chicago to omaha

Today was my second time riding to work, and it was much more enjoyable because of the route I took. I live near 31st and Leavenworth, and ride the Field Club Trail south to Vinton, over 480, then south on 24th St, west on Q, then south again on 27th until I arrive at The Salvation Army Kroc Center where I work. It's a little under 6 miles, which I can do in about 20 minutes on the bike machine, but it takes me about 45 minutes on the streets. Last time I took 32nd almost the whole way and it was awful (potholes and semi trucks!).

I move here from Chicago a few months ago, and rode my bike semi frequently there (though now I wish I would have done it more!). It was a bit of a shocker for my legs to have to pump through hills, but I'm slowly getting used to it. Riding in traffic is no problem for me, although here people pass me up and probably see me as more of an inconvenience. I'm hoping that the more I ride, the more people will notice and think about cyclists, and hopefully more bike lanes will get put in! There's a bike lane by my house that's literally a block long - it's a joke. I'm looking forward to the addition of more trails here.

I'm also excited about the growing biking community - it's awesome that the mayor showed up for a ride. Speaking of the community, there's a Ride of Silence tomorrow night in Bellevue:

Join cyclists worldwide in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 mph/20 kph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.

• To HONOR those who have been injured or killed
• To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here
• To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD

We will gather at the Keystone Trail / Bellevue Loop trailhead Parking lot located near Raynor Parkway and 36th Street in Bellevue, NE. The 10 mile ride will begin and end at the trailhead parking lot. We will leave promptly at 7 pm. A motorcycle escort will be provided by city and county law enforcement.

http://www.rideofsilence.org

peace,
erica

UPDATE: My ride home was a little more eventful. Upon pulling into a grocery store parking lot I nearly got ran over, so I screamed as loud as I could and the driver noticed me at the last second. Later on, a police car drove around me and the officer said, "You should ride on the sidewalk or something..." To which I replied, "We're allowed to share the road!"