You may remember my post from earlier this year where I set a goal to ride my bicycle 100 days this year. I'm pleased to say, I have met this goal. Yesterday was my 100th ride.
I wasn't sure if I'd meet my goal. Late in August, I was barely past the halfway mark. I figured it would be pretty hard to find the days in the fall and winter. Turns out, I was right. It was hard to find days. That made me switch to nights :) I haven't really done much night riding, but I enjoy it quite a bit now. As long as you have a good light and a safe route, it can be a very calming experience. At least 30 of my rides were done at night. The number of cars I would encounter dropped to 1/10th and the number of police cars I saw at least tripled.
I would never have been able to meet this goal without an understanding wife, and some good equipment. These items were key:
- A durable bike - At least 50% of my rides were done on my Specialized Langster. I love the bike. It's a single speed, so there's less to maintain, less to break, and less to clean. I managed to make it through the year with only one flat on the Langster. Other than that, I just cleaned and lubed it every now and then.
- A good light - You want to see and be seen when riding at dusk or dark. I've mentioned it before. My Light and Motion Vega is a great light. It stood up to the cold and rain.
- A skull cap - It has been warmer than normal this year, but I did have a few rides below freezing. Covering your head and ears is essential. I picked mine up for $5 at a bike tradeshow.
- Cold weather pants - Plenty of bike riders have no need for pants. When it gets too cold for the shorts, they just hang it up for the year. I'd be really fat if I did that. They weren't cheap, but I got a nice pair from Cannondale with Windstopper fronts. These things are glorious. Warmth is never a problem. I use them for biking, skiing, snow shoeing, and hiking.
This year's goal was not miles, it was days. Next year's goal is back to miles, but with a twist. Stay tuned.
2 comments:
Very nice, slid that 100th ride right under the wire (and got a photoshop op to boot).
That's cool that you were able to meet a yearlong goal. I don't remember if I had any, but I'm sure I didn't meet them if I did.
Maybe switch it up and ride a unicycle? Nice job hitting the 100 mark. You should reward yourself and get a dirt jumper. Maybe take up "Urban mountain biking". I'm sure your route to work has plenty of obstacles that would make your commute fun.
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