Thought it might be a good time to reflect on those first 500 miles:
- I've saved about 42 gallons of gasoline, considering my F-150 pickup gets an average of about 12mpg. That's a total dollar savings of about $160 or approximately $53 a month. Not bad!
- Most of the drivers I've encountered in San Antonio have been patient and accommodating with one recent exception. A woman driving a small sedan honked at me since I was taking the lane to make a left turn. Waiting behind me resulted in her getting to her destination about 20 seconds later than she anticipated and it was too much for her. SAD.
- As I've noted before, I now commute exclusively on a modified Gary Fisher Tassajara mountain bike. I recently added a Topeak Explorer rear rack and Topeak MTX EX bag to finish out the transformation of this mountain bike to a dependable and capable commuter. Many thanks to Ed at Ride-A-Way bicycle shop for installing the rack!
- Commuting takes its toll on bikes. I've had the rear brake pads replaced, went through three bicycle tubes, have had a shard of glass gouge the tire and punch through the kevlar lining and have ridden through flooded bike lanes/roads. The amount of debris on the side of the road is disheartening. It is apparently quite the past time for folks to toss bottles out their car windows as I've picked glass shards out of the rims, brake pads and tires.
- Give your commuter some TLC. The drivetrain needs care and feeding more often than you might think. I recently gave the bike a bath and snapped a photo after polishing and lubing the bike.
We'll see what the next 500 miles has in store for me. So far, so good.
5 comments:
Well Justin, Anna and I just stumbled upon your blog. She pulled up the geek site and I said, wait, I think that is Justin that is my coworker Justin that you met in photography class this summer. Anna and I broke down and picked up some bikes today from my old boss and friend Bette Paese out at their shop in Fair Oaks Ranch. Once I figure out how to keep my balance, and more importantly get in shape (I haven't really biked much since BMX in junior high), maybe I will meet you at Churchill Estates for a ride in to 9800 if I get brave enough to commute in (we are in Vista Del Norte).
Chris! Welcome to my cycling blog - I'm glad you found it!
I would be honored to ride into work with you. If you're interested, I can send you several links with helpful information about equipment you should consider for commuting on your bike.
Let me know when you're ready to give it a shot! It feels GREAT!
Not sure if you can get these tyres in the MTB size. I use them on my road bike. I have ridden on them for 18 months now covering on average about 100 miles per week. I have not had a single flat in those 18 months. Great!
Schwalbe Stelvio Plus
http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/wheels/tires-clincher/schwalbe/PRD_404527_2489crx.aspx
A taste of cycle commuting in NZ...
http://www.youtube.com/v/e8RTXrMHt2A
Pommiejon,
Welcome to the blog! WHOA! Just watched your video. I thought I had some issues here in San Antonio, TX - those drivers in your video just are NOT paying attention/don't give a damn.
Sad!
Be safe!
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