My Atomic Dustbin

Well its been awhile. The ole commuting was interrupted by Beach vacation: good. And 10 year anniversary trip to Chincoteague: very very good. Thus it took a week or so to get back in the saddle and reset my internal clock sufficiently. Driving the car did make me appreciate both why people enjoy driving and why I like to bike commute. Driving long distance on the highway with good tuneage on the radio or ipod in light traffic is heady stuff. There's a bit of a power trip piloting a big steel churning machine at high speed down the highway, keeping that power under control. There is also frustration and stress when driving in rush hour traffic that makes me yearn to be smoothly pedaling home, powering up climb in the big ring where I used to use the granny gear. So it's good to be cycling when I can and driving when I must.

Of course, now they're planning to close the Jordan Bridge. Just as I'm getting pretty comfortable with my current route. A quick google map check shows that the next closest bridge (the Gilmerton) will double my morning commute distance to maybe 16 miles. On the one hand this sucks (as in getting up 30 min earlier sucks). On the other hand, I've been trying to figure out how to get in more miles. This may be the universe's answer. The Jordan Bridge situation also gave me another excuse to email HRT to complain about the Elizabeth River Ferry Scheduling. I've never understood why the earliest ferry from Norfolk to Portsmouth is at 7:15 am when the largest employer in Portsmouth (Norfolk Naval Shipyard) starts its day at 7:20 am. Back when Hurricane Isabel closed the Midtown Tunnel, they began running the ferry an hour earlier. Allowing lots of folks to consider an alternate route. I was able to bike to work for the first time. Of course when the tunnel reopened, HRT took the option away. Their response to my email was that there was not sufficient demand. Lazy thinking on their part IMHO. How do you know there isn't demand if you don't keep it going and promote it. I guess $2/gal gas at the time didn't give folks much reason to try. But now with more expensive gas, and more traffic congestion, HRT may extract head from ass and reconsider.

Well having mentioned my luck with flats in the wrap up, of course I get one on the way home Friday. But luckily it was a nice day and the hissing started as I was crossing the Hague footbridge. At the end of the bridge is a low wall and the perfect work area, not in anyones way, in the shade. Put bike up on the kickstand and pulled the rear wheel. Two different folks stopped to see if I needed help, offering use of patch kit, but I carry a spare tube (and 2 patchkits) so I thanked them and got to work. Tube changeout went even smoother than last time (although my CO2 seemed a bit low, but it was enough to get me home). I was only 15 minutes late. Hey that’s not Tour Day France fast but not bad really (for me). Speaking of TDF, in honor of the TDF rest day on Monday, I decided to have a rest day as well, sleep an extra hour, and drive in. I needed to replenish clothing, towels and such and the wife needs empty boxes. The real reason though was that I really needed it. I didn’t really get much muscle rest on the weekend (actually I over did the yardwork on Saturday and was paying for it in spades). Additionally, my bike was not in the best of shape either ( I think the flats were a cry for attention). So I took another rest day on Tuesday (for the bike you know). Gave old Bloo a good washing and lubing, patched up the old tubes to restock my spare supply and got a good nights rest. On Wednesday morning I discovered first hand what muscle recovery is all about! And rediscovered the adage about keeping tires tight and chains lubed. The old bike felt smooth as butter and the drivetrain was quiet as can be. I quickly found myself rolling several mph faster than I had recently without even trying. (Note: there was a slight tailwind in place of the headwind of past weeks). Still, the legs were feeling grand and I blasted up the climbs. I felt quite rejuvenated, looser, more comfortable. Stronger, thinner, faster, ok, let’s not get carried away. Let’s just say that Rest Days Are Good! I hope they go as well for Cadel Evans.

Wow! 17 (work) days straight. I’m somewhat amazed at myself that I’ve been able to keep it up. I’ve been blessed with good luck (only one flat through a sea of glass) and good weather (only caught in the rain once). No crashes (knock on wood) and only minor soreness. I’m no longer intimidated by any of the (arguably small) climbs on my route. I think this is more of a psychological gain rather than a real gain in fitness. My bike handling skills have gotten better (but still need improvement) and I feel much more confident in traffic. (I must admit Critical Mass helped quite a bit with feeling less threatened in traffic). Also “situational awareness” is better: though I still make some dumb moves no and then (usually involving peds), I’ve been able to avoid taking unnecessary risks. There is a heightened awareness that goes with cycling and most of my dumb moves have been when I’ve gotten complacent or over confident. Things to work on: Need to stretch more. My muscles are weird. They usually don’t hurt after a workout until two days later. So my quads, glutes and calves have been in a semi constant low level soreness for the entire month. I attribute this to muscle growth (as this makes me feel better about it) but I think being more consistent about stretching will help. Bike Maintenance: I know ole Bloo is basically a beater bike, and dings and scratches are joyfully ignored, but with the increase in mileage, I need to take better care of the ride (especially drivetrain). I’m also thinking full fenders will help (the rain won’t stay away forever). But all in all, it’s been a blast so far. And I’m already getting fitted for my very own cone of smugness.

Friday was kind of a strange day and I was indecisive as usual. I had an 0830 dental appointment so I new I wasn’t going to go in to work until after that. So my brain went something like: “Should I drive? Maybe just drive to the dentist? Long ride in after or take the ferry? It’s going to be hotter than normal since it’s later. You won’t have chance to shower when you get there” Body checked in a little tired: “ I’m a little tired.” Then I finally “woke up.” Are you a cyclist or what?!! Tossed on shorts and t-shirt and messenger bag, u-lock, basic toolkit and hopped on the Peugeot to go to the dentist. I mean jeez, it’s only about a mile. I took it slow and arrived still feeling pretty fresh. No trouble at dentist (they moved me out to 6 months, huzzah). Biking back, I’m thinking, if I take the ferry both ways today, I should be able to ride the Peug and if I take it easy, I won’t be too sweaty. To wit, I came home, changed into my commute clothes, packed up work clothes and headed to the ferry. The Peugeot is much faster and lighter than my regular converted mtb ride, but it’s still got crappie saddle problem and not exactly dialed in fit wise. Still it was comfortable enough to cover the 3 miles to the ferry, and just barely break a sweat. Pulled up just as ferry was loading at 13 min after. Ferry ride was nice, with bright morning sun (its 1020 by this time). Simple 1 mile ride in the rest of the way with very little traffic via the Pathway of History (echo, echo, echo) and I’m in. Quick change to work clothes behind the wall next to my desk and voila. Hauling the (comparably) feather weight Peugeot up the stairs was also a treat. I’m pretty proud of the Peugeot (since I saved her from the dumpster and rebuilt her myself). So I had been looking forward to bringing her in and showing her off a bit (although she is not a showy bike by any means). Still, nobody really noticed or cared. Whatever. Ride home should have been easy reverse of the morning. Checked the weather radar and noticed storms in the area, but seemed far enough off to make it home dry. Crossing on the ferry I could see the rain off in the distance. I was going to have to move pretty fast to make it. Spinning smooth on other side of the Brambleton Bridge, I felt the first rain drop. By the time I’m at Terminal Tower, it’s coming down steady and I see the first lightning. By Plum Point Park it’s a torrent and I’m soaked but laughing. Huge gusts of wind, sheets of rain washing over me, no fenders, but I’m not minding. I’m less than a mile from home, just got to keep my head up, watch my braking, stay upright. I got my shower today after all! After drying out I fit in Critical Mass between getting young one to swim team function and getting her fed and trying to figure out what I’m supposed to be doing to help out. Critical Mass was kind of small, maybe 20 or so. Many I suppose were spooked by thunderstorms.

Monday awoke to dark clouds and rain. Weather check showed me that the rain was going to move off, so I skipped the rain jacket, but knowing that I’ll be dodging puddles and probably get a bit damp anyway. Compared to Friday’s drenching, I don’t see a problem. Legs feel a bit hard to get up to speed, but once I get them spinning, they seem to come back to life. In fact I’m feeling so good at the foot of the Berkely Bridge, I decide to really power up it with a bigger gear than normal. This is a mistake I realize as I near the top. This is Monday you dope! I just powered through bunches of fresh glass from the weekend over hard to see wet surfaces. I decide to stop at the top to and do a tire check. Tire check seems clean, butt wet tires make it hard to see shiny stuff. Made it across Jordan bridge ahead of what looked to be a waiting bridge lift. Huzzah, I will be early this morning, Coming down the Borum Overpass, something does not feel right. Jumping the tracks, No definitely wrong. Tire going down, which is it? Rear feels ok I think, but I don’t want to turn to look at it. Front seems a little low but…making turn is super squirrely. Keeping straight seem ok…definitely the front is in trouble, but not completely flat. I’m half a mile from office. I slow way down and limp in. Almost wipe out on last set of tracks, mostly due to sliding rear on the wet track. Well crap, my first flat. Likely wont’ be my last. After shower damage report: Rear is intact, dried tire and did more detailed search for embedded objects. Pulled off the front, inspection found small 1/8” wedge of glass shard. I bet that’s the culprit. Marked the spot with hi-liter. Pulled one side of tire off rim. Yanked out the old tube. Finger inspected the inner tire and sure enough I could feel where it just barely pushed past the fabric. Well do I leave the tiny hole, or throw a patch over it? Decided to put a patch inside with its backing on just to be safe. Spare tube installed. Rolled tire bead back on (it was surprisingly easy this time. Always had trouble in the past. I think keeping my gloves on and using the rolling motion was key). Well almost a month of daily commuting before my first flat. I hope that wasn’t all just luck. Ride home was broken up by the ferry. But not per usual. For the first time, I've encountered, it was late. Evidently some problem with the dollar eating machine. Some HRT technician kept breaking it down and then running out to his van for parts. Meanwhile the Ole Capt. was getting anxious, calling down to his crew (of teenagers) what's going on? gotta go! Finally left High St at 10 after. I know 10 minutes is not that much but usually I can set my watch by the ferry. Folks were getting kind of antsy. Took it slow rest of way home due to only 50 psi in front tire.

The following is posted with apologies to Phil Liggett, Paul Sherwin and BikeSnobNYC. It is the product of a deranged mind.

Phil: Well it’s a marvelous smokey morning here at the Tour de River Commute. The sights and smells are making it extra special.
Paul: It sure is Phil and I hope the riders are ready for what may prove to be an intense effort for today’s stage. The Queen stage of this year’s River Commute Tour promises fireworks aplenty.

Paul: The riders are well underway and we already have several dogs on the course.
Phil: Yes it’s a beautiful sport, but a shame the crowds can’t respect the rider’s safety and leave their pets at home!

Paul : And there’s an attack at the first intermediate sprint. A rider in red has soundly defeated the Grandeur of the Seas.
Phil: Why that wasn’t even close, Paul, perhaps that ship is conserving its energy for GC.

Paul: The speed is increasing as we approach the major climb of the day.
Phil: Our leader on the road is dancing on the pedals, motoring up the climb like a man possessed. He passes a rider who was in the early break like he was standing still!
Paul: Well, Phil, that may be because that early break rider was off the bike and walking it up. That just goes to show the incredible intensity of today’s test.

Paul: And he’s taking enormous chances on the downhill descent. I think he going to have a go at the next intermediate sprint. And there he goes!
Phil: Where is he getting this energy from? I haven’t seen a solo attack like this since Landis on Stage 17.
Paul: More like a Jens Voigt or Cancellara to me Phil.
Phil: That’s right Paul, we probably shouldn’t have mentioned that embarrassing episode.

Paul: Incredible! A train has crossed in front of the race! The peloton is bearing down behind our man like a hungry pack of wolves. The race organizers should be red faced about this!
Phil: This will stop our man in front. Surely this will mean the sprinters will have their day.


Paul: The train is passed and he’s off again. Incredible industrial scenery today as the peloton powers over this ancient bridge in pursuit of our race leader.
Phil: Yes I rather think it reminds me of the gorgeous man made vistas from our recent Tour de Jersey coverage.
Paul: Right you are Phil, but the riders need all their powers of concentration to make this tricky narrow bridge crossing. A tremendous headwind seems to be holding them back.
Phil: And no way for the teams to organize their echelons. They may not catch him! Like Rasmussen at Tignes.

Paul: We shouldn’t mention him either Phil.
Phil: Oh right.

Paul: He’ll really have to dig deep into that briefcase of courage if he wants to stay away from that raging peloton.
Phil: I don’t know Paul, they seem to be having trouble getting organized at the front. He’s in the final kilometer, there’s the flame rouge. Just one more small climb and flat all the way in to the finish. His grimace turns to smile. A look back, yes no one will catch him now. Arms raised in victory. An impressive win.

POP!

Drat! back to reality. Well I shouldn't be kissing any podium girls anyhoo.

Same jogging group with Amish farm women in the “autobus” on Friday morning. Maybe they’re here for Bayou Boogaloo (note they seem to be gone by Monday) although if true that may be even more surreal. Amish Cajuns? Dutch apple jambalaya? Andouille sausage mit kraut?. What’s next, melting clocks? Monkeys with bleeding hearts? Outrageous mustaches? Unibrows? Actually, I would welcome them all. Life needs a little weirdness now and then. Had an interesting near miss (or near hit if you’re into VPP) on Friday. Coming down Bainbridge an older model Acura pulls up to stop at a side street that I am approaching. I watch him pretty close and as he does his “pre turn” I realize he’s moving at just the right turn rate that his A-pillar is continuously blocking his view of me. Just as I’m thinking, “man I bet he doesn’t see me” sure enough he starts to pull out right in front of me. Full brake, “hey, whoa, jeez!” war cry. He sees me now. I think I scared the crap out of him. I didn’t feel too bad about this guy since it was mere happenstance that he pulled up at just the right angle to block me with his A-pillar. But it made me more wary and thoughtful about making eye contact whenever possible and when I don’t I have to assume they don’t see me and be prepared. Another Friday, note to self: Heavy Mexican meal night before morning commute not the best of ideas.

Monday: Brambleton Bridge mystery seems solved (sort of). It has reopened with just a short section of sidewalk still closed on lead up to bridge. Seems they were digging out and regarding the area around the base of the bridge. They still have mystery holes and drainage pumps in the sidewalk, but it’s an easy curb hop to get around them now. That saves me ½ mile each way.

Tuesday morning had nice old cruiser guy coming down Berkley Bridge warn me about glass up the trail. Thanks man! I was able to spot it and got off to walk bike through. I need to get over my flat out fears. Maybe I’ll do some flat tire drills this weekend. Lots of puddles reminded me once again how much I really need to spring for some fenders. Got passed by roadie commuter past Jordan Bridge. Decided to see if I could chase him down. Made up some ground on the road up to the gate, but I couldn’t match his climbing speed over the overpass. Maintained the gap throughout the shipyard where he turned into the CIA. Still it felt good to open up and pedal hard. Working on doing more upstroke pedaling with the SPD’s. Less mashing, better for the knees I hope.

Speaking of knees and mashing, I rode my Peugeot fixed/ss project bike a bit this past weekend to run some night errands (emergency mint chocolate chip ice cream request). I had been waiting to put lights on it, but I thought, “Well if I just rubberband a flashlight to the bars and use my messenger bag with blinkie attached, I should be good to go, hauling back whatever in the bag.” It worked great! I really see the appeal of the bag when used with a bike. I could carry a movie back to NaroVideo, pick up a half gallon of ice cream, various drugstore requests and u-lock and never take it off, just sliding around to get out money or lock and slide it back around, clip and go. (Checkout girl even commented on my “handbag or whatever.” I don’t think she really understood) Bag adjusts well to whatever odd sized load I have. Liked it so much, I got up the next morning and zipped out for a gallon of milk and a dozen (Do-nut Dinette) donuts (yum). (Ed note: for the family of course) I know my timbuk2 is not a “real” bike courier bag, but then again I am not a “real bike courier” and don’t pretend to be (as if this 43 yo flab machine could even think to pull off that masquerade). The bag works for me and I get giddy about simple designs that get the job done. Of the knee/mashing part, I’ve been riding the fixed gear a bit and was getting sore knee feedback pretty quickly. Switching to single speed mode has helped and of course I feel safer. I think this old dog is going to need work up some more leg strength and ride the fixed under more controlled conditions before I take it fixed onto the road (not to mention tackling the Berkley Bridge). The bike also needs a new saddle, but I’m loving how my handlebar tape with beer bottle cap endplugs turned out. Plus it feels like a rocket compared to my trusty (but heavy) steel mountainbike commuter. A more complete report on the Peugeot Project will be forthcoming.

Ran late and felt ragged. Legs felt ok, but had to stop to get out my badge (usually remember to stage it in pocket) and then I seemed to be hitting every little rock in the road. Crossing Brambleton, I hit one rock that did the tiddly wink thing and made such a load sound that I was worried that I may have pinch flatted. Kept checking the rear until I got to Freemason and stopped to see if I had a problem. No hissing, tire still firm. Houston we’re a go. Park closed again for Bayou Boogaloo. Detoured onto Waterside. Screw your festivals! I shouted as I passed a 13News truck setting up for some morning shot. Other side of Wachovia Tower I found myself heading into a increasing stream of fast walker/joggers. Normally there are a few of these folks here and there on my route, but this seemed like some organized large group. All wearing badges of some sort. Older couples, middle aged women, Amish people….what? A group of Amish folk jogging in the back of the pack! At least they were dressed like Amish straight out of Witness. Do Amish jog? Maybe they’re Mennonites. I resisted the urge to yell “GO FLOYD” at them. My morning had really turned very surreal.

Ride home involved bike shop to get red handlebar tape for the Peugeot project. Funny no numb or tingly hands today at all? Saw old biker dude again, this time on a road bike. hmmm. So the recumbent was not a necessity.

Have got to play catch up on the ole log. I think perhaps an every day log is not too practical, as some days there just isn’t time to find the time. And if I hold myself to that level of rigor, I’ll just end up beating the crap out of myself. I’m finally doing something that I’ve ached to do for years and I must not let my brain squish all the fun out of it! Okay, the rides:

Monday (Day 7) was smokey in the morning. The NC fires seem to continue on and on like some giant flaming tire mountain. Actually for us its more like a giant campfire, where you keep having to get up and move your chair when the smoke starts blowing in your face. Except you can’t move out of the way and just have to pray for a wind shift so it will blow on someone else. Biking in it wasn’t so bad, but my eyes were stinging and felt kind of out of sorts. Ride home meant going straight to the Mallory for miss A’s swimming time trials. She did well, but I was somewhat uncomfortable still in my work clothes in the afternoon heat. Monday night there were storms which I thought would take care of the smoke, but lo it was there more than ever on:

Tuesday (Day 8) morning. I discovered my route to be puddle strewn due to overnight rain. I avoided most of it but at Bainbridge and Poindexter, it covered most of the road, above my pedal low point. Nothing for it but to pedal through. I really only got one shoe totally immersed, but the flying spray was a messy reminder that I really need fenders. Ride home: decided to take advantage of my enforced detour (due to continuing Brambleton Bridge Sidewalk Closing mystery) and just continue into Ghent and run some errands (Bike shop, Drug store). It seems kind of silly to bike to and from work and then have to get in a car to run errands around my neighborhood.

Wednesday (Day 9), smoke gone for now. Hands have been particularly numb/tingly this morning. I fought it off as much as I could with changing hand positions, but it was bothersome throughout the ride. It’s weird, on some days I have no problems with my hands and on others it’s constant. Ride home was nice with temps in the low 80s. Passed and older gentleman going the other way on Mowbray Arch on a nice recumbent. He smiled and gave me the high sign and gave him my "chapeau" salute. I know recumbent bikes catch a lot of dorky grief in the biking universe, but it may well be my future one day if I want to keep cycling into old age. I'd rather be dorky but still cycling when I reach whatever age the good Lord allows. So rock on recumbent riders everywhere. I hear you are pretty fast!

It’s been a good week. I have learned much. My legs are surprisingly stiff and sore. Well I guess not SO surprisingly. Although I did not think that the 13-14 mi per day would be all that challenging, I should have realized that I hadn’t rode that much, consistently, everyday since I was a youngster delivering newspapers on my orange Schwinn 5-speed with the banana seat back in the 70’s. I’ve learned that six hours of sleep each night tends to counteract the energizing effect of cycling twice a day. I’ve learned my tires are tougher, and that I need gears on my “hills” more than I thought. I’ve learned that I fear getting doored or hit by someone pulling out of a parking space more than getting run down from behind.

I now see why cycling would be attractive to Buddhists. It is the middle path. I worry about hitting pedestrians, just as I fear being hit by a car. There is a constant shifting in the mind between not hitting and not getting hit. I don’t know enough about the fine details of Buddhist philosophy to go much further, but I think there is something about finding balance in life in its creed. What about cycling is NOT about balance in some form? The obvious about staying upright, the two wheels, finding the right gear, the right cadence, keeping the right tire pressure, tightening bolts, lockrings, headsets, seatposts, but not too tight. Finding the groove, the sweet spot, the comfort zone. This is what it’s all about: Literally, Comprehensively. I guess that’s why Buddhism works so well for so many as a guide to life

Trip in: 9.05 mi approx 40 min!

Cooler morning than I've had so far. Feels nice after all that heat and humidity before. Brambleton Street Bridge mystery has caused another problem. My detour route means having to cross Brambleton at Colley. I'm coming from the side (Fort Norfolk) that few seem to be coming from. Thus the traffic light sequence bypasses me. If there was an obvious cut or line for the induction coil, I'd try to run along it to get my bike to trip it, but they have hidden it well. Luckily I noticed that even though I had a red light, it had everyone stopped for traffic turning onto Brambleton from Colley. So as soon as that traffic cleared, I motored across no problem. Whew. I wish they finish tweakin' the freakin' bridge, so I don't have to use this much brain so early in the morning. I think I should ask the greater LJ universe, "How's my driving?" Here's how I am currently handling a tricky intersection. Going down S. Main St (which is a pretty wide two lane road) I have to make a left turn onto Bainbridge, which is right before the highway offramp. When I'm approaching my turn, I signal, check mirror, and do a lookback then move out to take the lane. Hopefully not too soon as to obstruct traffic, but not so late as to surprise someone. Then I signal my left turn and here's where I see a problem. I now have to check traffic from three directions (not counting behind me): Oncoming traffic, cars turning right from the offramp (and probably not looking my direction) and cars pulling out from Bainbridge. And it happened today that there was traffic in all three places. I pretty much just hauled ass to make my turn before anybody got close or did something stupid. But the timing might not be so good next time. Is there a safer, smarter way to handle this traffic situation? What do you in the universe think?

Trip home: 4.26 mi approx 45 min w/ferry

Here's something I noticed. Whenever I move to bike in traffic and go into "I'm a vehicle too" mode, I find myself unconsciously putting the hammer down, increasing my speed. I'm sure its a safer thing to do. The less speed differential the better. But I wonder if it is somehow triggering my competitive nature. "Pass me will ya! You big hunk of steel. I'll show you I can move pretty fast as well"

Trip in: 9.06 mi approx 45 min

Even later this morning 0618. I gotta get to bed earlier. Feeling pretty good leg wise. Not so good finger wise, or more specificaly thumb wise as I crunched my thumb trying to adjust saddle on my fixie/ss. Luckily it just hurts on the top of my thumb, so its not a bother when cycling. Maybe its the cooler weather, but got more smiles and nods from peds today. The Brambleton Bridge mystery continues, but the detour is not that bad, 'cept puts me in traffic. But I'm getting to kinda like riding in traffic. I even had a driver yield to ME! when he didn't have to. Am considering altering my route to go around the Pagoda Garden. It's a pretty sight every day but has blind entrances so I'm always worrying about clocking someone. Of course my alternative means more street time which increases my risk of being clocked. I find I worry more about hitting or being hit by those I can't see rather than those I can (and who can see me, hopefully). Cycling is a risk, but not any more statistically than driving a car. I think we feel more comfortable in a car because of the level of control it gives. (well that and all that steel around you). I'm endevoring to reach that level of control and thus comfort on my bike. Even if it may all just be an illusion anyway. Okay, back on course. All else went smooth. Climbed Poindexter well, kept up better speed crossing Jordan. Can't allow myself to get complacent there, however. Actually passed another biker (on a cruiser) instead of getting smoked myself. Felt strong up Borum and felt fast through the shipyard. Actually felt pretty energized all day. Thanks bike commute!

Trip home: 4.26 mi 40 min

There are advantage and disadvantages to just biking home in your work clothes. I've been just keeping my work clothes on with just a change of shoes since it's been cooler. I still sweat a bit, but bike clothes from morning are much lighter in my messenger bag. Plus I don't have to make an end of day change in to smelly (and perhaps still damp) morning bike togs, which makes packing up to go out the door easier. Also I get to rock the super bike geek look by tucking my pants legs into my socks! Grant Peterson would be proud! thankfully my work wardrobe consists mainly of jeans and some sort of collared shirt. I'd be less likely to do this if I had to wear a suit, of course that would push the bike geek quotient even higher, but I'd look like a Morman on mission. (not that there's anything wrong with that...) Besides my ride home is less about exertion and more about unwinding the day. Feeling the river breezes on the ferry. Riding no hand on smooth asphalt around the Hague. Pulling into home feeling a little less stress.

Trip in: 9.59 approx 45 min

Supposed to be cooler, but morning temp at 0615 is about the same as yesterday, feels a bit better though with N wind plus the NC smoke is gone. Typical run through the dog walkers, joggers, and sailors; all good. Brambleton Bridge path still mysteriously closed. They actually added more signs and barriers, but not workman (still to early in the morning no doubt, 0620). Instead of risking riding with traffic on Brambleton, I doubled back to Colley, crossed over and picked up the jog path on the other side of the bridge, then crossed back over at the new traffic light at Botetourt. Tried a different path through Freemason to avoid sidewalk and still avoid the cobblestone. Still had to cross one section of pave' but at least I was off the sidewalk (not sure how my fixed gear will take the cobbles). Needless to say I am NOT a "hardman for the Spring Classics". I'm just a middle aged bike commuter trying to avoid pinch flats and limiting wear and tear on the machinery (bike and human). At Berkley Bridge, saw another biker ahead of me, but I just settled in for my regular climb, scanning hard for broken glass. Very little! Someone has been cleaning up. Near the top I realize I've made up some ground on the guy ahead and he's taking it pretty slow on the descent. Is he waiting up for me? I do my normal 20 mph downhill and have to slow it down as I'm catching him too fast. At the bottom he signals left turn and I realize he's heading toward the VDOT maintenance building. Hmm, a bridge maintenance guy biking in to work. Excellent! Perhaps this is why there seems to have been a glass cleansing? I remember to check the street sweep results on Main St. Not to shabby, a good bit less dirt and rocks in the gutter. Not perfect but better. Kudos City of Norfolk. Turn onto Bainbridge was a little hairier that I normally shoot for, but no horns at me so all good. I'll be more patient next time. I should mention that I'm really starting to like Bainbridge Blvd. It's wide, straight, with mostly new asphalt and low/slow traffic. I can really hear the quiet whir of my tires on the road. A soothing sound for me. Crossing Jordan (Bridge) was less attractive than Jill Hennessy, but better than anything on TV. Right turn to gate and Borum overpass and I'm in the shipyard and among the most traffic I see the whole commute. At least if something happens to me within the shipyard, emergency response time would be fast and they'd be lots of witnesses. But traffic is slow and feel pretty safe. All the more reason for me to bike smart and be as predictable as possible. It's a good place to practice using my mirror and look backs.

Trip Home: 4.59 mi approx 40 min

Cool enough to bike home in my work clothes in comfort if still a bit sweaty. Easy ride to ferry. I usually cut through the “Pathways of History” to avoid traffic. I need to stop and read the markers one day, when I don’t have a ferry to catch. Also cut through Ntelos Pavilion. I almost never encounter either peds or cars. I’m thinking that if ever I come through here when a concert is gearing up, it may be troublesome. I’ll use Porte Center Pkwy in that event I suppose. Ferry ride was nice and soothing today with the cooler breezes. Ferry much less crowded today, couple of bikers, older guys (even older than me). Seemed to be pointedly ignoring me when I nodded greeting so, continued my merry way. Took alternate route past YMCA to note the progress in construction. Reversing the “pave’ avoidance” route of the morning put me going wrong way down one way streets. Not good. May have to stick to sidewalk route. Still having to detour around Brambleton Bridge. Guess its not too bad since route along the Hague through Ghent is pleasant and mostly car free.

Bah! Another late start. Forgot to put the trash bins out! Feeling a little knackered this morning. Temperature is actually pretty good this morning considering the forecast for later is for deadly hot. Pulling up to Brambleton Bridge found as I suspected “Sidewalk Closed” signs, with multiple barriers and barrels and such to discourage cheating. I can see no real reason for this. There are no workers present, no holes in the sidewalk. There is a detour sign, helpfully just pointing to the left into traffic. Hmm, well you know, right now there is not any traffic coming. Jumped down onto the road and sprinted over the bridge as fast as I could (meaning about 17-18 mph maybe 20 on the down hill side) and traffic didn’t catch up until I was almost to the turn into Freemason. That saved some time and was only marginally risky. Berkley Bridge was surprisingly less glass strewn. Maybe someone does clean up around here. The climb hurt a bit more, so I took it slow. A bit more traffic approaching the Poindexter overpass, but everyone well behaved (including me). Okay there was this one BMW who blasted over the bridge doing about 60 mph but he was in far left lane. Crossing Jordan (sounds biblical doesn’t it?) went smooth, went a bit faster, encountered two bikers coming opposite way, pulled over for them. They gave warnings about crazy drivers out today. Thanks guys, I’ll keep a look out. Could only take their warnings but so seriously as they were riding without helmets going opposite traffic (well I guess you have to if you want to get over Jordan). Borum overpass, steep and short. Lots of shipyard peds today. For some reason drivers seem to make a better effort to yield to peds in the shipyard than elsewhere. Not sure why this is. Good thing though, but it means I try not to weave in and out of peds, messenger style around here.  Can’t have drivers get a better safety rep around here than I (cyclist).

The trip home: 4.62 mi approx 40 min
Another hot one. Some folks at work think I’m a little nuts to be cycling in the heat. Just wait until they see me ride in the rain. Ride home was pretty standard excepting the heat, which really wasn’t all that bad. The haze kept the sun from being too oppressive. Tomorrow will be cooler.

The trip in: 8.83 mi approx 45 min

Monday’s suck a bit. Tummy’s not feeling quite right, probably due to last night’s Mexican Fish Tacos while meeting PJ’s girlfriend Rebecca. Nice girl, seems a good match for the PJman!  Also, decided at last minute to brown bag lunch it today, so late start (0613). Cycling smooth and easy down the river trail. Lot’s of peds to/from MHI so could not fully admire giant cruise ship looming up the river toward Town Point Park. I think I’ll get there first. Arriving at Nauticus, I beat the cruise ship by at least ½ mile (literally). The myriad cops around (due to impending ship arrival I’m thinking) are unimpressed by my dominant victory. Park is still full of H-fest detritus and is thus still “temporarily closed”, but Waterside Dr is still half closed so I make an easy detour. I see another bike commuter cross my path, heading toward the Berk Bridge. I bear down a bit to see if I can catch him, but he’s climbing way faster than I am and I’m still concerned about all the broken glass on the path. Still I’m climbing a pretty good clip and am surprised to find an vehicle parked at the top in the middle of the path. Maintenance Truck. I can get around but have to slow way down to get by the truck and its accompanying clipboard man. By now they guy ahead is way gone, I’m sure he bombed the descent way faster than I’m currently willing to. By the time I get to Bainbridge Blvd, I can see him way in the distance, but I’m in recovery mode, so no chasing down (I doubt I could if I wanted to anyway with my current bike an fitness level), oh well I settle in to enjoy the ride. Noticed street sweeper going down the gutter, opposite way on Main St. Looking the rock and dirt strewn gutter on my side, I wonder how well it will clean up after the sweeper is done, will check out tomorrow. Climb over Poindexter, no problem. Everybody behaving. Jordan Bridge normal. No bridge lift today! Huzzah! At other end of bridge I usually stay on the ped path until it gets to the first cross street and use the extra space to carefully merge into traffic on this two lane road. But another roadie fellow blew by me down on the roadbed and I’m thinking, did he just jump down from the path? Or did he ride the whole bridge like that. Not sure if it was same guy who had weaved the lift gates on Saturday. Once I got back on the road I made a futile chase up to the Shipyard gate. He was already over the Borum overpass as I started the climb. It was a surprisingly steep but short climb, but it was helpful in avoiding train tracks. I took my shortcut behind NED to avoid more traffic and have to dodge around the lift gates where Shipyard cops have their new “Command Post” building (I’m assuming DHS funded). I wonder if they will ever hassle me, but it’s such a good traffic free shortcut, I’ll just keep doing it until someone says I can’t. After arrival, water, shower, breakkie, and coffee, tummy feels much better and Monday’s not looking so bad after all. (Reminder tip. Need to get some flip flop shower shoes from Dollar Tree)

The trip home: 4.88 mi  approx 45 min (including ferry)

Hot, hot, hot. Did I mention it was a little hot? Decided to the morning bike clothes back on for the ride home as it seemed foolish to sweat my work clothes into oblivion. Made it to ferry as it was pulling up. Met Ginny’s friend Jose coming off as I was going on. Cool kid who’s been bike commuting longer than I. (He really should be wearing a helmet, though I can see how it might muss his outstanding hair...still studies have found that hair provides exactly 0% protection from asphalt/concrete related impacts). Another bike commuter, with a Quintana Roo triathalon bike came on board but immediately started in on cell phone. Ferry was pretty crowded for a work day. Exiting Waterside, Quintana Roo man wished me a safe ride. Town Point Park still suffering from H-fest effects, but is now open for commuting. Unfortunately for some reason, the construction weenies have closed off the Brambleton Street bridge path. Grrr. Well just have to detour through Ghent, under the bridge, over the old trolley bridge, along the Hague to Colley Ave. Mixing with traffic was interesting. Mid town tunnel was backing up. They are all wanting to turn right but I’m going straight to get back into Ft Norfolk Area to pick up the trail. Hmm if I stay in the road here, I’m likely to get somebody turn into me....I take the sidewalk and use that to get to the head of the line and ahead of the right turning traffic. Bikes sometimes have distinct advantages in this town. Waiting for the light at Colley and Brambleton, surrounded by cars, in the hot sun, on a 100 deg day, may well have been the single hottest place in southeast VA (and not in the fun sense of the word). But at least I wasn’t one of the poor saps stuck waiting for the tunnel. Green light and I’m off across six lanes of traffic. Just one right turn and I’m back on the bike route. I’m in the right-turn-only lane as well. Go me. Now I hear a beep from behind. You are kidding me! I check behind me after making my turn and this car turns right as well and then turns right into a parking log. I look up seeing one of our rare Norfolk Share the Road signs and think, how impatient must one be? I may have cost this person an extra 5 seconds by not pulling over and instead taking the lane which I have every right to do...I let it go as I hit the bike path next to the river and find a smile for the shift changing sailors coming out of MHI. 


The trip in: 9.47 mi approx 45 min

  Bit of a late start (0630 no time to top off tires, hope I don’t pay for that), but it’s a weekend and still made it in by 0716 even with (another!) Jordan Bridge lift. No hassles from The Man this morning even though H-fest still technically going on. Hardly any people about and I carefully avoided Town Point Park as they had “closed” signs up anyhow. Still a bunch of festival furniture to dodge. Came in 20 yds or so behind another cyclist at start of Berkely Bridge. He was on a faster bike, but I though I might catch him on the climb. He had stopped up ahead and I suddenly realized why. He had just ridden through the us sprinkling of beer bottle glass and was checking for embedded shards. Hey that’s a pretty smart idea, even with my 1.5 in MTB slicks, those little shiny suckers could work their way through the casing if not removed. As I’m thinking this I realized I was now also riding through glittery shards as well. He road off just as I decided I should stop and take the same precautions. Found one glass rock in my rear tire’s pseudo-tread. It might have flung off by just riding, but I’m glad I found and removed it. Passed a gaggle of lady joggers on the Berkley side. An unusual sight for this area of town, especially since they seemed to be heading deeper into Berkley, but they seem confident and not scared: go lady joggers!. Very little traffic to speak of until Poindexter overpass. Coming down the other side of the overpass I had the green light heading toward the Jordan (which was already up). White Chrysler Concorde with two uniformed sailor boys stops at light at my right as I’m entering intersection.  Either he never saw me or completely misjudged my speed, cause he just pulled out right in front of me. Jeezus! Full two brake panic stop rear wheel lock up, came with in a foot or so of his rear door. What the F@#$%! I’m yelling and “gesturing” at their rear view mirrors. I then realized with the bridge lift, I’m going to be passing white car sailor boys, nice and slow as they sit and wait. I tried to give them the stare down but I couldn’t  make eye contact since I was up on the raised walkway. I did mentally note their plate number after the bridge lift. JZL-1741 I’m keeping an eye out for you! Another odd thing at the bridge lift. My glass pulling roadie guy from earlier was there at the start of the line, but he was down on the road in front of the drop gate, actually on the oncoming traffic side. When the bridge came down he tore off toward the drop span even before the gates could rise in Jens Voigt attack style and was just about over the bridge before traffic even got going. Impressive, but I’m not sure how safe or wise that maneuver is. It does get one down off the precarious pathway though.

Lunch: 3.26 mi round trip to Daily Grind (hummus/veggie wrap sammy w/extra hummus + ice-t, super-yum! but ‘spensive $11, next time ice water)

The trip home Saturday 6/7

Fairly uneventful, but HOT! Pleasant conversation with man on the ferry who was complaining about not enough adult things to do around here. I just nodded along but wondered exactly what he meant (bars? clubs? strippers?). Said he expected more from an international port city. Hmm. Once again I had to Escape through H-fest. Walked the bike until mostly clear of peds, expecting the WO-man to descend upon me at any moment. Crossed closed Waterside Drive and headed up a mostly deserted Granby Street. Rest of way was uneventful. Hot, sweaty, riding with no hands a bit, practicing tight turns and look backs.

The trip in: 8.86 mi, approx 55 min 

Overcast, not too hot but HUMID!  Brought extra water. Bike path had lots of peds going the opposite way (sailors mostly to MHI). Not bad though, since facing peds can see me coming and move over, with no bell and yell. Typical run through Freemason, thinking those cobbles might be hard on my fixed gear bike. Town Point Park is full of tents and such for Harborfest. This area may be quite crowded on return trip. Lots of glass on the Berkeley Bridge, gotta keep my eyes out for that. Another cyclist ahead of me, but he’s too far to catch (esp since he’s on a road bike). Lots of rocks and road debris on the Poindexter overpass, but the shoulder is super wide. Just got to watch out for cars when crossing the on/off ramps to 464. First regular workday commute over the Jordan Bridge and wouldn’t you know it…bridge lift. No worries though, bikes go to the head of the line! (and no toll for bikes either). Watched a barge pass by on the ‘Liz River. Began thinking this might not be the best place to be in a thunderstorm, surrounded by metal girders in the middle of the river. If weather looks threatening I’ll ride out bridge lifts next to toll booth. The barge passed but the bridge didn’t move. Crap, another barge coming, ½ mile out. Tick tock. Well only about 2 mi to the shipyard. Bridge back down, and of course there’s another biker coming the other way on the single bridge path (did I mention the bridge path is only about 5 ft wide with no guard rail between you and traffic,  quaint Edwardian Era safety levels) we made it past each other with him stopping and myself going super slow and careful. I hope this guy’s not going to be there everyday. I pedaled a little harder to make up time. Another roadie was behind me, but I didn’t feel I could stop and chat. I had to focus on all the car traffic passing me on the SY final approach. He took the Borum Overpass, I took the underpass gate. Had to jump bunches of rail track and he came out way ahead of me. Monday, I’ll climb the Borum too. Extra climbing beats jumping rail tracks. Lots of peds to dodge inside SY and Yardbird bikers acting like peds. Arrived just about right on my 0700 desired arrival time leaving 20 min to shower and dress. Smiled the entire way.

Lunch: 3.25 mi round trip to BB&T and Daily Grind (club sammy + ice-t, yum but ‘spensive $10)

The trip home: 4.26 mi  approx 45 min (including ferry) 

  My encounter with The Man (actually in the form of a WO-man Norfolk Sheriff). I like and look forward to the ride home, it’s shorter and has a relaxing ferry ride across the ‘Liz. Just got to make sure I get out in time to catch the ferry or its an extra 30 min (though not today since H-fest means ferries every 15 min). This is not much of a problem since I’ve got 10 min to go 1.5 mi. (avg spd 9 mph, I usually 13-15 mph). And if I miss the first stop I can bike down to the next stop and pick it up. (‘Liz River Ferries operate in a triangle pattern between P-town and Norfolk with 2 stops in P-town). Ferry ride good, more crowded due to H-fest starting. Lots of river traffic today. Norfolk police boat stopping and lecturing some jetski boys for getting to close to Metro Mach’s floating drydock. Get off the ferry and take it slow past Waterside, carefully dodging multiple peds. I’m thinking it should be interesting  weaving through Town Point Park with all these people, when I hear “Sir, don’t ride your bike in the park!” from Norfolk lady sheriff person. Okay, so I steer toward the street, which is crowded with food vendors but not  much people. But I get shouted down again, “ Sir get off your bike in the park!” Lady, I’m trying to leave your effing park!! Is the closed street the park too? She seems angry, so I succumb to gun toting authority and walk my bike on the street (park?) past the food vendors, grumbling and wondering: if this is how she’s treating a careful bike commuter, she’s going to have a really fun time with tonight’s drunken ruffians. Guess I’m going to have to be more mindful when summer festival break out on my commute route to avoid more hassle from the WO-Man. Maybe I’ll just ride with traffic through downtown. Less trouble.

This Friday 6/6/08 I intend to embark on a summer long project to get to work by bike as often as I can. I want to use my car as little as possible. The advent of $4 gas is one motivator, but really I've been itching to do this for a long time

Not much of intelligence to say...Reds win 1-0, with solid pitching! A shocking development considering recent years. Lack of hitting is a bit disturbing. [and his first link is in there for a strike]. Nor'easter weather has induced Sunday evening blahs. I should be more upbeat since I was able to actually get done my small goals for the weekend (getting my guitar in the shop, mowing the lawn, fixing the gutter). Bonuses were dinner with Beloved Wife and actual completion of Sunday Paper within the boundaries of Sunday.

OK, this is it! I am now stepping out from the pack of lurkers and info-tainment seekers to become an actual contributing memeber of the internet society (i. e. one more voice in the cacaphony). As a Mr. P. Floyd once said: " Fearlessly the Idiot faced the crowd, smiling." I am not completely fearless nor am I a complete idiot. Thus introduced, what will this thing be? Initially, it will be a dumping ground for those stray thoughts that seem to clutter the mind, a penseive (if its not to horrible to lift a concept from Harry Potter) of sorts. Perhaps at times I will be able to skim the cream off the top while other times purging the muck from the bottom. The idea is to pour the words out and stir them up a bit and see what happens, while relieving my mind of excessive detrius. Should be about as easy as Gumby brain surgery.

Now [with brick in hand] how in the world do I insert a link...