Megan Hazen

Last week our kids were in Spokane with their grandparents. The practical effect of this is that Josh and I were completely free to live and work like people not constrained by school schedules and toddler eating habits. As a result, I doubled my working hours (to about 40 hours, which I know isn't a lot, but it is twice as much as I am scheduled for), and I rode my bike for 8 of the 10 commutes. I also rode my bike on Sunday morning with a friend, so I topped out at over 100 miles last week.

100 miles in a week is more than I have ridden in a very long time, possibly since Madeleine was born. (Although, possibly not - I have gotten some Long rides in during the past few years.) My 20 mile ride on Sunday was more than I have ridden in a single go in a long time, too. (I guess not more than a single day, since at least once last week I did the long commute route both ways, which is more like 21 miles.) Its also almost certainly my high-water mark for 2014, since my schedule rarely allows me this much flexibility.

Almost entirely this felt great. Generally, I felt like I had really good energy, and I felt better in my skin than I have in a while (at least consistently - i've been rather variable on that issue of late.) I also quite liked the productivity of being out on the road and to work early in the day, and I'm sure, not for nothing, being out in the fresh summer air was good for me.

Biking went fairly well. I really enjoy riding to work, and I enjoy both the route along the water (Myrtle-Edwards), and the shorter but steeper route through town (Dexter). I am glad that I have discovered two totally reasonable approaches to my commute.

I was occasionally a bit frustrated that I am still fairly slow on the flat (compared to most other 'serious' cyclists, although, its worth reminding myself, not compared to all cyclists), and even more frustrating how quickly I poop out on the hills. I guess, on the upside, I actually felt a bit stronger towards the end of the week, so there is hope that continuing to commute via bike will continue to make me stronger.

You know, I've been pro-bike for a long time. Weeks like this serve to remind me how much I really like biking, personally. There are political and environmental reasons that I feel strongly that it is in EVERYONE's best interests to increase bikeability and the biking population, but, I am utterly convinced that it is right for me.

I find myself wondering how to not only maintain, but increase, our reliance on biking (and decrease our reliance on gasoline engines) going forward. I am a bit concerned about the inevitable down turn in my satisfaction on the bike come the dark, wet, cold winter. I also hypothesize that exercising can keep me healthier, both physically and mentally, but it has not escaped my notice that this week already found me in decent shape, so how do I keep the ball rolling when things aren't so rosy?

In terms of increasing our bike trip-percentage - this really involves the whole family. I am actually quite excited because I have one kid who can make some trips on her own, and because I think Josh and I are going to invest in a system to make it more feasible to do family trips. (I'm sure you'll hear more on that later if it happens.)

On Saturday i went on a bike ride with Marc and Paul -- first time on the bike since my crash at the end of last summer. I must admit that i was a bit wobbly, psychologically if not physically. We did some twenty miles with only minor hills, and i could tell that my legs are not where they once were. However, it was encouraging that I could do the distance, and felt pretty good at the end of it.

The day was beautiful, seriously beautiful. The first half of the ride was on the interurban trail - quiet and peaceful. The second half was on the Burke-Gilman highway and less so. My company was good, and the riding was good. I might invest in a new front tire as well as the rear one. I ended up the day feeling pretty happy; my bike magic still seems to work.

On Sunday i took the dog around the lake: 2.8 mile circumnavigation, ran first half (-stop for the dog), trashcan intervals second half. 31:33 mins for an 11.2 min/mile pace. I put all this here to say where I am. My immediate goals are to get up to the 3.2 distance (I'd like to get to at least a 5k base that i can maintain). Then maybe i can work on speed.

I think i should stick with the exercise program we've been doing at home. There are some drills there that will ultimately be useful to me. I must admit that it is a bit less intriguing when i've been getting outside exercise, though.

Also, if i currently had a job that allowed for some cash and a bike commute, i would be buying these tonight.

http://www.rei.com/product/838580/showers-pass-club-visible-bike-pants-mens

* Okay, technically, i hadn't looked at the price at all. This is the advantage of dreaming. But on a serious note, all my biking rain gear was getting pretty worn out, and it will be replaced some day. I'd be excited to get neon yellow rain pants!

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/traffic/2013020364_bikebox29m.html

my friend Rachel tells me she is thinking about STP next summer. Perhaps that can pull me out of my lethargy... STP would be fun. It would be even more fun with lots of friends.

http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/17/bicycle-inflation-in-paradise/

I wouldn't mind being able to pick up a new bike in Phoenix, actually. Especially if it meant a trip to Phoenix.

Although, i think, if i decide to import my next bike from far away, i'm going to try and snag a specialty one from my friend Than in upstate NY - i think i might be able to get a used team bike that would be way awesome!

http://quichemoraine.com/2009/07/he-should-have-been-wearing-a-helmet/

You know what makes me irrationally angry, and ready to pull someone off their bike to yell at them? When they ride past, carrying a helmet on their handle bars. Idiots.

http://outlier.cc/outlier_garments/

Looking forward to being back on my bike tomorrow. I've actually been thinking about what i want to wear... should be warm enough to get away with non-winter clothes, but i'm not sure what i want to do about the ride-work transition.

For the second week in a row i prepared to ride my bike to LFP in pouring rain and cold.
And for the second week in a row i got a reprieve of warmish, dryish, and even some sunshine. I think the ride was even slightly easier this week.
Wooot!


I have a little voice in the back of my head wondering if i could somehow train up to STP after getting back from Norway? I don't know how insane that is.

Edit: My bike luck ran out. I was delayed at work, so i was a bit late leaving. When i got outside it was pouring. I was going to ride a slightly different route, though, so i was still enthusiastic - the rain wasn't cold, at least. Then I realized my back wheel was completely flat! It definitely needs a new tube - the old one split. *sigh* so my bike is at work, because i had an appointmen to make, and had to resort to the bus to get there on time. At least the bus was on time.

I got Stompy back. $160, new cassette, new chain, new seat post (longer), full tune up, new brakes. It rides like a different bike. I'm topping out on my gears now, getting to work. Fancy what not fighting your tools does for you.

(I remind myself, regularly, while riding with friends, that my gear is better. It just is. I'm not necessarily a better cyclist, but i can go faster because i have a nicer bike and my bike fits me. Actually, given how good Stompy felt this morning, i feel a bit better - my friends can all afford to have a well-tuned and fitted bike, even if they don't want to invest in a Shiny bike. Phew. Less guilt.)

In other news, i totally want these. I'd add a reflective stripe. http://www.swrvestore.com/servlet/Detail?no=85
I like the Hiding Hoodie as well.

I suspect this isn't what i should be spending my next available cash on. My sports bras left another chafing sore during todays run. Clearly, while less fun and sexy, a sports bras should be next.

I have entries percolating on work, and our kitchen, and fitness. Who knows if i'll get to them.