Rollin' Along the River

Do you hear it? {Creedence Clearwater Revival, Tina Turner} Rollin' on the river ... Well, it was the song in my head as I rode along the Eastbank Esplanade and decided to stop and watch the tug pushing the barge up the Willamette River. I actually had to snap fairly quickly as the tug was impressively moving right along.

As you can also see, the morning commute was grey, though the rain held off. I am definitely beginning to see more bike commuters out, what with the longer daylight and a bit warmer temps. Hey, apparently we are below normal though, no days at 60 or above since the first, and we are like a couple hundred percent above average rain - surprise, surprise. I really enjoyed not wearing the rain gear, just feels more comfortable. I did have some wardrobe issues, though.

I had to free-roll the pant legs up because I just could not find my leg straps this morning. I was constantly re-rolling them up but I made it to work and no chainring stains or tears in my pant legs so I was good to go.

The ride home was wet. Good thing I had my rain gear. Every now and then I thought how being a little further out from work would be nice, being able to ride everyday is such a treat. I only wish I wasn't carrying so much stuff!

Tomorrow, I am going to do some more messenger bag testing. The backpack is really nice, but I am noticing an uncomfortable pinching around my collar bone and, even with the air space, I am getting sweatier than I like. I love it's storage capability and there is a nook and cranny for everything. Plus the mesh side pockets are great for keeping essentials handy and accessible without having to remove the pack or overly fidget. Will roll with the messenger bag for a bit and see how it carries.

Statistics for 2011:

• 734 Miles Total
• January : 278.94
• February : 244.49
• March : 211.12
• 14.98" of rain since January 1 (normal is 12.55")
• 1 pr of tires for SUB
• 1 set brakes for road bike

Awesome Commuting Weather Today!

Wow, the weather was so different than most reports for Monday (3/7). Some sun, a bit cool temperature wise, but so nice for riding in with Evan and to work. This picture was taken just before reaching the Steel bridge.

There goes Evan on our route to school. What an enjoyable difference to ride in something other than rain and wet! Really enjoyed riding, chatting and being out in the fresh morning air.

We spun along fairly easily, not being in a great hurry to get anywhere, we have the route timing down pretty well these days, so no rushing around. Funny, when I drove we always seemed to push the time to the last minute, I guess it seemed like we should get there faster than we usually did. You'd think we would figure that out and leave earlier. Must be something about cars that makes one feel faster or to be far more lax and leaving with enough time to not be rushed. Go figure.

Loving being back on the road bike and the backpack is working out nicely. For me, I am also making my return from work trip over the edge of Mt. Tabor park so I'm working a bit harder, which has been good training.

Today's ride was also nice and I do feel I am beginning to build up the strength. This morning, instead of riding on the flatter Division St. to 52nd Ave then cutting over to Lincoln/Harrison, I decided to ride Harrison over the southern edge of Mt. Tabor Park. I've often been reluctant as I sort of felt intimidated to start my ride with a slow climb. Anyway, the climb was not too bad and I just took it easy and focused on how my legs were feeling or was it yelling back at me?

Once I made the intersection where the road drops back out of the park or continues up into the park I decided this is not a bad way to go. From the intersection it is all down hill until a brief flat section to SE 60th. Then I am basically on my regular Lincoln/Harrison ride into downtown Portland. I felt very good, maybe it was the climbing warm-up, the legs felt strong, I was in my big chainring all the way until MLK.

Home bound I also had a good ride, felt strong, and even climbing the 2 miles up Harrison/Lincoln from 21st to 60th was not bad. Climbing is getting easier, I am spinning in higher gears. Nice to have the hip healing, only some limits with my right side, but not too bad - actually feel better riding than walking.

Gear in Review

This is my Lowe Alpine backpack with the air zone, which places an air space between the pack and your back. It is small, but can hold my lock and cable, tool kit, space for clothes and my small purse. There are not too many dangling straps and there are two side stash pockets that are handy. This pack also comes with a rain cover that really keeps everything inside dry -- and I have totally tested this in downpours recently.

The backpack is not the lightest with all my stuff, but carries well, feels balanced and I do not have any hot spots or points of excess pressure. Very comfortable and only at the point that actually rests on my back do I get a little sweaty wet.

My only complaint was I did not have easy places for my phone and camera pouches like on my messenger bag. Well not wanting to overly compromise, I came up with a working solution. I removed the strap from an old shoulder bag, that had already donated a portion as my tool pouch (I wrote about that earlier).

Since I don't use the backpack waist strap, I took the clamps from my messenger bag chest strap and attached the short end to the waist strap fastener. Through other clamp end I forced the wide shoulder strap and then stitched the strap end closed. The loose end of the shoulder strap I threaded through the hydration tube loop on the backpack shoulder strap. I have a single plastic webbing loop that keeps the strap from pulling back through. I now have a handy chest strap that I can attach my phone and camera pouches. If I am not using it, I can just remove the strap, which happens anytime I am riding in the rain. I did send my request to Timbuk2 for waterproof pouches, so we'll see if anything comes of that.

Just Rain, More Healing, Radac Rides Again

Sorry, pretty plain picture. This was the view yesterday morning just before Evan and I headed out on our morning commute. We have pretty much just had rain, with a few clearing moments.

Yesterday, Evan rode from school by himself since we mis-connected. He was planning to do some after school work at his friend's, but their plans changed. By the time I actually got his call (I apparently missed two on my ride from work toward home), I was already at the base of Mt. Tabor Park on the west side.

After giving him the choice of waiting until I got home and got the car and riding by himself, he chose to ride by himself and save waiting around. Fortunately for me, I got home before Thursday's big afternoon rain started. Unfortunately for Evan, he got to ride the last couple miles in it, but he was home faster than if he had waited for me with the car. Way to go, Evan!

We had a moist ride this morning, but not really any rain. The cool thing for me this morning was I was riding the road bike, first time in a while. Took a little re-adjustment to the handling and braking, but that did not take too long. Gee, I felt much faster and the Radac definitely seems to freewheel along much better. I think I do need to do some fit fine-tuning, not a lot, just a tiny bit.

Riding along was nice and I felt much stronger than the last time I rode the Radac. My climbing is getting better, I don't go into the "I can't breath anymore" state I used to and while I could certainly feel some of the burn in my legs I did not feel like I had no more to give. I think my improved riding is a result of 1) my hip and related nerves and muscles are healing very well; and 2) I am riding a home route that has me doing a tiny extra credit climb in part of Mt Tabor Park. It's all good.

Yep, that also means I am back using my backpack rather than panniers, which I have been using for about a week anyway. I just like the better responsiveness of the bike without additional weight. The Lowe Alpine is holding up and the "air zone" seems to be helping keep my back sweat free. The only area that really gets wet is the low back where the backpack pads rest.

I've also been using my standard rain pants and my knees are actually staying dry to mostly dry. Definitely better than my Showers Pass ones, which are suppose to be designed for cycling. Kinda disappointed in them. I may go ahead and put them up for sale. Just not happy with the wet knee syndrome. Guess I need to put some gear review articles together...

Ridin' in the Rain




 I'm riding in the rain
Just riding in the rain
What a glorious feelin'
I'm happy again
I'm laughing at clouds
So dark up above
The sun's in my heart
And I'm ridin' what I love
Let the stormy clouds chase
Everyone from the place
The road's practially all mine
I've a smile on my face
I ride down the lane
With a happy refrain
Just ridin',

Ridin' in the rain

==========================

Well, they did say it would rain, starting Sunday and we would pretty much have a wet week. This morning was quite wet with wind, ouchy, the rain stung a few times as it was blown into my face. Fortunately the temperature was not too bad and I stayed fairly comfortable in my rain gear. Well, except, once again, my knees. I think I've figured out that the vents pull too tight and allow water to capillary in. Argh, how frustrating. I'm going to try my other hiking rain pants and see if there is much difference. If my knees stay dry, I may send the rain pants back to Showers Pass.

Continue to feel stronger on my rides, especially with my hip getting back into correct alignment. Of course, I may have relapsed some as I had a bit of a fall this weekend while installing a new garage door opener. I took my tumble being about 2-1/2 to 3 feet off the ground and landed on my right side. A few bruises and sore spots, so I moved my chiropractor/acupuncture appointment up from Friday to Wednesday.

Ride summary, morning, as I said, rain with wind. Felt like I was rolling along with a good pace, not over doing my exertion as I don't shower at work, just remove the rain gear and go to work. Lot's of water on the roads and there was some deep puddling in spots. Only saw a few other bike commuters out this morning.

This afternoon was relative mild, even with the rain as the wind had calmed down a lot. I made a bit longer ride as I detoured to my pharmacy on the way home. Once again, wet knees, which sucks, but everything was comfortable and dry. I started using my backpack, again, and with the rain cover everything stayed nice a dry. Just in case, I did have my clothes inside plastic garbage bags, back up never hurts. I like having the weight off the bike as the responsiveness is much, much better, which is more important to me. I also realize I keep my upper body fairly still even when maneuvering about so the extra weight does not seem to affect me as much as I notice the extra weight on the bike.

No Snow, Barely Any Rain - Thursday Maybe?

Well, here is what our afternoon looked like. There was only a bit of rain today, mostly partly sunny. The wind was a bit cool, but overall a pretty nice day - the calm before the storm?

Weather report says snow today after 10:00pm, so we will see. Evan's fingers are still crossed for a snow day tomorrow (Thursday).

Good session with my doctor today. Some recovery from Saturday's tree planting overwork and the hip is getting better and I am able to sit longer.

I used the backpack today just in case I needed to use public transportation. Putting the bike on and off transit is easier without using the panniers. Sure do love the handling of the bike without panniers, hmmm.

Rode home with Evan and the only negative was the wind, but even that was not too bad. Ah, lovin this bike commuting.

Lighter Earlier, Clear and Cold - Ouch Having Some Back Pain

Another gorgeous morning ride into work. Still some wind, but a whole lot less than yesterday. Temps will be cool, it's low 30's this morning.

With the lighter mornings, seem to be seeing a few more cyclists out, either that I must be leaving a bit later or something. Came upon on cyclist, she seemed to be fiddling with her panniers. I asked if everything was okay. She asked if I had a zip tie - nope, maybe I should? She said thanks anyway and I continued on when the light turned green.

I still say there is just something about morning light. Maybe it is because there are fewer people hustling and bustling about, the river is calm, just peaceful. I made several stops to take some morning pictures. I think some of the regulars thought I must have been a crazy tourist.

The ride home was still cold, and there was still some east wind, maybe 9-10 mph, enough to know it was there. Headed up to meet Evan and then on to our ride home. Low gears and spinning the pedals, to conserve energy. I'm likin this riding with him. Having someone to talk with totally overrides the extra time because of wind. Basically, don't even think about the time. Of course, I find I don't really think about the time at all when I am on the bike.

Yesterday and today I've had some back pain issues, especially worse when sitting. I have had to get up and stand and walk to relieve pressure. Bummer. I think I'm going to go back to riding with the messenger bag to see if my lower, left back pain subsides. If it does, then I think I have to rule out the comfy backpack. I suspect, if it is the backpack, the reason is that I am carrying everything above my waist which is likely compressing the spine a bit too much, especially as I am leaning forward. With the messenger bag, I carry it fairly low so a lot of weight is below my waist and below the problem vertebrae. Again, all theory at the moment.

Morning Lights, New Mini-purse, Another Great Day to Ride

Pleasant ride in to work this morning, left early enough to still catch the city lights before they faded out with sunrise.

This picture was taken at the east end of the Hawthorne Bridge, looking west to downtown Portland. The challenge was finding a steady rest for the camera. First few shots I used a sign pole, but soon found the wind was making it sway causing blurry pictures. This was actually hand held.

Only a few other cyclists out at this early of time, around 7:15am. This morning I thought I would take a risk and go with lighter clothing. I wore ankle SmartWool socks and my summer biking capris. I did use my light fleece knee warmers, though. I might be risky, but I ain't stupid. Top wise, I wore a Cami, medium weight Lycra sweatshirt and my fleece jacket. I was actually quite comfortable.

In my backpack (day 2 of commute test for it) I did carry my rain pants, a lightweight summer rain jacket, my extra rain gloves and SmartWool arm warmers. I am liking the Lowe Alpine ND 25 pack. Feels comfortable, carrys the load well, and is quite stable while riding. I am thinking this may be my primary commuter pack and I'll save the messenger bag for when I am doing biking errands, as the messenger bag is easier to get into. I've also started using a small, REI Tara City Bag to hold wallet and stuff. I put this into the front section of my backpack.

What is really nice is I have a bag for my personal stuff if I run out at lunch. Plus, it is the perfect size so I can put my Kryptonite Evolution Mini in the back section. Before the bag, carrying the lock was rather awkward, at best. The cable I just loop across one shoulder so that has never been an issue. I was trying to do the one bag for everything, which is why I started with a messenger bag - just don't like having to transfer stuff all the time, and knowing me, I would likely forget something important. The city bag is small enough so I don't carry too much, but easily fits into whatever primary carry system I am using, and it is always ready with my non-biking essentials.

The ride home was a bit cooler, and the wind from the east had definitely picked up. I was not sure I had enough warm layers, but I did okay. I added 2.5 miles to my solo commute as I made a swing by the pharmacy to pick up a prescription. I was kind of glad, because that was the same route I take when I go to meet Evan at his school, then ride home. It's climb from downtown to home is much more gradual, so I only had to really deal with the wind, rather than both wind and a steeper climb on SE Harrison St.

23 Consecutive Bike Commute Days, Still Tryin' Out Gear

Funny how day to day the weather "predictions" change and, often, have no resemblance to the previous day's 7 day forecast. So much for our super sunny days to close out the week. As you can see, lot's of clouds for the afternoon ride home. That's the Burnside Bridge in the picture.

This morning was mostly foggy and another pleasant ride in with Evan. Mostly low gear spinning again.

Today, I used a new backpack and it actually felt good weight wise and the space between my back and the bag part of the backpack did leave the back non-sweaty. Will have to use it a few more times to be sure. Still need to work out a likable way to carry my cell phone and camera. That is one of the nice things about my messenger bag is the strap is ideal for attaching the phone and camera pouches. For now, I'm attaching the pouches to the waist strap of the backpack. (Backpack is a Lowe Alpine Active ND25 Women's). Plus, the Sea Blue color is pretty cute, don't ya think?

I think I need to do some minor adjusting to my cleats, shoe to pedal feels a little off. I'm not sure why I struggle with this adjustment so much, but it takes a lot for me to get the combination to be just right. I wish they could invent a really good fit tool. I'm glad my pedals are the dual platform style, Shimano cleat on one side and a platform style on the other. This allows me to use any shoe, as well as, I can clip out and just use the platform side. That helps when I am trying to figure out where my foot feels right on the pedal.

Monday will be 100% commute by bike for January. My total miles will be just under or near 290 miles. Equating that to driving, that is almost a full tank of gas saved because I biked. Plus I do less short trips and less midday driving, so I think my savings is up even more. Have to be sure to drive on weekends to keep the battery charged up, though.

The ride home was a bit more tiring, as I rode my solo route which has a bit more steep sections than the longer round-about route when I go to Evan's school first. Definitely could feel Harrison St climb today. What was fun was there was another cyclist who jammed the flats through the Ladd district and certainly rode faster down the few descents. But, yippee, skippee I caught and passed him on the climbing sections. Yay for being smaller, so likely lighter.

If I keep using the road bike I should get stronger faster getting up Harrison St. (from 21st to 60th) for those 2 miles.