Well, it's 8 pm on Sept. 30, and I don't expect to go anywhere by bike, car, or on foot now until October. So here are some last thoughts on this experiment:
*Total mileage on the family car for September: 183 (we normally average between 700-800 miles per month)
*Days when I really got wet: 2
*Pounds lost with NO attempt to restrict eating: 2
*Times we called on grandparents to help transport kids: 2 (probably about typical)
Overall, it was a positive experience. I like to think, going forward, that I will choose not to use the car more often than in the past. I would like to imagine I can continue with the mindset I have had this month, where I first think of getting where I'm going by bike, bus, or on foot, and then think of the car when that doesn't work. And for those car journeys, make them count by carpooling, combining errands, etc.
I want to make clear that I am not anti-car at all. I think cars are wonderful for carrying large loads, travelling long distances to remote destinations, and sometimes to get places in the dark, or bad weather, or whatever. But they're a lot like antibiotics: They should be used when they are needed, and other, more appropriate transportation choices should be used for the many short, easy journeys we all take. Otherwise, we get all kinds of unwanted side effects, like huge public spending on auto infrastructure, poor health, traffic injuries and deaths, air pollution, respiratory disease, global warming, crippling dependence on unfriendly oil producing nations, etc. Besides that, just as antibiotics become less effective with overuse, cars are made less effective when traffic congestion and parking pressure mean that what should be a short, easy trip, becomes a slow, frustrating crawl. As I was waiting to cross Old 63 one morning, watching dozens of cars, each with one occupant, go by, I tried to imagine what it would be like if we were like Amsterdam or Copenhagen, with 1/3 of trips by car,1/3 by transit, and 1/3 by foot or bike. Think how beautifully clear streets would be on those occasions when you do travel by car!
It seems impossible to imagine such an outcome, but I don't know. This month, I read JOYRIDE by Mia Birk, former bike coordinator for the city of Portland, OR, now the USAs best bike city. I really hadn't realized that as recently as 1993, Portland was far from a bicycling Mecca--it was just as auto-dominated as any American city. And the bike infrastructure was no more popular there than here, among certain parts of the population. She got the same accusations of communism, unamericanism, and interfering with our God-given constitutional right to go anywhere we want as fast as we want in our cars, that Trib Talk has been full of.
Even Amsterdam and Copenhagen had to make conscious policy choices way back in the middle of last century, to stop cars from taking over their cities. It didn't just happen because the Dutch and Danish like to ride their bikes. It happened because they had good infrastructure, and it was often the easiest, most affordable, and most logical way to get from one place to the next.
So does it do any good for me, or me and my family, or 150+ LCNCWC challengers to do this, in the face of the overwhelming number of cars? Well, I think it does. It has made me personally realize how frequently the car is not my best choice, and I think just being out there doing it means that each day, we may be planting the seed of an idea in someone we encounter, or maybe watering a seed planted earlier by someone or something else. Most people don't really want to be on the front wave of social change, but many are ready to be in the second wave. I know that I thought Ian was crazy thinking we could get by with one car once the kids were in public school, but when I met another family similar to ours who were doing it, then I realized we should at least give it a try...which we have been doing now for 9 years.
So thanks for the challenge. Thanks to the sponsors--I appreciate my new bike bell and water bottle from Walt's, loved my lunch at Cafe Berlin, and was very sad when my son's illness meant we had to change our plan to enjoy a final car-free dinner at Main Squeeze tonight.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Bike 'n' Bus
Today, as I came out of Boone Hospital after rounds, I found the right lane of Broadway coned off for construction. That's the way I usually get to my bus stop, but today I decided it was so beautiful anyway, that I would just whiz down the hill and pedal on to my office. I was glad I did. What a beautiful morning!
The bus bike racks have been a huge part of getting going with non-motorized transportation for me. Way back in 2001, when I decided to participate in the 1st Bike Walk Wheel Week, I had lots of barrier: I was out of shape, it was 7 miles to my office, I have to stop and change clothes to see patients in the hospital on the way many mornings, and at that time East Broadway was a terrifying ride, especially the pinch point bridge over the Hinkson Creek.
So I got out the bus map, and at that time, there was a bus that came down Stadium to Old 63, then up over the hill, and out to my office. I found that I could go entirely be trail, except for the short segment of Old 63 from Grindstone Nature Area to the bus stop, and be delivered in a mostly timely manner to my office on Keene Street. That didn't take me past Boone, so I only did it on days that I had no patients to round on, but it was a start. Later, I started riding to Boone to do rounds, and then met the bus at the bottom of the hill, and found I could make that work. At some point, they changed the bus route so that it no longer went down Stadium, and become the perfect route for me. I could finish at Boone at about 8:00, catch the bus right on Broadway, and be dropped off right in front of my office by 8:20, still in my work clothes from rounds. It was ideal! If I ever got tied up and missed the bus, which sometimes happened, it's only about a 15 minute ride, and somewhere in there, they built the new bridge and Pedway on East Broadway, so it's not a bad ride at all--but hilly enough that I, at least, work up a bit of a sweat, making the issue of whether or not to change clothes again one that I had to consider.
More recently, the bus route has changed again, making it less convenient for me (it gets to my office at 8:30 instead of 8:20, which is cutting it close), but I can tell by the markedly increased ridership that it was probably a good move for a lot of people, so I'm not really complaining. And I'm really not complaining about the new orange route, which actually puts a bus stop within a mile of my house on the SW side of town!! That gives me more opportunities to use the bus even without my bike, as I have done several times now.
I love that our NCLCWC cards work as bus passes. And I really love that the bus drivers seem to recognize them and just wave me on! Now, if they would only get around to printing the timetables and maps for the routes that have been in effect since early August....
The bus bike racks have been a huge part of getting going with non-motorized transportation for me. Way back in 2001, when I decided to participate in the 1st Bike Walk Wheel Week, I had lots of barrier: I was out of shape, it was 7 miles to my office, I have to stop and change clothes to see patients in the hospital on the way many mornings, and at that time East Broadway was a terrifying ride, especially the pinch point bridge over the Hinkson Creek.
So I got out the bus map, and at that time, there was a bus that came down Stadium to Old 63, then up over the hill, and out to my office. I found that I could go entirely be trail, except for the short segment of Old 63 from Grindstone Nature Area to the bus stop, and be delivered in a mostly timely manner to my office on Keene Street. That didn't take me past Boone, so I only did it on days that I had no patients to round on, but it was a start. Later, I started riding to Boone to do rounds, and then met the bus at the bottom of the hill, and found I could make that work. At some point, they changed the bus route so that it no longer went down Stadium, and become the perfect route for me. I could finish at Boone at about 8:00, catch the bus right on Broadway, and be dropped off right in front of my office by 8:20, still in my work clothes from rounds. It was ideal! If I ever got tied up and missed the bus, which sometimes happened, it's only about a 15 minute ride, and somewhere in there, they built the new bridge and Pedway on East Broadway, so it's not a bad ride at all--but hilly enough that I, at least, work up a bit of a sweat, making the issue of whether or not to change clothes again one that I had to consider.
More recently, the bus route has changed again, making it less convenient for me (it gets to my office at 8:30 instead of 8:20, which is cutting it close), but I can tell by the markedly increased ridership that it was probably a good move for a lot of people, so I'm not really complaining. And I'm really not complaining about the new orange route, which actually puts a bus stop within a mile of my house on the SW side of town!! That gives me more opportunities to use the bus even without my bike, as I have done several times now.
I love that our NCLCWC cards work as bus passes. And I really love that the bus drivers seem to recognize them and just wave me on! Now, if they would only get around to printing the timetables and maps for the routes that have been in effect since early August....
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Nearly October
I'm loving the cool weather, and starting to reflect a little on my Whoa!Car month. Overall, it was easier than expected, although I am currently fighting a nasty cold and cough, the one thing I really hoped wouldn't happen. It's not so bad, though. It helps me prioritize what I REALLY have to do, so I've opted out of a few things I would usually have done, which frees up a little time in my day.
One result of this challenge has been the luxury of telling Ian that he HAS to do the driving--I can't! Still, our total car journeys/mileage are WAY down for the month. We haven't bought gas in September, for example, and the gauge is still well over 1/4 full; and the car didn't leave the house at all on 16 days so far. When it did leave, it was virtually always a carpool, to soccer or band or show choir or the homecoming dance. We are certainly finding ourselves up against societal expectations, though. It is clear that everyone just assumes that each kid at Rock Bridge will have their own car, so planning schedules to make catching the bus work, for example, just doesn't happen. I think this is a terrible situation for many reasons--the expense to families, the way kids whose families can't afford an extra car just can't do extra stuff, and most of all, the idea that we are creating an environment where parents actually WANT their children to be driving everywhere, despite the terrible toll car crashes, not to mention inactivity, take on American teens.
I am finding it really wonderful to turn to my bike first. Now that I'm not giving myself the option of driving to work, I don't have to weigh the pros and cons each morning. The rain has been a little hassle, but not too bad. I have driven 3 times this month, and the truth was, I didn't enjoy it much. It felt a little weird. But I'm sure I will be back to more driving as winter arrives--it's not the weather so much, but I do find the short daylight hours to be a problem.
I heard Gina on the radio Monday saying that over 150 people are signed up for one of the challenges. I think that's really incredible. I sometimes see people out walking and biking and wonder who might be a NCLCWC challenger!
I have had no trouble at all using my card as a bus pass, and hope to make it to Walt's tomorrow to take advantage of the discount on a few items, like a new helmet and gloves. Maybe I'll run into someone else flashing a pink card there.
I'm loving the cool weather, and starting to reflect a little on my Whoa!Car month. Overall, it was easier than expected, although I am currently fighting a nasty cold and cough, the one thing I really hoped wouldn't happen. It's not so bad, though. It helps me prioritize what I REALLY have to do, so I've opted out of a few things I would usually have done, which frees up a little time in my day.
One result of this challenge has been the luxury of telling Ian that he HAS to do the driving--I can't! Still, our total car journeys/mileage are WAY down for the month. We haven't bought gas in September, for example, and the gauge is still well over 1/4 full; and the car didn't leave the house at all on 16 days so far. When it did leave, it was virtually always a carpool, to soccer or band or show choir or the homecoming dance. We are certainly finding ourselves up against societal expectations, though. It is clear that everyone just assumes that each kid at Rock Bridge will have their own car, so planning schedules to make catching the bus work, for example, just doesn't happen. I think this is a terrible situation for many reasons--the expense to families, the way kids whose families can't afford an extra car just can't do extra stuff, and most of all, the idea that we are creating an environment where parents actually WANT their children to be driving everywhere, despite the terrible toll car crashes, not to mention inactivity, take on American teens.
I am finding it really wonderful to turn to my bike first. Now that I'm not giving myself the option of driving to work, I don't have to weigh the pros and cons each morning. The rain has been a little hassle, but not too bad. I have driven 3 times this month, and the truth was, I didn't enjoy it much. It felt a little weird. But I'm sure I will be back to more driving as winter arrives--it's not the weather so much, but I do find the short daylight hours to be a problem.
I heard Gina on the radio Monday saying that over 150 people are signed up for one of the challenges. I think that's really incredible. I sometimes see people out walking and biking and wonder who might be a NCLCWC challenger!
I have had no trouble at all using my card as a bus pass, and hope to make it to Walt's tomorrow to take advantage of the discount on a few items, like a new helmet and gloves. Maybe I'll run into someone else flashing a pink card there.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Feel so crummy but can't seem to stop.
I usually ride my bike at least twenty miles a day; primarily this is done getting kids to and from school.
Every morning, I wake up at 4:30, make some coffee, read a little, do some work, get dressed, wake the kids, make breakfast, pack lunch, nag the kids until they are ready to leave the house, and head out the door shortly after 7am to begin my day in the saddle.
Max, my 12 year old son, and I pedal over to Again St. Park to meet the Bike Brigade kids and Ginny. My awesome friend who rides with us every single morning and most afternoons. Thanks Ginny! We stand around chatting, waiting for everyone to arrive and giving the kids a chance to drop their stuff in the bike cart. At 7:20, we head to Smithton to get the kids to school. Ginny and I drop the kids off and head back toward downtown.
Ginny heads to campus and I head back home to pick up Annarose, my 10 year old daughter. We hop on our bikes and head downtown to Annarose's school picking up Ella, our friend, along the way. I drop off the girls and ride to work.
Sometimes, if I am lucky I can even weasel my way into getting paid to ride my bike during the work day.
At 2:30 each afternoon, I head back to Smithton to pick up the Bike Brigade kids, then do the whole morning in reverse. Each morning and afternoon I ride about 10 miles back and forth to school and home.
I usually manage to sneak in a few more miles during the work day running errands, going to lunch, preveiwing ride routes, delivering stuff.
Except for today, there was no school today. I have been working from home in my pajamas all day. I have been sitting at my kitchen table in front of my computer for most of the last ten hours.
I feel like crap. I am so tired and brain dead, I can hardly stand it. I know why I feel so crummy despite the luxury of spending the day at home in my pajamas, it is because I haven't ridden my bike at all today. That stinks!
My husband just came home to save me suggesting a moonlight ride this evening. Yippee!
Every morning, I wake up at 4:30, make some coffee, read a little, do some work, get dressed, wake the kids, make breakfast, pack lunch, nag the kids until they are ready to leave the house, and head out the door shortly after 7am to begin my day in the saddle.
Max, my 12 year old son, and I pedal over to Again St. Park to meet the Bike Brigade kids and Ginny. My awesome friend who rides with us every single morning and most afternoons. Thanks Ginny! We stand around chatting, waiting for everyone to arrive and giving the kids a chance to drop their stuff in the bike cart. At 7:20, we head to Smithton to get the kids to school. Ginny and I drop the kids off and head back toward downtown.
Ginny heads to campus and I head back home to pick up Annarose, my 10 year old daughter. We hop on our bikes and head downtown to Annarose's school picking up Ella, our friend, along the way. I drop off the girls and ride to work.
Sometimes, if I am lucky I can even weasel my way into getting paid to ride my bike during the work day.
At 2:30 each afternoon, I head back to Smithton to pick up the Bike Brigade kids, then do the whole morning in reverse. Each morning and afternoon I ride about 10 miles back and forth to school and home.
I usually manage to sneak in a few more miles during the work day running errands, going to lunch, preveiwing ride routes, delivering stuff.
Except for today, there was no school today. I have been working from home in my pajamas all day. I have been sitting at my kitchen table in front of my computer for most of the last ten hours.
I feel like crap. I am so tired and brain dead, I can hardly stand it. I know why I feel so crummy despite the luxury of spending the day at home in my pajamas, it is because I haven't ridden my bike at all today. That stinks!
My husband just came home to save me suggesting a moonlight ride this evening. Yippee!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
A new bike love!
I love bikes; I love riding bikes; I love riding bikes in the mud.
Who knew? Actually, there were a few signs. The first being the fact that in every picture of me from the epic inaugural Mayor's Cup I have a huge grin on my face. (Those of you that were there...you remember why it was epic!) Also, the crazy XCX Cross County run is my favorite event of the year. Lot's-o-mud and getting dirty.
So when I saw an article about Cyclocross I was definitely interested. But...I don't like getting injured. That's why I never mountain biked. Jumping over rocks and felled trees just seemed like I was asking for trouble that would take six weeks to recover from. Plus I didn't own a mountain bike. I just couldn't see dragging Trixie or LaWayne through something like this. We know by now that Trixie has hidden capabilities (see Bike Obsession post) but this still seemed like too much.
I mentioned all of this to my co-worker Lawrence (new dad by the way!) and he said that Cyclecross isn't so much about the bike, but more about the fun. Huh? I've seen these dudes on YouTube videos. They are road riders that found another way to compete. Actually, he said, these races are intense but short and are really organized around a big party. No further words necessary; I was in. He told me about a race called Hermann Cross on Sept 18th and that I should enter.
But what about a bike? Yeah, that's a problem that I'm still working on. In the meantime, Lawrence loaned me his pregnant-but-not-anymore wife Dana's mountain bike and we had our first lesson.
First I got used to the feel of a mountain bike. I love the way you can trust it on gravel and in tight corners. I also love the fact that I don't see "wheel-truing dollar signs" at ever major bump and curb. Then I learned how to jump on and off the bike while it was rolling and I was running. Off is easy. Getting back on takes a high level of trust in yourself. Still, I got that under control and from that moment on I was hooked. This Cyclocross thing was way better than I thought it would be. I signed up for the race, not caring if I came in dead last. At least I was doing it.
The next night we went out to Grindstone Park and rode on the off-trail tracks back there. Mud, puddles, tree roots, wet grass. It was awesome! I enjoyed the concentration it takes to get through tricky areas. I went for the deepest part of the puddles. I had a smile on my face and mud in my teeth. I was ready for this Cyclo-thing!
So how was the race? Well, remember me mentioning that Lawrence was a new dad and that Dana was pregnant-but-not-anymore. We were all packed up to leave for Hermann and they decided that a quick check at the hospital was a good idea. Dana was due in a week and having some leakage. They never left Boone. Liam Paul was born around 11:30pm on Sept. 18.
I still haven't made my Cyclocross debut, but Liam had his world premier and I am just fine with that. It has been a joy to hold him and see his little baby expressions. I haven't gotten any mud on him yet, but there's still time.
Who knew? Actually, there were a few signs. The first being the fact that in every picture of me from the epic inaugural Mayor's Cup I have a huge grin on my face. (Those of you that were there...you remember why it was epic!) Also, the crazy XCX Cross County run is my favorite event of the year. Lot's-o-mud and getting dirty.
So when I saw an article about Cyclocross I was definitely interested. But...I don't like getting injured. That's why I never mountain biked. Jumping over rocks and felled trees just seemed like I was asking for trouble that would take six weeks to recover from. Plus I didn't own a mountain bike. I just couldn't see dragging Trixie or LaWayne through something like this. We know by now that Trixie has hidden capabilities (see Bike Obsession post) but this still seemed like too much.
I mentioned all of this to my co-worker Lawrence (new dad by the way!) and he said that Cyclecross isn't so much about the bike, but more about the fun. Huh? I've seen these dudes on YouTube videos. They are road riders that found another way to compete. Actually, he said, these races are intense but short and are really organized around a big party. No further words necessary; I was in. He told me about a race called Hermann Cross on Sept 18th and that I should enter.
But what about a bike? Yeah, that's a problem that I'm still working on. In the meantime, Lawrence loaned me his pregnant-but-not-anymore wife Dana's mountain bike and we had our first lesson.
First I got used to the feel of a mountain bike. I love the way you can trust it on gravel and in tight corners. I also love the fact that I don't see "wheel-truing dollar signs" at ever major bump and curb. Then I learned how to jump on and off the bike while it was rolling and I was running. Off is easy. Getting back on takes a high level of trust in yourself. Still, I got that under control and from that moment on I was hooked. This Cyclocross thing was way better than I thought it would be. I signed up for the race, not caring if I came in dead last. At least I was doing it.
The next night we went out to Grindstone Park and rode on the off-trail tracks back there. Mud, puddles, tree roots, wet grass. It was awesome! I enjoyed the concentration it takes to get through tricky areas. I went for the deepest part of the puddles. I had a smile on my face and mud in my teeth. I was ready for this Cyclo-thing!
So how was the race? Well, remember me mentioning that Lawrence was a new dad and that Dana was pregnant-but-not-anymore. We were all packed up to leave for Hermann and they decided that a quick check at the hospital was a good idea. Dana was due in a week and having some leakage. They never left Boone. Liam Paul was born around 11:30pm on Sept. 18.
I still haven't made my Cyclocross debut, but Liam had his world premier and I am just fine with that. It has been a joy to hold him and see his little baby expressions. I haven't gotten any mud on him yet, but there's still time.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Proposed wall on College Avenue
Did you read about the proposed $500,000 wall to prevent pedestrians from crossing College Avenue except at the light? Is it possible for a proposal to be more against the spirit of a walkable Columbia? College Avenue is already an ugly barrier between the two halves of the campus; this would increase the division and the ugliness.
I propose we make College Avenue where it runs through campus a mall-like area where pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists share the space. The space would be designed to encourage motorists to drive at 20 miles an hour. Something along these lines.
Of course I'm dreaming but maybe I'm not the only one.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Getting Started
This year, I finally decided to take the plunge. My husband, Ian, (yes, that Ian Thomas, ED of Pednet) pretty much LIVES the Low Car Diet Challenge, and I bike for lots of stuff, like about half of my commutes, doing the grocery shopping, various errands, etc, but I have made it a policy to avoid wet weather, and I do lots of driving for the kids. So the first thing I had to do was talk to the family. For Ian, my doing the LCDC would mean MORE driving than usual, which he was okay with to give me a chance to try car-free living. Our daughter, Emily, a 15-year-old sophomore at RBHS asked, "can I still ride with other people?" When told she could, she said no problem. Jack is 14 and a 9th grader at West. He said, "What difference will it make? I already ride my bike to everything anyway," which is partially true.
In fact, I have been tracking car trips for the family for about the last year. We average a little over one car journey per day, with over half being kid-activity-related, especially Emily, who is in lots of stuff before and after school, a fair number related to my work, and the rest miscellaneous. I do about 90 percent of the driving. I chose the Whoa! level because I really need to have a car on my on-call days at work. Luckily for me, this month was a major anomaly, with only one call day.
So I did a little preparation: Got the bike tuned up, of course, and bought some of the heavy/bulky stuff I know we will need, like 80 lbs of dog food, 50 pounds of chicken feed, and 2 hay bales. The rest was about attitude adjustment: I AM going to do this, even if it means leaving for work in the rain at 6:30 in the morning!
In fact, I have been tracking car trips for the family for about the last year. We average a little over one car journey per day, with over half being kid-activity-related, especially Emily, who is in lots of stuff before and after school, a fair number related to my work, and the rest miscellaneous. I do about 90 percent of the driving. I chose the Whoa! level because I really need to have a car on my on-call days at work. Luckily for me, this month was a major anomaly, with only one call day.
So I did a little preparation: Got the bike tuned up, of course, and bought some of the heavy/bulky stuff I know we will need, like 80 lbs of dog food, 50 pounds of chicken feed, and 2 hay bales. The rest was about attitude adjustment: I AM going to do this, even if it means leaving for work in the rain at 6:30 in the morning!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Well, it's only taken me 13 days and multiple failed attempts at logging in, but the stars must be in alignment today and I was able to log in to this. Now I ought to post something.
I'm doing the Whoa Car Challenge, driving only once a week. I love it. I've so far saved my car trips for going out to the farm, and for a work appointment to deliver a slipcover. The weather has been perfect and cooperative, the kids sometimes cooperative.
My dad died 10 days ago. I've found riding a good way to quiet some of the angst and anxiety that has been plaguing me. I've got this deep well of sadness as I move through my days. I can either sit around and do nothing, and let it stop me in my tracks, or I can move my body and it seems to quiet and soothe my hurt. Riding is good for your head.
Dad used to ride his bike to work a lot when I was a kid. Bikes ( and unicycles) were a big thing for us. When we were kids we all got our own brand new bike for our 13th birthday, and until that time we had to share and ride the crappy one speed bike that was passed down from kid to kid to kid (there were 6 of us). Dad had pretty specific ideas of what kind of bike we could get when we turned 13. I had very different ideas about what passed for cool and what would mark you as a Total Dork. Needless to say, his idea won the day, and I was marked as a total dork on my green Schwinn 3 speed. No banana seat. No fancy handlebars. Nope, not for me. For me, the dork bike. I was mortified. Dad had no conception of cool, never did. That dorky bike got me to school and back for years (we had no school buses, and no parent willing to chauffeur us to school daily, no way). So fast forward to 33 years later, when my daughter was ready for a new bike. We went over to see what the guys at Klunk had available. I knew she could find a good bike there. Imagine my shock and surprise when she chose, no, nothing from the cool selection of mountain bikes, but a blue Schwinn from the 1960's that looked just like my old dorky green one! I couldn't believe she was serious! I stopped myself from saying, "that dorky thing???!!!" She got a blue one speed Schwinn Hollywood. She was the happiest girl ever on that day. Too funny.
I'm doing the Whoa Car Challenge, driving only once a week. I love it. I've so far saved my car trips for going out to the farm, and for a work appointment to deliver a slipcover. The weather has been perfect and cooperative, the kids sometimes cooperative.
My dad died 10 days ago. I've found riding a good way to quiet some of the angst and anxiety that has been plaguing me. I've got this deep well of sadness as I move through my days. I can either sit around and do nothing, and let it stop me in my tracks, or I can move my body and it seems to quiet and soothe my hurt. Riding is good for your head.
Dad used to ride his bike to work a lot when I was a kid. Bikes ( and unicycles) were a big thing for us. When we were kids we all got our own brand new bike for our 13th birthday, and until that time we had to share and ride the crappy one speed bike that was passed down from kid to kid to kid (there were 6 of us). Dad had pretty specific ideas of what kind of bike we could get when we turned 13. I had very different ideas about what passed for cool and what would mark you as a Total Dork. Needless to say, his idea won the day, and I was marked as a total dork on my green Schwinn 3 speed. No banana seat. No fancy handlebars. Nope, not for me. For me, the dork bike. I was mortified. Dad had no conception of cool, never did. That dorky bike got me to school and back for years (we had no school buses, and no parent willing to chauffeur us to school daily, no way). So fast forward to 33 years later, when my daughter was ready for a new bike. We went over to see what the guys at Klunk had available. I knew she could find a good bike there. Imagine my shock and surprise when she chose, no, nothing from the cool selection of mountain bikes, but a blue Schwinn from the 1960's that looked just like my old dorky green one! I couldn't believe she was serious! I stopped myself from saying, "that dorky thing???!!!" She got a blue one speed Schwinn Hollywood. She was the happiest girl ever on that day. Too funny.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Best anti-car rant ever
I'd like to dedicate my September low car effort to Edward Abbey author of this wonderful anti-car rant. For best effect, you should read it aloud and with feeling.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Another September...
another no-car diet. I believe this is the third year of my participation. My first year struggles have since been remedied now with a stronger front rack to get 40lbs of dog food and a proper rain coat and fenders. The struggles of the second year still remain unsolved. How do you get to a wedding for a weekend? I did however get to Grandma's house for a birthday party, but she lived in Portland MO on the Katy, 66 miles each way in a weekend isn't that big of a deal...
This year marked the first year I actually owed my own vehicle. She is a butte. A '79 Ford Fairmont that is more of a joke to me and moves about every other week at the most and only then because I am afraid to drain the battery if I don't. The biggest challenge I am facing at the moment has been this lingering cold. It seems everybody has it right now so I shouldn't feel too special.
But the best part? Free coffee!
This year marked the first year I actually owed my own vehicle. She is a butte. A '79 Ford Fairmont that is more of a joke to me and moves about every other week at the most and only then because I am afraid to drain the battery if I don't. The biggest challenge I am facing at the moment has been this lingering cold. It seems everybody has it right now so I shouldn't feel too special.
But the best part? Free coffee!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Cyclist Salute
For those of you that always wanted to say "howdy" to your fellow cyclist across the way but were not sure how, Columbia now has its own Cyclist Salute. There is no official translation, but when giving the salute I like to think I'm saying, "May the wind stay at your back, my friend."
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Columbia By Bike
As part of the GetAbout Columbia Neighbors On the Go program we host a bike ride called "Columbia by Bike." These on the road rides include residential neighborhoods, streets with bike lanes and designated bike routes. This past weeks ride had a fantastic turnout that included two very inspirational individuals.
The first individuals is Leah McCoy. Leah is a 20 year-old college student who is determined to ride in this years MS-150. Leah wanted to participate in last years event but wasn't sure she could complete the distance. This year, with the help of her family, she is spending as much time as possible on her bike. This past weekend she rode the MKT trail all the way to Hartsburg, Mo with her family setting up mini aid stations along the way. During the "Columbia by Bike" rides Leah is always eager to learn the rules of the road and it's easy to see her determination and love for riding.
The Second individual is Alvin Sweezer. Alvin is a celebrity here at the PedNet office. Alvin works at Fairview Elementary as a custodian and rides his bike everywhere he goes. Alvin's commute from home to work is 15 miles one way. Alvin enjoys coming out to the "Columbia by Bike" rides to show his enthusiasm for bikes and to help others enjoy the pleasures of traveling through Columbia, Mo by bike.
(Here is Larry Simonson (PedNet) and Alvin enjoying some Randy's Frozen Custard after the ride)
If you are interested in attending the "Columbia by Bike," this next Monday, August 23 will be the last ride of the year. We meet in the parking lot adjacent to Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, 3306 W. Broadway Business Park Ct at 6:00. Please bring a repair kit, water, nutrition, and helmets are required. To view next weeks route click HERE.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Active Living Weekend
A few of us PedNet people traveled to St. Louis for the 2010 New Belgium Urban Assault Ride. This adventure race involved visiting various checkpoints around the city, navigating obstacles at each location, and solving a few mysteries along the way. The whole thing takes about 2 to 3 hours with a great after-party with food, games, New Belgium beer, and prizes.
Larry Simonson (PedNet) and his friend Derek Fox came in 4th overall. Gina Overshiner (Pednet) and her son Max took 2nd place in the family division. Tim Overshiner (PedNet) and his daughter Annarose came in 3rd.
Steve and Michelle (me) Windmoeller (PedNet) vowed that they were not competing, they were funning and it was a good thing. A spectacular tire blowout with crash just before the 4th checkpoint took Steve down. I had to go buy a tire and bring it back to him just to get us on the road again. At that point it was getting late and we were more interested in a cold beer than a several mile haul to REI in Brentwood. We took the DNF but had a great buzz via New Belgium Skinny Dip going by noon.
There's the specs. What impressed me, however, were the number of people out there--all shapes, ages, and sizes--willing to live an active life on bicycles.
**There were people there that got into cycling to lose weight. YES! I love it when people make changes for the better.
**There were kids there learning to be active from their parents. YES! I love that lesson.
**There were older people there that were slower than most, but they were moving. YES! I love that attitude.
Anyone, any size, any age can live an active life. Adding some crazy fun and a few beers to the mix doesn't hurt either.
Larry Simonson (PedNet) and his friend Derek Fox came in 4th overall. Gina Overshiner (Pednet) and her son Max took 2nd place in the family division. Tim Overshiner (PedNet) and his daughter Annarose came in 3rd.
Steve and Michelle (me) Windmoeller (PedNet) vowed that they were not competing, they were funning and it was a good thing. A spectacular tire blowout with crash just before the 4th checkpoint took Steve down. I had to go buy a tire and bring it back to him just to get us on the road again. At that point it was getting late and we were more interested in a cold beer than a several mile haul to REI in Brentwood. We took the DNF but had a great buzz via New Belgium Skinny Dip going by noon.
There's the specs. What impressed me, however, were the number of people out there--all shapes, ages, and sizes--willing to live an active life on bicycles.
**There were people there that got into cycling to lose weight. YES! I love it when people make changes for the better.
**There were kids there learning to be active from their parents. YES! I love that lesson.
**There were older people there that were slower than most, but they were moving. YES! I love that attitude.
Anyone, any size, any age can live an active life. Adding some crazy fun and a few beers to the mix doesn't hurt either.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
No Car, Low Car & Whoa! Car Challenge - How low can you go?
September 2010 marks the Fifth Anniversary of Pednet's
No Car, Low Car & Whoa! Car Challenge.
The purpose of the No Car, Low Car & Whoa! Car Challenge is to encourage people to rethink their use of cars. With a little planning and a healthy sense of adventure, it IS possible to live low car in America. Challenge participants will improve their health, save money and help the environment.
How low can YOU go?
No Car - No car means, no cars. These folks can not ride in or drive a car for the entire month. Active and public transportation are the only acceptable means.
Low Car - Low Car participants get one car weekend during the month.
Whoa! Car - Whoa! Car participants can ride in or drive a car one day per week.
Business Traveler - Car travel necessitated by work is allowed, but all personal travel must be done using active or public transportation.
How can I start preparing?
- Choose your participation level and main means of transportation.
-If you are going to be cycling, take a bike class or workshop.
Confident City Cycling, 08/21, 9am-6pm
Bike Skills 101, 08/23, 6-9pm
Tips to Keep You Going by Bike, 08/24, 6:30pm.
-Get your bike tuned up.
-Get out your favorite walking shoes.
-Start cycling or walking to run errands, visit friends, and go to work or school.
-Explore alternate routes to your most common destinations.
-Think about obstacles you may encounter and ways to over come them.
-Check out Columbia's new expanded City Bus services.
-Participate in Columbia's first ever Cycle Chic Sundays ride, 08/29, 4-6pm.
See websites below for information on classes, rides and workshops.
Sounds fun! What's in it for me?
-A sense of satisfaction for taking on and overcoming a challenge.
-Cool perks and prizes from awesome local sponsors including, but not limited to: Cafe Berlin, Cyclextreme, Flatbranch Pub and Brewing, Klunk Cycles, Makes Scents, and Walt's Bike Shop.
-Share your car free experiences in the world famous No Car, Low Car & Whoa! Car Challenge Blog.
-The chance to win fabulous prizes.
-Freebies and perks all month long from our local sponsors
-PLUS free bus fare for the whole month!
-Group rides and events to celebrate low car living.
I'm in! How do I sign up?
You can sign up at www.pednet.org or by emailing your name and participation level to gina@pednet.org
Helpful websites
Confident City Cycling: www.pednet.org/confident-city-cycling.asp
Bike Skills 101: www.pednet.org/bike-skills-101
Tips to Keep You Going by Bike: www.getaboutcolumbia.com Click on "Calendar"
Cycle Chic Sunday Columbia: www.getaboutcolumbia.com Click on "Calendar"
Cycle Chic Sundays: www.cyclechicsundays.com
Where cycle chic began: www.copenhagencyclechic.com
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Can I Go Low-Car in September?
How low can I go?
http://www.pednet.org/programs/no-car-diet-challenge.asp
Setting goals for myself has been a very successful way for me to life a healthier lifestyle. A few years ago a friend challenged me to give up sugar for the holiday season. That turned into a year of eating very little sugar, dropping 30 pounds, and the end of my struggles with mild depression.
Losing that weight left me with more energy so I was able to increase my daily exercise. I started riding my bike more, which lead to even more weight loss and increased muscle tone, and thus even more energy! What an awesome cycle I was on!
My new challenge is a half-marathon (13.1 miles) in October. That challenge has kept me regularly running four mornings a week even though the temps have been mighty high this summer. There are many mornings I would rather sleep in, but the thought of that event looming keeps me going.
So, yes...I will do the Low Car challenge. Every time I have to leave the house, the challenge will make me think "Can I do this without a car?" Most of the time my answer will be YES, which will keep my weight down, make me stronger, help me run faster and longer, and then...well, the cycle just keeps going and new challenges will present themselves.
http://www.pednet.org/programs/no-car-diet-challenge.asp
Setting goals for myself has been a very successful way for me to life a healthier lifestyle. A few years ago a friend challenged me to give up sugar for the holiday season. That turned into a year of eating very little sugar, dropping 30 pounds, and the end of my struggles with mild depression.
Losing that weight left me with more energy so I was able to increase my daily exercise. I started riding my bike more, which lead to even more weight loss and increased muscle tone, and thus even more energy! What an awesome cycle I was on!
My new challenge is a half-marathon (13.1 miles) in October. That challenge has kept me regularly running four mornings a week even though the temps have been mighty high this summer. There are many mornings I would rather sleep in, but the thought of that event looming keeps me going.
So, yes...I will do the Low Car challenge. Every time I have to leave the house, the challenge will make me think "Can I do this without a car?" Most of the time my answer will be YES, which will keep my weight down, make me stronger, help me run faster and longer, and then...well, the cycle just keeps going and new challenges will present themselves.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Living the Active Life
One great thing about working for the PedNet Coalition is that it gives me lots of great reasons to get out and live the active life. Last Saturday I taught a Confident City Cycling class all day and rode about 16 miles over the course of the day. Last night my family did the Neighbors on the Go family scavenger hunt and walked all over the West Broadway business area. Tonight I am leading a Women's Fitness Trail Ride that will have me traveling about 12 miles on the beautiful, and mostly shaded, MKT trail.
You don't have to work for PedNet to take part or even find out about these activities, though. Anyone can take a cycling class, join a guided ride, or get involved in one of our many bicycling, walking or wheeling activities. The website is a great way to find out what is going on or you can join PedNet (it's FREE for basic membership) and get our e-mail newsletter.
There really is something for everyone at every fitness level. You'll never regret living the active life.
You don't have to work for PedNet to take part or even find out about these activities, though. Anyone can take a cycling class, join a guided ride, or get involved in one of our many bicycling, walking or wheeling activities. The website is a great way to find out what is going on or you can join PedNet (it's FREE for basic membership) and get our e-mail newsletter.
There really is something for everyone at every fitness level. You'll never regret living the active life.
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