Autumn bike commuting can be done

One thing I love about bike commuting is experiencing the transition from one season to another. I know winter is coming when I no longer wear my shorts and short sleeved shirt on my morning commute. I've learned that having the right tools for the job makes all the difference. When it comes to winter bike commuting for me that means long johns, wool socks, a wool long sleeved under shirt, my home made head band to cover my ears (made from the sleeve of a 2nd hand merino wool sweater) and some sort of wind breaker or rain jacket, depending on the weather. Or one of Brian's merino wool button ups that I've taken a liking to this year.

Wool has won my heart only within the past few years. I grew up hating wool. Having sensitive skin, just the thought of it made me itchy! But I've grown to love merino wool for active wear. It's warm when you need it to be and cool when you need it to be. It breathes and doesn't stink like synthetic active wear does. I do get a little itchy from the merino wool but it's only slight and it's only when cooling down after being hot and sweaty. And for me, the advantages far outweigh this little irritation that soon passes. If you are reluctant about wool as I was, start with something small, like socks to try it out. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

There have been quite a few occasions when I've thought "that would be a great picture" while commuting on my way to work. I've thought about carrying my camera with me but I'm usually running late so it's best that I don't. Brian took the camera with him this week. Here are a few pics he took.

beautiful sunrise on a chilly, foggy morning commute

even though traffic isn't so bad, riding is more fun than driving

checking to see how visible the bike is

A cyclist stopped Brian and asked about his green lights. The guy told Brian he was really noticeable, easy to see. They are two Down Low Glows from Rock the Bike and can be found at www.rockthebike.com. Another place to get similar lights is Bike Brightz, www.bikebrightz.com.

Let's help each other not be afraid of the dark and cold.

Brian's new commuter

I want to ride my bike to work, and I did for a while. But its a 24 mile one way commute. By the time I got home, and got my stuff ready for the next day I would be exhausted. A few days in a row would kick my butt. I know the right thing to do would be get a job closer to home, but until we make some major lifestyle changes this job works out well for me. So after a lot of thought I purchased an ezee electric assist kit with a 48 volt battery upgrade, and another xtracycle base kit. I combined it with some extra parts I had laying around and built this urban assault vehicle.
This thing is bad ass! I've been riding it for a few weeks now. I average 24 miles an hour. With time for stop lights it takes me about 1 hour and 10 minutes to get to work. In the car it would take me 35 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. I charge the battery at night and recharge when I get to work. Now instead of sitting on my ass on the freeway, I get a couple of hours exercise a day. Plus we spend a lot less at the pump.