End of another long weekend

After an extended period of hot and humid weather, we had a bit of a break today.

We all slept in today, which was great.

Different thoughts

This post is definitely what many would call a “first world problem”.

We live in a large urban area with decent transit service.

Our traffic is not horrible.  It’s busy, but outside the periods from 7:00 to 9:00,  and 3:30 to 6:30, things move pretty well.

Our cycling infrastructure could use some work, but it is progressing.  Some drivers act like jerks, and refuse to share the road.  Some cyclists act like jerks, and act like they own the road, the sidewalk, and everything in between.  They run red lights and stop signs.  They ride down teh sidewalk and practically run over pedestrians, or expect them to get out of the way.  They give all cyclists a bad name, and are extremely dangerous to everyone, especially themselves.

Enough rant.  Back to the other first world problem.

In the colder season, from October to some point in April, I usually take the bus if I am working in the office.  From April to October, I usually take my bike.  From that point, the bus becomes the alternative for rainy weather, or if I have too much stuff to handle on a bike.

I worked away from the office on Friday, and brought my computer home.  I planned on packing it and my usual stuff on the bus on Monday.  Today, I looked at the forecast for the next few days, and saw low 20’s, or mid 70’s for those on fahrenheit.

I’ve already been itching for nice weather to be able to start biking again.  This is very different for me.  About 3 years ago, we got new mountain bikes, after not having decent ones for about 10 or more years.  We did some biking, and I started biking to work some.  Over a few weeks, I discovered that a hybrid is much better for biking in the city than a mountain bikes.  DOOOOH.

The next year we didn’t get out much, as Reid was little, and babies under a year can’t handle a helmet.  I biked some, but not too much25.

Last year, I got a deal on a new hybrid.  What a difference.  I cut about five minutes off my 25 minute commute to work.  And the ride became much easier.  Sandra got a new hybrid, too.  It made a big difference for her, too.  We got it from a local bike shop, which helped fit it to her.

If you are planning on buying a new bike, make a trip to a bike shop.  They will take the time to get you the bike that fits you.  Big box stores such as Wal-Mart generally don’t have the time or expertise to provide the individual help necessary.  A big sports store may have the expertise, but the waiting time can be brutal in the peak season, from April to June.

Again, back to the main point.

Over the next day, I have to figure out if there is a way to be able to bike to work on Monday, and take all of my stuff with me.

Last year, I got by with a backpack.  I brought my work clothes, and changed at the office.  Maybe some sort of pannier bags will be the next step.  I’ll have to check out the bike store, or MEC, or some other alternatives.

At least, we are enjoying some decent weather.  I just hope the early good weather doesn’t turn into a miserable spring.