More reasons to commute by bike
#51
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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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A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
#52
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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".
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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!
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!
#55
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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.
My bike has never failed to start on a cold morning.
In the heat, wind is the original air conditioner.
#56
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My reason is very selfish: it's that I just enjoy riding my bike.
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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.
#58
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$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!
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!
#59
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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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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#60
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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.
#61
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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
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
#62
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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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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.
#64
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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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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.
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.
#66
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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.
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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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#67
Super-spreader
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.
#68
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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.
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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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#71
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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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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.
#73
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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.
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.
#74
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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.
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.
#75
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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.