptop fit by itself? If it does, one of those neoprene sleeve jobs would do the trick, especially if your HDD is solid state.
I don't get overtaken by many cyclists, but the other night got overtaken by a guy in USPS livery by a good 5+ mph differential. That was simultaneously humbling and inspiring, since I was going 18-19mph myself.
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Does the laptop fit by itself? If it does, one of those neoprene sleeve jobs would do the trick, especially if your HDD is solid state.
I don't get overtaken by many cyclists, but the other night got overtaken by a guy in USPS livery by a good 5+ mph differential. That was simultaneously humbling and inspiring, since I was going 18-19mph myself.
That's what I meant. The laptop won't fit in the panniers. I don't have an SSD, but I always shut it down to avoid damage to the HDD. I was originally just going to go the neoprene sleeve, but didn't plan on it when I bought my panniers last year. They are relatively small, since I just needed a change of clothes in one, and shower stuff in the other. I'm still not sure if I'm going forward with this, and it definitely won't be this month, so I'm open to other suggestions. This pannier (although ridiculously pricey) has excellent reviews, and apparently is like the last one you would ever need. Big enough to carry everything I need, lifetime guarantee, specifically designed with laptop protection in mind. I can't envision commuting without a laptop.
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I haven't completely confirmed this, but we now have a full 39 participants, which is the max amount this spreadsheet can support. How awesome is that?
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Hello!
I have only been around for about 1 month now. While reading the blog, the face punches were welcomed, because my thinking had been switching to Mustachian, but very,very slowly. So, peering through my black eyes I have made a number of changes. One, I parked my car and started riding my bike everywhere! (Will be selling the car shortly). And my family now rarely takes the car anywhere.
So, sun, rain (been in some already), or snow, I am in! Snow may get tough if we get a winter like the last one. I live in Michigan, and we had somewhere over 100 inches this last winter. The road to work has a bike path that is not plowed, and the speed limit on the road gets to 55mph. This last winter the shoulders were gone, so it would not have been safe. But I am throwing down the gauntlet here that I will make it as long as I can.
So far, the $90/month decrease in insurance, plus gas savings is awesome!
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Hello!
I have only been around for about 1 month now. While reading the blog, the face punches were welcomed, because my thinking had been switching to Mustachian, but very,very slowly. So, peering through my black eyes I have made a number of changes. One, I parked my car and started riding my bike everywhere! (Will be selling the car shortly). And my family now rarely takes the car anywhere.
So, sun, rain (been in some already), or snow, I am in! Snow may get tough if we get a winter like the last one. I live in Michigan, and we had somewhere over 100 inches this last winter. The road to work has a bike path that is not plowed, and the speed limit on the road gets to 55mph. This last winter the shoulders were gone, so it would not have been safe. But I am throwing down the gauntlet here that I will make it as long as I can.
So far, the $90/month decrease in insurance, plus gas savings is awesome!
Glad to have you here! We do a separate challenge for each month, and have a couple of other ones as well. Check here come July 1, and the new sheet will be updated. If you are feeling like it's just not enough, you might want to look at GoblinChief's Bike 365 Days in a Row (http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/bike-365-days-in-a-row/) challenge.
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New bike commuting experience for me today: Detour required due to President.
Obama is in Minneapolis today, and so happens his event is in the park that I usually bike through on my way to work. When I came through in the morning they had the roads closed down but trails still open, so was able to get through. Was a bit eerie with no usual traffic and just dozens of police around. We'll see if it's opened by this evening.
Every day is an adventure.
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Does the laptop fit by itself? If it does, one of those neoprene sleeve jobs would do the trick, especially if your HDD is solid state.
I don't get overtaken by many cyclists, but the other night got overtaken by a guy in USPS livery by a good 5+ mph differential. That was simultaneously humbling and inspiring, since I was going 18-19mph myself.
That's what I meant. The laptop won't fit in the panniers. I don't have an SSD, but I always shut it down to avoid damage to the HDD. I was originally just going to go the neoprene sleeve, but didn't plan on it when I bought my panniers last year. They are relatively small, since I just needed a change of clothes in one, and shower stuff in the other. I'm still not sure if I'm going forward with this, and it definitely won't be this month, so I'm open to other suggestions. This pannier (although ridiculously pricey) has excellent reviews, and apparently is like the last one you would ever need. Big enough to carry everything I need, lifetime guarantee, specifically designed with laptop protection in mind. I can't envision commuting without a laptop.
(I am pasting some of this from another comment, sorry if you already read it . . . and don't forget, I will need you to throw down the same Gauntlet's on me!)
First, I am new here, and I love it. I need the Mustachian community to help me along this journey. My comments will always be what I would expect someone to reply to me with.
Disclaimers:
1. If you are retired, don't read my comments.
2. This is an MMM forum, not a Nashbar or other bike forum.
So, with all that in mind.
Gauntlet
(That's supposed to be a 'Gauntlet' laid down, I hope it works!)
Your answer to transport your laptop: A milk crate, zip ties, towel and a garbage bag in the rain. $5 if you don't already have a milk crate. (That's 185 reasons this idea kick's ass!)
(I know it doesn't look cool, my dad just asked me if I was collecting cans . . . . but screw other peoples thoughts de-railing my retirement!)
I know I sound like this righteous financial snob, but I will just let my accomplishments speak for myself:
- Until just recently I used to drive my car, sit in a room with men for 30-60 minutes, making small talk about sports I really didn't care about. At the end of this I gave some money to cut my hair!!!
- Until just recently I drove my car 2.5 miles to work ....
- Until just recently I had 2 cars!
- Until just recently we dried our clothes in a dryer, the dishes on heated dry, and had regular flow shower heads!!!
- Until just recently I was paying to insure a $390,000 house, when mine was worth $230,000! (Check your insurances!!!)
- Until just recently I paid for CFL bulbs while my power company gave them away for FREE!
- When I did ride my bike, I went to the bike shop to see everything I needed. It totaled $200. Luckily I woke up, found an old rack, modified it to fit, zip tied a milk crate to it, inserted a backpack with a garbage bag inside. Whatever the weather, I will ride. Money spent: $0.
and my favorite:
- Until just recently I took those CFL's that I paid for and put them on the shelf, waiting for the incandescent's to burn out ....
So, as you can see, everything I write is with double black eyes from face punches. I have just picked myself up out of my suckiness, and I write out of respect for the community, and the I write out of the seriousness that we need to take in controlling our future!
You guys rule, you guys are awesome!
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So, as you can see, everything I write is with double black eyes from face punches. I have just picked myself up out of my suckiness, and I write out of respect for the community, and the I write out of the seriousness that we need to take in controlling our future!
You guys rule, you guys are awesome!
I love the enthusiasm!!
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Does the laptop fit by itself? If it does, one of those neoprene sleeve jobs would do the trick, especially if your HDD is solid state.
I don't get overtaken by many cyclists, but the other night got overtaken by a guy in USPS livery by a good 5+ mph differential. That was simultaneously humbling and inspiring, since I was going 18-19mph myself.
That's what I meant. The laptop won't fit in the panniers. I don't have an SSD, but I always shut it down to avoid damage to the HDD. I was originally just going to go the neoprene sleeve, but didn't plan on it when I bought my panniers last year. They are relatively small, since I just needed a change of clothes in one, and shower stuff in the other. I'm still not sure if I'm going forward with this, and it definitely won't be this month, so I'm open to other suggestions. This pannier (although ridiculously pricey) has excellent reviews, and apparently is like the last one you would ever need. Big enough to carry everything I need, lifetime guarantee, specifically designed with laptop protection in mind. I can't envision commuting without a laptop.
Can you just tie the entire backpack to the top of your rack?
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Does the laptop fit by itself? If it does, one of those neoprene sleeve jobs would do the trick, especially if your HDD is solid state.
I don't get overtaken by many cyclists, but the other night got overtaken by a guy in USPS livery by a good 5+ mph differential. That was simultaneously humbling and inspiring, since I was going 18-19mph myself.
That's what I meant. The laptop won't fit in the panniers. I don't have an SSD, but I always shut it down to avoid damage to the HDD. I was originally just going to go the neoprene sleeve, but didn't plan on it when I bought my panniers last year. They are relatively small, since I just needed a change of clothes in one, and shower stuff in the other. I'm still not sure if I'm going forward with this, and it definitely won't be this month, so I'm open to other suggestions. This pannier (although ridiculously pricey) has excellent reviews, and apparently is like the last one you would ever need. Big enough to carry everything I need, lifetime guarantee, specifically designed with laptop protection in mind. I can't envision commuting without a laptop.
Can you just tie the entire backpack to the top of your rack?
Unfortunately not. I've got a pretty good setup currently, in which the top of my rack contains all of my repair stuff, my pocket stuff, my water, and my lunch. The one pannier I use only holds an extra shirt and rain gear (pants and a jacket). I actually thought about ripping off the mounting pieces of my second pannier and putting them on the back pack, but at that point it becomes useless as a backpack (and painful), plus I need two panniers when I go on beer runs. :-) I've looked into some of the cargo nets, as well as the crates, and may give them a shot. The other option would be to get a personal laptop I can use at home, and just leave the work one at work. Still contemplating. For now, wearing hawaiian shirts keeps me cool enough (barely), so I look retired already :-).
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How big is your laptop? Could you ask for a smaller laptop that would fit into your panniers?
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How big is your laptop? Could you ask for a smaller laptop that would fit into your panniers?
It's a 19". I thought about asking for a smaller laptop, but the performance is reduced. I'm just sucking it up right now, but we'll see where I go. Thanks for all of the suggestions. Back sweat is no fun, but don't think for a second it'll stop me. :D
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Where I live an adult on a bike is almost like spotting big foot lol. I really got some funny looks at the hardware store while getting plumbing parts.
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woohoo only got in a car twice this month (friends and I going places together)
woohoo rode erryday
woohoo most miles in a month since I was a supr srs biek racer in high school
guess this is why I am so tired all the time
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woohoo only got in a car twice this month (friends and I going places together)
woohoo rode erryday
woohoo most miles in a month since I was a supr srs biek racer in high school
guess this is why I am so tired all the time
Russ, that is insanely impressive. Nice work!
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woohoo only got in a car twice this month (friends and I going places together)
woohoo rode erryday
woohoo most miles in a month since I was a supr srs biek racer in high school
guess this is why I am so tired all the time
You broke 800 miles this month!! Way to go. Also, way to skew the average :D
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And here I was feeling really pleased about my 112 miles this month. :) But I made my goal! (Over 100 miles.)
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And here I was feeling really pleased about my 112 miles this month. :) But I made my goal! (Over 100 miles.)
Yeah, you were rocking it!! I actually ran some errands just so I would pass you. :P
This has been my best month so far too. I broke 130, which is awesome!! I also started an average statistic on the first summary, so I was trying to hit that, but it kept going up!!! Didn't make it this month, but I will next month (depending on how crazy those 400+ mile people get).
I'll be releasing the next month's challenge a bit later today. We no longer need to create the sheets for ourselves. There is now an associated form that automatically handles all of the work. Just fill out the form, and then go into the spreadsheet and your stuff is there. This has been a great month.
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And here I was feeling really pleased about my 112 miles this month. :) But I made my goal! (Over 100 miles.)
Yeah, you were rocking it!! I actually ran some errands just so I would pass you. :P
This has been my best month so far too. I broke 130, which is awesome!! I also started an average statistic on the first summary, so I was trying to hit that, but it kept going up!!! Didn't make it this month, but I will next month (depending on how crazy those 400+ mile people get).
I'll be releasing the next month's challenge a bit later today. We no longer need to create the sheets for ourselves. There is now an associated form that automatically handles all of the work. Just fill out the form, and then go into the spreadsheet and your stuff is there. This has been a great month.
Haha, it's nice to know that what I think of as my paltry mileage motivated someone else! Congrats on 130. :)
My miles will be down in July due to an out-of-state vacation to visit family, but maybe I can hit 150 miles in August? Or maybe, just maybe, the bebe will let me get out on weekends to do my favorite 15 mile fun ride. I'm not going to hold my breath though. :)
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SisterX - Excellent work on hitting your goal!
Jordanread - Thank you for these challenges, they are greatly appreciated!
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I'm new here, but in for July. To those that bike to work, do you also bring your lunch? I guess my concern would be carrying a lunch for 9 miles along with work clothes, my computer, and shower stuff. Any tips, or recommendations?
PS, I've been a long time follower of this site and forum and I love it, such great motivation.
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Hi Mizzourah- welcome!
I'd highly recommend checking out bikeforums.net, and specifically their commuting subforum, for more inspiration on daily bike commuting.
Is your concern just that you have a lot of stuff to haul? Or is it specifically about keeping your lunch cool on the ride?
Personally, I like to keep stuff off my back when I bike, so I use a rear rack. For a long time, I got by with a front basket and a rear basket- I would put my lunch in the front basket, and a backpack/bag with my laptop & change of clothes in the rear basket.
I recently switched to a different bike, and I also got a pannier that converts to a messenger bag- the Ortlieb Downtown (kind of pricey, but it was a birthday gift from my parents.) Now, I keep my laptop, change of clothes, and toiletries in the pannier, and I bungee my lunchbox to the top of my rear rack. My commute is 5.5 miles each way.
I would recommend getting the Wald rear baskets to attach to a rear rack. A pair is pretty affordable, and they hold plenty of stuff. Also, bungee cords are awesome for securing stuff in the baskets or on the rack.
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I'm new here, but in for July. To those that bike to work, do you also bring your lunch? I guess my concern would be carrying a lunch for 9 miles along with work clothes, my computer, and shower stuff. Any tips, or recommendations?
PS, I've been a long time follower of this site and forum and I love it, such great motivation.
I also bring my lunch (& Breakfast!) everyday. I have one pannier that attaches to the side of my rack. Sometimes if I have a lot I will bungie cord my lock to the top of my rack, but mostly everything (my clothes, laptop, & lunch), fit in my one pannier.
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All right everyone!! Great job this month. The guantlet has been thrown down for July. Join in here (http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/july-cycling-challenge-2014/).
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I'm new here, but in for July. To those that bike to work, do you also bring your lunch? I guess my concern would be carrying a lunch for 9 miles along with work clothes, my computer, and shower stuff. Any tips, or recommendations?
PS, I've been a long time follower of this site and forum and I love it, such great motivation.
I also bring my lunch (& Breakfast!) everyday. I have one pannier that attaches to the side of my rack. Sometimes if I have a lot I will bungie cord my lock to the top of my rack, but mostly everything (my clothes, laptop, & lunch), fit in my one pannier.
Thanks Marble! I will definitely check out bikeforums.net. My concern is mostly keeping it cold. I bring baked or grilled chicken breast for lunch every day and I want to make sure it stays cold on the ride. I have a cooler bag that might be an option, but I will definitely check out the website you mentioned.