The Bicycle Edition

Part 1: The Winter Commute

The Bike! My Bike! Yeah! So, in absolute honesty I really was counting down the days until I would be car free. (Damn the Toyotas for running forever) With the new job it was clear it would be an ideal situation to live closer to work so I could bike everyday. Done and done. I found an amazing apartment in the Tower District, less than 2 miles from the museum. Thankfully Tower is kind of a self contained unit, you don't have to go too far outside a 3 mile radius to find what you need; Bank, grocery, coffee, pho, farmers market, thrift stores, hardware, vegan cupcakes. The surprise bonus is that the Fresno Bike Kitchen just opened up on McKinley and I ride past it every day. Check this awesome video. Heaven.

Commuting began with heavy rains in late December. I did not have fenders at the time so just like a true cyclist I fashioned a rear fender out of plastic bottles and invested in some rain gear. Fortunately Z. knows that tricking out my bike is the best way to win my affections so he ordered me some fenders we had previously spotted on ETSY, $40, front and back fenders and they are made of wood. (Etsy rules). Rain? Not a problem. 

After all that wild wet weather we had a burst of cold, which isn't too bad to handle, a knit hat under the helmet, snuggy wool scarves, gloves and knee high socks do the trick.

This is my regular cycling attire. I keep a spare raincoat at work, just in case.

( note my rosy cheeks. What you can't see is the fine layer of mist covering my coat from the morning fog) 

OK, so now fog has become a huge issue for the mornings. I do not ride without a red crazy flashing light on the back of my helmet, aka, my skull. I usually use my 5 LED white front light as well ( Did you know they make bike lights that you recharge using a USB port?) My bike bag has a yellow stripe which also factors in for safety

The benefits: Riding to work gets me inspired, energized and funny, what a great way to start the work day. Riding home gives me a good mental break that I come home de-stressed and I never worry about work once I'm home. Additional bonus is I can eat some of that fatty pile of desserts lounging around the office and  never.... feel... guilty. 

Part 2: Bicycle Rules

I've been biking for ten years in city traffic and these are like the ten commandments, only you really should obey them.

1. Ride with traffic. duh. 

2. Be predictable, riding with traffic is a start.

3. Wear a helmet. I used to argue against it, but I don't want anyone to see blood oozing out of my head.

4. Ride with lights, front and rear, especially at night. 

5. Make eye contact with drivers. Many times this is your only form of communication with the people driving those dangerous and hot machines.

6. Be visible. This especially means do not hug the curb unless you really have to. You must ride as far left as you can so cars can see you.

7. In some cities it's illegal, but I think it's annoying and rude. Don't ride on sidewalks, leave that for the ped's. Unless it's a designated path for both.

8. Exercise extra caution at intersections. Over 50% of car and bike related accidents happen at intersections.

9. California state law says it is illegal to ride with 2 ear buds in. If you must listen to music wear the right bud, so your left ear can listen for traffic. 

10. Don't ride in a westerly direction at dusk. Drivers have the sun screaming into their faces and are more likely to be completely unaware of cyclists. Same goes for the morning hours. 

Bike safe . Bike for life

Part 3: The Handmade Bike Bag

Just before Christmas Z. and I made a pelotons worth of cycling bags. We sold a few, but never got around to putting them on etsy. That's all gonna change soon.

Raw canvas with recycled wallpaper lining ( for waterproofing), magnetic snap closure and simple straps that snap on and off the bike. We spent  two weeks just playing with the design, researching patterns of similar bags. Being avid cyclist we knew we wanted something very clean, simple and functional in every way, but the artist side in us wanted something with creative potential. We ended up with this simple envelope design with the raw canvas for personalization. The straps are just long enough that they snap onto the handlebars, the rack or a belt and can quickly be snapped off and tucked under your arm when you stop for coffee. 

Slick, right?

In other bike related news, I was really proud of Fresno City Council for committing to the Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Master Plan put together by the Fresno Bicycle Coalition.

I want to ride my bike when I'm 84.