Just another Friday Bike Ride

I feel like I'm not posting as much these days because I ride my bike to work every day now that it's not 1028 degrees out and so it doesn't seem as exciting because it's something I do so regularly. 

Today, however, a few interesting things happened.  Let me splain...

First of all, as I pedaled through Field Club Golf Course down Woolworth, there were two smiling gentlemen in a golf cart waiting to cross the road holding a few cups of joe.  As I rang my bell and passed them watching the steam rise from their cups, the wafting aroma of fresh coffee greeted my nostrils and inspired me to pedal a little faster.  It was definitely enjoyable and made me glad that I was on my bike and not in a car.  An experience that would surely be missed if I were boxed in a vehicle.

Secondly, as I was zooming down 16th St. with Copper in tow, I was quickly approaching Douglas and a woman started running into the street from the west sidewalk.  She froze, like a deer in the headlights when she realized that there was a real possibility of getting hit by a cyclist with a dog being pulled behind...at which point I asked her if she thought it would be funny if she got plowed over by a bike.  She laughed, as did I.  I pedaled on. 

Did you ride your bike today?!  Copper and I enjoyed it and look forward to the ride home.  The two best parts of my day usually.

SJ

League of American Bicyclists says I'm Legit

This weekend was spent both in a classroom and on my bicycle as I went through Traffic Safety 201, which was presented by John Rider (isn't that funny that his last name is Rider?) who is certified by The League of American Bicyclists.  I passed, thankfully, becuase if I didn't I'd be doubting what I do for a living.

In the classroom we all took turns giving presentations to the class about what the League is all about, what it takes to adjust a derailleur, how to teach to people with different learning types, etc.  Pretty informative overall.  I can actually say I enjoyed my time there.  Once we got out on our bikes our time was split between obstacle course(ish) handling skills in a parking lot and out riding through traffic showing our aptitude in commuting.  Fun day with fun people.  Thanks to all of you who sat through it with me; made it a lot more entertaining.

So, I'm proud to say that I'm officially an LCI (League Certified Instructor).  After over 20 hours in 2.5 days it's all over and done with and I can continue putting on my little commuting clinics, only from here on out, I'm legit.

If you have any questions, let me know!

SJ

Sunny and Cool = Perfect Morning Ride

Noteworthy encounter: riding down 16th St. past the MAT station this morning and a leg-less man in a wheelchair said, "Hey baby! Nice wheels!!" to which I replied, "Ditto!"

That's all for now.

Over and out.

'Nother Day of Fine Riding!

So we had an Omaha Bikes meeting this morning, which was well attended, I'm happy to report.  I pedaled out to Aksarben Village for that and then swung by my house to pick up the ol' Copper dog and then rode down to the shop.  I did have one fun exclamation about my ride set up though:  "Ah man!!!  That dog got it better than I do!!  Shit!!"  It was pretty entertaining.  This came from the mouth of a bus stop lady who was particularly moved by the sight of me pulling Copper behind my bike.

Purdy good day.

What a Perfect Day!

I've got the day off and it sure is a nice one!!  I started my Friday with a quick ride down to the shop to make sure the new hours were put on the shop door (we're now open 11-7 every day but Sunday when we're closed altogether) and to finish a little clean up that was neglected last night. 

Then, from there I pedaled to Midtown Crossing and hit up Delice in their new location. I was greeted by a huge display case of baked goodies that were absolutely drool-inducing. My eyes darted excitedly from croissant to cream puff to creme brulee to scone...maddening really! Too many delicious options to pick just one. I almost felt panicky! Ok, deep breath.  I ended up getting ahold of myself and ordering a rather enjoyable slice of their spinach, tomato, and provolone quiche as well as an iced chai with a shot of espresso thrown in to really get my day moving. As I stepped out towards the patio I made the mistake of glancing once more at the glowing case-o-tasties and knew I'd be back for something sweet.  As I sat out on their patio with my bike locked to one of the racks nearby I just watched people walk by and savored each bite of my breakfast.  It was fantastic.  Then, as the foreshadowing above prepared indicated, I waltzed back in with a grin on my face and dessert on my mind.  After studying the case for a bit longer than necessary, I decided to go with a tiny yet tasty fruit tartlet and headed back for some more patio time.

At this point I'm sure you're probably thinking, "Why is she writing so much about food when this is a bike blog?!"  The answer is quite simply this: I love food as much as (if not possibly sometimes more than) bicycles and therefore deem this an important blog entry!

But wait, there's more.  Since this was really my first true experience cheking out Midtown Crossing, I decided that I should continue my venture.  I walked my bike westward and stopped in to 3 Dog Bakery and Spaw.  How funny.  There was a bit too much cooing from customers over the adorable factor of the 3 dogs that hang out in the shop.  Too much for me.  So onward I rolled.  Up to ingredient...but that's another post...

Get out and ride!!!!
-SJ

Streak O Sunshine

The forecast calls for endless days of perfect temps and sunny skies.  This means get out and ride yer bike!!  I packed up my dog andd my laptop, notebook, etc. and headed down to the shop. 

Are you gonna try riding to work? Now would be the time to give it a shot.

Not Everyone Commutes with Full Wrap Fenders...

Meet Vern, the Vaya. <3


It's funny what happens when you don't have options.  Today I woke up and didn't even think twice about whether or not I'd ride in in the rain today, I had no choice.  My car has been acting funny lately and although I've really not been driving it all that often, I decided to take it into the shop the other day.  Turns out, sure enough, there are several things going wrong and I opted to only fix the bare necessities that will make it run...who needs brakes anyway, right? 



Dry yet skeptical at home

 So, back to the bike.  I knew it was supposed to rain all day today and envisioned myself pedaling happily through puddles for the last few days to psych myself  up for a soggy commute today.  I do have a new bike, however, which makes every ride like a dream!  It's a Salsa Vaya and I do absolutely love it.  There were also a few other items that made my commute totally enjoyable, starting with the new Mountain Smith Strapettes that I just snagged for my pack turning it into more of a backpack with lumbar strap rather than just a single strap shoulder assaulting bag.  And, thank goodness for Spokiz and pit zips.  Without these two wonders this morning would have been far less pleasant for sure!  My buddy James who is the creator of Spokiz sold me on his amazing hingeless shades.  I was sporting the clear lenses today which really helped keep my eyes open as I splashed through countless puddles on the way downtown.   Thanks Jimma! 
So as I pulled on my rain jacket (and unzipped the pits for a bit of ventilation), Spokiz, hat, helmet, and pack I thought about how I haven't transfered my bright yellow fenders from the old rig onto Vern yet.  Dang.  I started cruising down my street and felt the cool rain and splashing from the street begin to cover my legs.

New bike lanes about to go in on 15th!!






Of course I have a pink pirate skull bell.  Why wouldn't I?

I pedaled down Center and towards Woolworth and wasn't honked at or anything the entire way.  The encounters I've had lately have been nothing short of pleasant.  Plenty of drivers these days are full of smiles and waves and actually a few "Keep pedaling, girl!" comments which always make me grin.  So, thanks Omaha drivers, for being swell these days.  On the flip side, I'm convinced that positive reinforcement is the best way to commute.  Someone gives you an extra second to turn: wave and smile; a driver waves you to go first at a 4 way stop: smile and wave; even if someone screeeeches by a foot away and yells "get on the sidewalk!": smile and wave (although I know, I know, it's not positive reinforcement...but still).  You get the picture; every time you have a chance to impact a motorist's view of a cyclist, make it a happy friendly one.  Then, one day (like Pavlov's dog) all drivers will think happy thoughts each time they pass a cyclist.  Do your part Omaha!  Let's make this place bike friendly.

-SJ

I'm In Love...with a New Bicycle

It's true.  I am afraid I've fallen hard.  And not off my bike, but rather onto it.  Just last week I was the lucky recipient of a new Salsa Vaya.   Holy moly, this may be the perfect bike.  Granted, I've only ridden it about 5 times since then, but boy howdy am I liking it so far.  The list goes on and on, but to breeze through a few outstanding highlights:  STI shifters (these are so rad that during the first ride I audibly exclaimed my amazement of the smooth and instant shifting; quite a change from the old bar end shifters I was rocking), comfortable steel frame (dependable and NOT a rust bucket like the old frame I was riding), super duper disc brakes (confident inspiring whilst pulling a 75# golden retriever behind you in a Burley Tail Wagon),  plus it just looks sweet.  I wrapped the bars with pink tape and threw on a pink skull bell with a bow on her head for good measure.  I also put my Specialized Body Geometry saddle on it to make it rideable in my opinion.  Now, it's my bike. 

Thanks to Greenstreet for puchasing it and to Jonn for putting her together. 

Group Ride Tonight!

If anyone is interested, we're doing our weekly Monday night shop ride from Greenstreet to Minneola and back.  It's about a 40ish mile ride so bring your lights and a good attitude!  It should be nice if the weather holds.  Meet at Greenstreet Cycles at 7:15ish and we'll roll by 7:30.  If you don't want to ride the whole way, meet us at the Wabash Trace Trailhead around 8:15 and we can all ride from there. 

Also, tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. there is an Omaha Bikes meeting which is open to the public if anyone's interested in knowing what's going on in the cycling advocacy scene.  It's at the Aksarben Village Courtyard Marriott at 11:00a.m.  See you there!

-SJ