So I thought I'd drop by and say howdy to everybody here.
It's been a while since I commuted by bike and had a recent reality start to hit me.
I've got two more years down here in Brownsville. Average temperature: hot with no sign of relief from hot. I've been using a demonseed longboard for fun to get back and forth between work and grad school (about 2-3 miles round trip each way - think a triangle from my home) and it's been a blast.
Recently, I started really settling into the English/Communication departments and really getting to know some of the fine professors here. Also, I am a TA this semester, so it is my first experience teaching.
What has transpired is that I'm seeing the direction my career is going to be taking me, and that direction requires not only a suit (for obvious reasons) but also a wardrobe change. At 38, I've never bothered to have to wear dress clothing due to my career choice. Working on a copy desk at a newspaper isn't the place you expect to find well-groomed and dressed young lads and ladies. Generally.
Regardless, I need to start wearing "the symbols of success" within the next six months and start planning on my families' move to the Pacific Northwest.
So I'm looking at my mountain bike, and saying no. And I'm looking at my race bike and saying not even close. And now I'm realizing that, for the first time ever, I'm going to have to buy something with platform pedals, fenders and an upright riding position that isn't "performance" oriented as much as "keep me clean oriented.
I was looking at the Globe Daily 1 in green.
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/glo...5&scname=Globe
It looks like a fantastic bike for what I'm thinking and appears like it will work well in Portland in the future.
Anybody familiar with the bike? Suggestions? I don't really want to change and pack anymore for the near future. Obviously, we I get out to Portland I will be in a more bike friendly environment, but currently, my work and school are not the most bike-centric locations.
I intend to continue using my longboard on the weekends and 2 days during the week I'm off because its just a great workout and amazingly simple.