Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Six Weeks Without A Car
It's the beginning of week 6 without a car and so far life has not be too crazy. The first 2 weeks, I lost 6 pounds but have not lost any weight since that time. Of course, during the first 2 weeks I was trying to ride to places as fast as I could. Not a good thing for an old guy that is out of shape.
My body ached for days after each ride.
Lately, I have been working on pacing myself and learning the best gears. For me that is riding a little slower and trying to reach my destination without being drenched in sweat. So far that has help and the body is feeling stronger with less aches and pains. I'm ready to spend the next few weeks notching my pace higher and pushing harder going up the hills.
Strange thing. Since the price of gas is almost $4 per gallon, most auto drivers seem to be more courtesy than what I remembered from years ago. Maybe it is wishful thinking on their part or maybe we are just becoming more aware of alternative forms of transportation.
My body ached for days after each ride.
Lately, I have been working on pacing myself and learning the best gears. For me that is riding a little slower and trying to reach my destination without being drenched in sweat. So far that has help and the body is feeling stronger with less aches and pains. I'm ready to spend the next few weeks notching my pace higher and pushing harder going up the hills.
Strange thing. Since the price of gas is almost $4 per gallon, most auto drivers seem to be more courtesy than what I remembered from years ago. Maybe it is wishful thinking on their part or maybe we are just becoming more aware of alternative forms of transportation.
Monday, March 31, 2008
First Two Weeks Without A Car
I must really be crazy !!! Originally, I was going to get rid of the car in May and start using a bicycle when it was a bit warmer. Living in the Northeast and starting in mid March is definitely tough to do. Snow fall has been pretty sparse all winter long, so that has not been a problem. Twenty and thirty degree mornings have been the problem.
Besides the the coldness, getting muscles moving that have not moved in twenty-some years has been rough. I'm pretty sore after each ride and have not fiqured out the best gears for the different terrain. Hills are a problem and I usually have to get off and push the bike up the hill. I fiqure it's better to lose the battle and win the war instead of the other way around.
Have not had to use public transportation yet. I just found the bus stop that is closest to my house and have picked up some bus schedules. The public transportation system is not really advanced so it looks like using it will chew up some time. Sounds like a Saturday adventure.
So far, I think I made the right decision. I will know over the next few weeks whenever I have to make a grocery run.
Besides the the coldness, getting muscles moving that have not moved in twenty-some years has been rough. I'm pretty sore after each ride and have not fiqured out the best gears for the different terrain. Hills are a problem and I usually have to get off and push the bike up the hill. I fiqure it's better to lose the battle and win the war instead of the other way around.
Have not had to use public transportation yet. I just found the bus stop that is closest to my house and have picked up some bus schedules. The public transportation system is not really advanced so it looks like using it will chew up some time. Sounds like a Saturday adventure.
So far, I think I made the right decision. I will know over the next few weeks whenever I have to make a grocery run.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Goodbye Car!
After 31 years of owning a car, I've decided to no longer use an auto. The car was sold today and now I'm free from payments, insurance and rising gas prices. Total savings is approximately $500 per month.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Trek 4300D
Spent 2 weeks researching and asking questions. Finally decided to purchase this bike. I think it was the disc brakes that impressed me the most.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Picking A Bicycle
Boy, have bicycles changed since the last time I bought one (the mid 80's). Back then you basically had a 3 speed or a 10 speed and that was it for selection. Here is a list of what you have to chose from today.
Utility bicycles - designed for commuting, shopping and running errands.
Mountain bicycles - designed for off-road cycling.
Racing bicycles - designed for speed, and include road, time trial, and track bicycles.
Messenger bikes - typically used for urgent deliveries of letters and small packages between businesses in big cities with heavily congested traffic.
Touring bicycles - designed for bicycle touring and long journeys.
Recumbent bicycles - designed to maximize comfort and minimize wind resistance.
BMX bicycles - designed for stunts and tricks.
"Cruiser bicycles" - heavy framed balloon tired bicycles.
Geez, and all I wanted was a bike to get me back and forth. Nothing too fancy, but sturdy and with a lot gears for going up hills. I finally decided to get a mountain bike and the reason was 2 fold. First - it would be sturdy enough. Second - It had enough gears to get up the hills.
Now which bicycle manufacturer do I chose. So many new ones and so many different outlets to purchase from. Enough to drive a person nuts trying to fiqure out which is best. This is really going to take some weeks of research.
Utility bicycles - designed for commuting, shopping and running errands.
Mountain bicycles - designed for off-road cycling.
Racing bicycles - designed for speed, and include road, time trial, and track bicycles.
Messenger bikes - typically used for urgent deliveries of letters and small packages between businesses in big cities with heavily congested traffic.
Touring bicycles - designed for bicycle touring and long journeys.
Recumbent bicycles - designed to maximize comfort and minimize wind resistance.
BMX bicycles - designed for stunts and tricks.
"Cruiser bicycles" - heavy framed balloon tired bicycles.
Geez, and all I wanted was a bike to get me back and forth. Nothing too fancy, but sturdy and with a lot gears for going up hills. I finally decided to get a mountain bike and the reason was 2 fold. First - it would be sturdy enough. Second - It had enough gears to get up the hills.
Now which bicycle manufacturer do I chose. So many new ones and so many different outlets to purchase from. Enough to drive a person nuts trying to fiqure out which is best. This is really going to take some weeks of research.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Distance To Places
My list of frequent places to visit and their distances.
Church 2.5 miles
Workplace 1 2.3 miles
Workplace 2 .8 miles
Grocery Store 2.5 miles
Post Office 2.0 miles
Doctor's Office 3.5 miles
Dollar Store .2 miles
Shopping malls and centers are 2 to 3 miles away and can be accessed by public transportation. Not to worried about that since I go there very infrequently.
A good number of taverns and eateries within walking distance (1 mile more or less).
Relatives live out of town with the nearest ones living 35 miles away. For visits, I will have to rent a car.
Church 2.5 miles
Workplace 1 2.3 miles
Workplace 2 .8 miles
Grocery Store 2.5 miles
Post Office 2.0 miles
Doctor's Office 3.5 miles
Dollar Store .2 miles
Shopping malls and centers are 2 to 3 miles away and can be accessed by public transportation. Not to worried about that since I go there very infrequently.
A good number of taverns and eateries within walking distance (1 mile more or less).
Relatives live out of town with the nearest ones living 35 miles away. For visits, I will have to rent a car.
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