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More reasons to commute by bike

Old 12-17-13, 05:29 AM
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During late fall, winter and early spring, I sometimes have people offer to buy me a hot beverage once at the office. They think I need it to "warm up".
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Old 12-17-13, 08:30 AM
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Originally Posted by jeffpoulin
Last week, I stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk and got rear ended by another bike commuter. Neither of us were hurt, she apologized sincerely, and we went on our way. If we had been in cars, there would have been an exchange of insurances, delays getting to work, and possibly a police report to deal with. So an unexpected benefit is that minor fender benders may be resolved with an "I'm sorry".
Haha that is so great. I almost hit a salmon runner the other moring at 05:30. He must have been enjoying his morning as much as I.
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Old 12-17-13, 08:58 AM
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Gives me an excuse to wear spandex.
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Old 12-17-13, 01:47 PM
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Parking is, of course, is a real advantage over those not blessed by the bicycle habit.

In my case, I "park" my bike at the back door of our offices, in a covered porch. Out of sight, out of the weather, and no one has a better parking space.

Low mileage on the car is another unexpected gain.

At Thanksgiving, as I was leaving the family feed, a few folks gathered around the car, and someone asked how many miles it had. 88,000, I said. Disbelief (among folks in a semi-rural environment who pile up the miles).

Car is almost 10 years old, so ... 88,000 miles is, I guess, pretty good.

At this pace, I could have the car for 20 years!
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Old 12-17-13, 02:02 PM
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Reasons 8,428-8,429:
My bike has never failed to start on a cold morning.
In the heat, wind is the original air conditioner.
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Old 12-17-13, 03:07 PM
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My reason is very selfish: it's that I just enjoy riding my bike.
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Old 12-17-13, 06:09 PM
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I'll never have to worry about a speeding ticket rushing to work. Actually I'd be proud of myself if I got one.
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Old 12-17-13, 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by David Bierbaum
$3.129 per gallon for Regular. I smile as I ride by the gas station.

Unrelated rant. WHY do gas stations use that extra decimal point anyway? They claim it's for finer control of pricing, but has anyone ANYWHERE EVER used a number other than "9" for that last decimal point? Anyone???? Just call it $3.13, fer cryin' out loud!
Reminds me of an episode of the Simpsons, where there's a gas station called I think "Discount Larry's". The price is $N.NN8
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Old 12-18-13, 06:48 PM
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I miss riding. I haven't ridden in a week, and the lack of joy is really hurting. It's too dangerous out, even for me. The city is covered with slippery slush.
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Old 12-18-13, 07:01 PM
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Originally Posted by noglider
I miss riding. I haven't ridden in a week, and the lack of joy is really hurting. It's too dangerous out, even for me. The city is covered with slippery slush.
I'm having that same feeling, but in anticipation of missing it. Going to visit family for about a week and already trying to figure out if they have a neighbor who might lend me a bike.
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Old 12-18-13, 09:17 PM
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1. I live in the city, carbon footprint reduction... cycling is the way to go
2. 45min jeep/train commute reduced to 35min bike commute
3. noise pollution reduction
4. keeps me fit
5. everywhere I see road rage from motorists... cyclists have a peaceful mind
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Old 12-19-13, 08:23 AM
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Here's a list of "underrated benefits of bicycling " (particularly from a woman's point of view): https://bikeculturerising.com/2013/11...-of-bicycling/
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Old 12-20-13, 12:54 PM
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Originally Posted by NatUp
Reasons 8,428-8,429:
My bike has never failed to start on a cold morning.
In the heat, wind is the original air conditioner.
Agreed. A bicycle has never, ever left me completely stranded and helpless. Outside of a car hitting me, with a tool pack & pump I will get to my destination eventually.
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Old 12-20-13, 01:15 PM
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Don't know if this has been mentioned already but... Showing others it's actually doable. This week two of my coworkers rode their bikes to work for the first time. Neither is a "cyclist" but they want to get in better shape. I can't take credit for them doing so but I know I played a small part in it.
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Old 12-20-13, 11:09 PM
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Being connected with the world. Seeing the phase of the moon every day, the amount of water in the creek and how much of it is frozen; seeing the yellow eyes of coyotes in the dawn and dusk alongside the path.

As someone said above, seeing your breath on cold days. One thing I've noticed is that since I started cycling to work I've hardly ever had a cold. Maybe one or two days off work in four years; before, it was more like four or five days each year bogged down with colds/flu.

My bike commute is about 22 miles/80 minutes round trip, and would be 60 minutes by car and sometimes much more. The bus is OK because I can read, but it's slow and full of germs and just occasionally leaves you standing in 0-10 degrees for 30 minutes. I don't like driving and we're a one-car family so the only time I'm not riding is when there's 6+ inches of snow or I've broken a limb.
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Old 12-20-13, 11:50 PM
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Gatrofreak, I agree, and great work.

Another reason: feels great to make more headway than motor vehicle traffic! I'm getting the hang of slipping between vehicles snarled in traffic. Sometimes I can make better time point to point, not just for a minute.
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Old 12-21-13, 12:05 AM
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Originally Posted by yarb
One thing I've noticed is that since I started cycling to work I've hardly ever had a cold. Maybe one or two days off work in four years; before, it was more like four or five days each year bogged down with colds/flu.
I've found this as well. I still feel colds coming on occasionally, but they just sort of go away without turning into anything debilitating. Same thing goes for migraines, with which I used to have major problems.
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Old 12-21-13, 12:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Giant Doofus
I wrote about this in a post recently, but will repeat it here. I was riding home in a cold, misting rain one day when the clouds parted, the rain stopped, and the sun came out. As it warmed my face, I knew I would have missed the beauty of that moment had I been enclosed in the glass and metal of the car. I ride partly for these small graces of the bike.
Yes, no one but the foot-stompers can know what we feel. Thanks for your post.
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Old 12-21-13, 01:04 AM
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Originally Posted by Mr. Hairy Legs
I still feel colds coming on occasionally, but they just sort of go away without turning into anything debilitating.
Exactly. Maybe because we both have a Trek 4300. I only use mine now for snow and ice rides, but it was my main squeeze for a couple years after I got it from BSP in downtown Van.
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Old 12-21-13, 01:41 AM
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Originally Posted by jrbee7
One other thing.

Ever since I was a kid I have enjoyed seeing my breath on cold mornings.
Yes. +1
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Old 12-22-13, 01:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Mr. Hairy Legs
I've found this as well. I still feel colds coming on occasionally, but they just sort of go away without turning into anything debilitating. Same thing goes for migraines, with which I used to have major problems.
One of my old roomates had a theory, which is that the rise in body temp from exercise has the same effect as a rise in body temp from a fever. Illnesses get cooked out before they have a chance to start. He was a political science major, so I never had any reason to doubt (or fact check) this little bit of wisdom.
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Old 12-22-13, 11:30 PM
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Originally Posted by loky1179
One of my old roomates had a theory, which is that the rise in body temp from exercise has the same effect as a rise in body temp from a fever. Illnesses get cooked out before they have a chance to start. He was a political science major, so I never had any reason to doubt (or fact check) this little bit of wisdom.
Maybe, but I've got to imagine it has more to do with exercise keeping your immune system in good order and all that other medical stuff I know nothing about. Or perhaps the lifestyle that comes with regular commuting is what matters. Regardless, I've found the same to be true, that I hardly ever get sick, probably thanks to biking.
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Old 12-23-13, 03:45 PM
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Originally Posted by ThermionicScott
It really hit home this week that S.A.D. (or whatever you want to call it) puts a damper on my mood and enthusiasm every winter. Usually I'm not aware of it until the spring, when I'm suddenly happy and eager to get out and do things again, but both my girlfriend and I are noticing it now. But the good news is that exercise, whether that means going to the gym, or riding my bike to work, really helps. So I will be doing my utmost to commute throughout this winter, unless the conditions are just too bad for it.
I actually look forward to the ice and snow because I JUST got a pair of 700x35c Schwalbe Marathon Winter's. So far though turning in ice is scary because I still feel the bike slip, while making "modest" turns. And I'm not eager to see if it will continue to slip into a fall or regain traction.

My theory on the benefits of exercise is that it stimulates the lymphatic system which facilitates the elimination of toxins. Adversely, being sedentary allows toxins to accumulate and impair the immune system. Not that it is the most significant health benefit, but one that is probably overlooked by many. It's why (in my opinion) doctors say we need to get some exercise several times a week, even if it is just walking.
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Old 12-23-13, 06:06 PM
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Originally Posted by OrionXavier
I actually look forward to the ice and snow because I JUST got a pair of 700x35c Schwalbe Marathon Winter's. So far though turning in ice is scary because I still feel the bike slip, while making "modest" turns. And I'm not eager to see if it will continue to slip into a fall or regain traction.

My theory on the benefits of exercise is that it stimulates the lymphatic system which facilitates the elimination of toxins. Adversely, being sedentary allows toxins to accumulate and impair the immune system. Not that it is the most significant health benefit, but one that is probably overlooked by many. It's why (in my opinion) doctors say we need to get some exercise several times a week, even if it is just walking.
I had read somewhere how the smell of pine trees gives you a boost also... so I wonder if the general being outdoors could also have that effect...
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Old 12-25-13, 09:58 PM
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Originally Posted by OrionXavier
I actually look forward to the ice and snow because I JUST got a pair of 700x35c Schwalbe Marathon Winter's. So far though turning in ice is scary because I still feel the bike slip, while making "modest" turns. And I'm not eager to see if it will continue to slip into a fall or regain traction.
Keep us posted on how those tires work for you. I'm a big fan of my studded tires.

My theory on the benefits of exercise is that it stimulates the lymphatic system which facilitates the elimination of toxins. Adversely, being sedentary allows toxins to accumulate and impair the immune system. Not that it is the most significant health benefit, but one that is probably overlooked by many. It's why (in my opinion) doctors say we need to get some exercise several times a week, even if it is just walking.
Yep, being active helps everything to work better.
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