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Post by billhammond on Jun 27, 2007 9:00:20 GMT -5
Well, today I made my first bike ride to work after working at the same place for 26 years. Gas prices, an achy body that could use more exercise and the possible loss of our company parking lot inspired me to give it a whirl. I made the 10-mile trip in less than an hour. It was neither particularly difficult nor harrowing. For most of the route I had a dedicated bike lane to ride in, and for much of it I was on a very cool U of Minn "busway" road, open only to pedestians, cyclists and the very occasional shuttle bus. Today's highlights included hearing an incredible chorus of timberwolf howls as I rode past the back part of the Como Zoo, and smelling the spray in the air from St. Anthony Falls as I crossed the Mississippi on the wonderful humans-only Stone Arch Bridge, built in 1883. What a terrific way to reach your destination (the Strib is only a few blocks from the bridge).  At night:  |
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Post by Marshall on Jun 27, 2007 9:01:51 GMT -5
You expect to fall off the bridge at night ?
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Post by Marshall on Jun 27, 2007 9:03:37 GMT -5
WHAM ! ! !
(that's how you get to see the river at night)
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Post by billhammond on Jun 27, 2007 9:10:14 GMT -5
You expect to fall off the bridge at night ? Back when Marshall first got into the architecture biz, he would travel to Minneapolis from Chicago on the "400," seen here:  You can see St. Anthony Falls in this aerial photo:  |
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Post by mccoyblues on Jun 27, 2007 9:25:39 GMT -5
Here is the view on my way to work. Biking in this is a death wish at best.  Here's another view.  And here's one of our famous bridges.  Not exactly a bike friendly environment. As bad as traffic is in Atlanta I don't even have a public transportation option to consider. |
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Post by dradtke on Jun 27, 2007 9:28:05 GMT -5
Very cool, Bill. Where do you pick up a bike path at your home end?
And which spandex shorts did you wear? The pink or the yellow?
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Post by Cribbs on Jun 27, 2007 9:30:59 GMT -5
Bill enjoys his new morning commute to work:  |
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Post by billhammond on Jun 27, 2007 9:33:17 GMT -5
Very cool, Bill. Where do you pick up a bike path at your home end? And which spandex shorts did you wear? The pink or the yellow? I took Roselawn to Hamline Ave., Hamline south (past the Coffee Grounds and the back of Como Park) to Como Ave., west a mile or so to the U busway, at the west end of the fairgrounds. It goes all the way to Mariucci Arena. Down to 11th St., duck under 35W and there is the Stone Arch. Piece of cake. |
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Post by billhammond on Jun 27, 2007 9:44:30 GMT -5
\And which spandex shorts did you wear? The pink or the yellow? Wore boring jeans with a pant-leg closure, and a brightly colored shirt, or "top," as the girls call them. |
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Post by Marshall on Jun 27, 2007 9:54:29 GMT -5
Bill's a sweat-hog ! Bill's a sweat-hog !
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Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2007 10:31:18 GMT -5
It will probably rain when He's about half way home.
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Post by billhammond on Jun 27, 2007 10:36:36 GMT -5
It will probably rain when He's about half way home.  |
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Post by Cribbs on Jun 27, 2007 11:24:35 GMT -5
Watch out for the blue-looking wolf on the map, he eats bikers!
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Post by davidhanners on Jun 27, 2007 11:38:23 GMT -5
As someone who himself bikes to work with some regularity, I will say this: Invest in some padded bike shorts or pants. Your butt will thank you.
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Post by billhammond on Jun 27, 2007 11:41:20 GMT -5
As someone who himself bikes to work with some regularity, I will say this: Invest in some padded bike shorts or pants. Your butt will thank you. I do have some biker undies, but they make me look a bit too callipygian. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2007 11:55:23 GMT -5
Good for you Bill. Sounds like you have a great route that keeps you away from traffic, is pretty, and flat enough to keep you from burning out. They make bike shorts now that look like normal shorts like these - www.rei.com/product/748063?vcat=REI_SSHP_CYCLING_TOC They are a bit more socially acceptable. McCoy, I'm pretty rabid about biking, but if I lived in Atlanta I think I'd end up driving somewhere to ride. The roads in town are psycho, and the freeways are worse. Of course, then there's the weather... Paul |
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Post by Cosmic Wonder on Jun 27, 2007 11:58:27 GMT -5
Bill, good on you for breaking out the bike. Last week on vacation in Sunriver, I went on a 12 mile or so singletrack ride with 8 kids and my 2 brothers-in-law. (to Benton falls overlook for Teeder) Anyway, I stayed back with Reenie, (8 yrs old on a 20 inch wheel single speed) for most of the ride as she was the slowest and had the most difficulty on the more techincal sections. But I didn't stay back with her out of concern only. She was the only one I could keep up with. I also neglected to bring my riding shorts and my shoes for the clipless pedals I have. While I enjoyed the ride mostly, I will for sure remember my shoes and shorts next time I ride. Ouch.
Mike
PS Who did your avatar? It looks great.
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Post by billhammond on Jun 27, 2007 12:04:21 GMT -5
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Post by billhammond on Jun 27, 2007 12:07:16 GMT -5
Paul, thanks for the info, and I hope the guy who modeled for that insert above gets his elephantitis checked out soon! |
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Post by Cosmic Wonder on Jun 27, 2007 12:10:32 GMT -5
Ah, I see. Very very cool, Senior Hammond. Mike |
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