Back on the Hoss (Iron Hoss that is)

Due to various factors, I have not been riding very much over the past several weeks. These factors include visitors, practice and performance of rock shows and rehearsal for upcoming belly-dance performances. (Generally if I have something to do shortly after work I do not ride so I can have the little time I have at home to spend with the Dukes)

Consequently this morning was the first time since the weather has cooled that I rode in to work. First off, I need to get a new bike light. It is now twilight when I start and that is a dangerous time for bikers. Secondly, It's time to get back to layering. This is good and bad. Good because I actually prefer riding in cooler weather and showing less skin as a general rule. Bad because I haven't quite figured out the magic composition of clothing that will keep me from being too cold or too hot. This is particularly challenging because the weather can raise 5-10 degrees just during the duration of my ride! I did wear long pants and my middle layer zip-up but wavered on a sweatband and gloves. (I need a lighter pair of gloves actually) I was missing them in the beginning for sure, but by the time I was halfway there I was feeling like I made the right decision.

Interval

Last week I was fairly lax in my bike riding as my parents were in town and my schedule got all off. But one thing I did try last week and am implementing this week is the idea of "interval training".

Generally my strategy on my fairly long ride is to keep a steady pace the entire way. This is mainly because I am afraid of wearing myself out before I reach my destination. Which is fine but I definitely feel like any benefits from biking have leveled off- especially since I bike so often now it is not a dramatic difference in the summer like I used to see.

Mom mentioned to me that her trainer had her do intervals on the machines at her gym and it made me think that it would be an easy technique to add to my ride to make it more challenging, without overextending myself.

All I do is change my pace at every stoplight I hit. It works out pretty interesting and it keeps me on my toes especially as the space between stoplights is by no means regular. Ahh, those damn 10 pounds will surely come off now.....

No more picture laden posts for you today. Sorry!

The summer bikers have officially started and I actually had to wait for a shower at the bike station yesterday. Boo! I always say I am excited to see more people biking but when it comes to fighting for showers and hairdryers I am less altruistic. Here's hoping the less motivated will drop off once the weather gets REALLY hot.

I got my first mani-pedi of the season yesterday and Miss D is entranced. We have our girls night tonight while husband is playing softball so I've promised to do her toes. (hands have to wait until thumb-sucking is over)

Miss D keeps asking us to teach her to read. We read books every day and I have started to sound out words with her but I'm wondering if there's something else I can be doing or any really good books she could start with? She's only 3 but she knows her alphabet backwards and forwards and has a lot of the sounds down.

My Ride to Work (8.75 Miles)

First I must depart my neighbourhood. (Delightful Albany Park)

Ah, Elston- my main artery into the city.

Hello belly dance studio!

The first of many bizarre and possibly death-inducing 3 way intersections. Huzzoo for diagonal streets!

Western, meet Diversy. Both of you- meet Elston. If I miss this light it is a loooooooong wait.

Now entering the shopping corridor of Elston. Quiet and serene during the morning, it becomes a deathtrap on the way home of shoppers intent on getting in and out of their parking lots and not paying attention to much else.

Seriously. Who is going to go all the way over there? I'll stay in the turn lane and take my chances. ooooooooo.

Elston and Ashland. Yet another intersection that is more dangerous in the afternoon. Look how big Ashland is though!

A hill! Look how wide and spacious this road is- plenty for all you might think. Unfortunately what this means to drivers is that the bike lane is just another passing lane for their use.

Morton Salt! Now we're in the "industrial corridor" of Elston. Savvy Readers may recognize the wall on the right from a certain music video...

Oh yeah, that's where I'm going.

Toodaloo Elston- see you tonight. It's up to Milwaukee now.

Wheeeeeee!

Desplaines (That's pronounced deS- plainz for you non-Chicagoans.) I neglected to photo the killer hill I have to go up to reach this descent.

Lake St. and under the train into town. Ah the sweet, thunderous sound and gentle AC juice showers...

Yes, I ride my bike on Michigan Avenue. But just from here to that light. I ain't that crazy y'alls!

My journey ends with this giant hill up Randolph to the Bike station. (Millenium Park is to the right, out of frame)

All Quiet on the Biking Front

If you were wondering why I haven't posted about biking for a while, well, it's because I didn't do much biking after mid-January. I discovered that biking in below 0 temps and/or snow was just not something I wanted to do. I managed to bike here and there over the past 3 months, maybe averaging once a week (one-way!)

Now that the temps are truly coming up and it is in the balmy 30's outside, it is time to step it up. And apparently I am not the only one who thinks so!

Every year the bike center seems to get busier. I think it's awesome that so many people are biking, especially the ladies. But practically, moving from being the only person in the locker room to fighting for bench space is annoying. Too bad there is no executive locker room at the bike center.

Brief Observation

One thing about winter biking for exercise,

Nobody makes it their New Years Resolution and starts in January.

Feels Like –6, Biking, Batshit?

Yes I am. I actually ordered some winter tights but decided I couldn’t wait until I got them. (Danger Will Robinson!) My skin is unhappy with me. The ride was actually ok other than my eyelashes kept getting stuck together and my gears kept getting stuck. (The gears being the more major issue of the two.) I’ll have to do some research and see if I need to do some winterizing.

NEW TOPIC - CHILDCARE

Last night Husband and I spent trolling the internets looking for part-time daycare for the Dukes. Apparently, if you want to get into a reputable program in the Chicago area, you need to put your kid on a wait list at least a year in advance. (For those of you smacking your heads saying “Duh!”- where were you a year ago?) I actually had started looking into preschool over the summer for her for Fall of 2008. Most of the public school ones do not even have applications available until spring, but I am starting to think I have missed the boat on getting her on a wait list for a private one (in case I don’t get her into a public one) Gah! I’m not ready for this.

We did bite it and spend the $40 to join the North Side Parents Network which has already proven to be a good source of knowledge and resources through the discussion boards. After quickly realizing a daycare center situation is not going to happen in the near future we are looking into home daycare and/or nanny share options. Then hopefully she will be able to go to preschool in the fall. Assuming I’m not too late. Gulp.

When two worlds collide...

Two of my new lifestyle choices clashed horribly last week. (Wearing makeup + Icebiking)

While many people may have seen me riding around in November and thought I was nuts, I did not feel that I was truly crazy until I took to the streets today.
What I learned:

-my mountain bike tires can handle slush snow under 1" in thickness with no problem, if it looks thicker than that, get ready to slip n' slide.

-even if my legs don't feel cold, the tights I have + long johns do not cut it when it's 15 degrees.

-current face mask is also not ready for below 20s

As I was composing my blog entry in my head during my ride I thought I would mention that I knew I was truly crazy for riding today because I didn't see another soul on a bike. Even when it is in the 30's I usually have 2-3 riders whiz past me on any given ride. But then when I got to North Avenue, 2 bikers did pass me. Although "whiz" is perhaps not the descriptive term to use in these road conditions.

TOPIC CHANGE

The weekend was full of cleaning in anticipation of the IL's arrival on Wednesday. Saturday night I had my 2nd belly-dance performance. There

was someone there taking many pics. They haven't been emailed to me yet so when i get them i will post them and speak more in detail about the performance! It was a more relaxed atmosphere for sure and i purchased an eye glitter kit which I hope to work into my daily makeup routine. it can be applied subtly- I swear! I am amazed at how many people are involved in the belly-dance community, and in the burbs no less. It definitely attracts an interesting cross section of people.

Sunday we went to our good friend kegz's house for his birthday. We all got to play the latest version of Guitar Hero which was a lot of fun. I was reminded of why I am not a drummer. Kegz kept trying to get me to sing- but I was like I do that all the time! Usually when we get together Miss D and their little boy C get to play together. But C was napping when we got there and when we woke up went through a series of being various growly animals from a dinosaur to a bear to a lion. We left early because I was supposed to have band practice but when i got home I found out it was cancelled. Boo! But yay, because I got to spend a few more hours with my Miss D.

Random Musings (Again)

Pix Pix Pix- That's all you people want from me.

I do have a pic of the outfit with the pink tights but I have determined I look fat in it. So it shall not see the light of day!

Today will be my first day back on the bike in 2 weeks. Wish me luck!

As you can tell, I have nothing really to say today...

First Thoughts on Winter Biking- The Honeymoon phase?

Did you see that??


It's kind of hard to get a good picture of but that is some street grit
impressed into my face y'all!

Why yes, I am hardcore. Thank you for noticing!

The weather is now in the 30's. Winter biking is in full effect. Some thoughts:

- Here's the thing I thought I'd never say. When properly attired(and that is critical) it is actually quite pleasant to bike in the cold. The first day it dipped below freezing I put on all 3 layers I own and had to strip down after a mile. I was DYING of HEAT. I'm saving that middle layer and will try it again when it gets to 25-20.

- When there are 20mph winds (against me) the previous statement is retracted.

- I busted out the face mask shortly after the above pics were taken. My face is not only grit-free but enjoys a nice, breathy steam bath on the way to work instead of being whipped dry by the wind. However, gum or teeth brushing prior to riding is imperative.

- The mid-weight tights I bought are NOT going to cut it. Even w/a second layer on top of them, my skin is still cold to the touch after I take a shower!

- I have been seeing some spectacular winter sunrises ranging from pale blues and pinks to this mornings vibrant yellow, orange and fuchsia streaked with purple. I wish I had a camera attached to my helmet!

Experiments in Winter Biking.

All-weather biking is all about the art of layering. It is amazing what a difference 5-10 degrees make when you are on a bike. Of course, Chicago is not a place where the weather is consistent and you can have 15-20 degree shifts in temperature within one day! This makes it a challenge to be prepared for anything. But it is quite the learning experience for me.

Last week, I rode home in 36 degrees. I decided not to pull out the face mask, (my face was itchy all weekend) although my face didn’t feel COLD on the ride per se. On the upper body I went with my shell which is lined with fleece and my under layer only and was totes warm (translation: sweating). Also busted out the gloves I bought and had to peel them off my damp hands when I got home. Those gloves are really for the extreme temps! Unfortch, the lightweight tights I purchased were not up to the task. I needed another layer for sure. All in all I felt I handled the weather pretty successfully. The wind was intense, but it only really made an impact on my poor legs. And I learned a lesson!

Today was another learning day. I had checked the weather last night and saw that it was supposed to warm up to 55 degrees today. I made the decision not to wear my heavy-duty lined shell and just went with the under layer and mid-weight fleece. I walked outside and was a little chilly so I thought I’d be ok. Also made the fateful decision NOT to wear gloves. Booooo. Very bad choice. Turns out it was only like 44 out there. My hands are totally wrecked. Started out cold, went numb and then were painful and red by the time I got downtown. From now on I will always wear gloves! Better to be sweaty and warm. I had two layers on my legs and they did pretty well and my upper half didn’t feel all that cold, but when I peeled off my shirt I saw my torso was beet red. Doh! I definitely need to invest in some serious moisturizer.

So what am I trying to say with all this. What can you take away from my experiences? I woulds say tis always better to err on the side of too MUCH clothing then the other way around.

So many things- No pics!

I keep meaning to upload a bunch of pics to blogger so I can blog about them- but I keep forgetting!

Yes everyone- I did manage to get in to the belly dance performance. Seriously, I think i would have had to fall down, or freeze up in the middle of it to have been disqualified.

If you want to come see it in person Dec. 8th at the Viaduct, email me for ticket info!

We had our first rehearsal last night. Very exciting!

In outlet shopping results, I got 4 shirts and a belt. AND about $150 worth of winter biking gear! There was a pearl izumi store there with some amazing deals ($70 gloves for $20!) so I took it as a sign that i am meant to do the winter biking. I got a under layer, middle layer fleece jacket, headband, gloves and face mask. I ended up going to Performance Bike on Sunday and got some tights- of course they didn't have any in my size in stock for below 0 temps. I got some for 50-30 degrees and hope I can get by just layering on top of them for warmth.

Yesterday morning I got all my layers on and my new tights and my gloves and walked outside to....sixty degrees. Really?

Needless to say- I sweated my ass off.

To ice bike or not to ice bike

It seems like all of a sudden, those balmy 50 degree days of fall are passing and soon winter will be upon us. I have been hemming and hawing for over a month about whether or not to attempt to keep biking once temps drop below freezing.

Decisions, decisions...

On the one hand, I will need to invest in some gear. Based on an early start this season, I know that my coat and sweatshirt will get me down to the low 40's along with regular sneakers and gloves. Once it dips below 38 though, I will most likely need to purchase some combo of the following:

HEAD
Balaclava $10-$17
Headband (for ears) $12-$18
Eyeglasses (too dark for sunglasses!) $6.50-$15
Neck Cover $9

UPPER HALF
Under shirt "wicking fabric" (most likely more than one!) $35
Fleece (middle layer) $50-$150
Gloves- $10-$70????
Sock Liners "wicking"(most likely more than one!)$4

LOWER HALF
Tights ? $35-$70
or
Windbreaker pants $40-$120

So if I got one of each of the cheapest things- I'm looking at about $125. Which is actually not that bad.

Then there is the weather. I doubt I will be biking on the ice and snow. However, my biking has already tapered off considerably. I am only biking in like once-twice a week these days. But on the other hand it's pretty much the only exercise I get. I know from experience that it is really hard for me to find time to work additional exercise into my schedule.

So huh.

Riding Drunk

There was a company outing to the cubs game yesterday. Unfortunately, they were bleacher tickets and by the time we got there there were absolutely NO seats. (Let alone enough seats for a group of 15 to sit together)

So after a brief moment baking in the sun we did what any sensible people would do and went to the bar!

Suffice to say I was buzzed after my first beer (no food, rode my bike up in the hot hot sun) so by the time I left around 4:30 I was pretty pissed. Probably good that Husband needed me home by 5pm or likely I would have stayed around to make a complete ass of myself- which is sort of my track record at company functions. (I think it is free booze that is my downfall)

However, I still had to ride my bike home from Wrigley. Luckily, it is not very far and I was able to stick to side roads. But all I could think the whole time was "I am so wasted"

Yes I am classy. and smart.

Back on the Bike

Anyone who read my travellers post from AinA's site knows that I am in thrall to the Amsterdam bike-as-transit culture. Today was my first morning biking in to work since I got back from my trip. Staked out on a prime spot of Milwaukee Ave was the Chicagoland Bike Federation. (Yes indeed- who knew?)

They were giving out free shwag from their sponsors to support a Bike to Work rally they are having tomorrow. Bananas, vitamin water, tire levers, ......coffee (?). (seems like an odd choice to me for people on their bikes but what do I know?)

Methinks they are preaching to the choir-but there must be a purpose to that. And it was very nice to get a banana. Maybe I will even go to that rally 2morrow. (Free T-Shirt!)

As I rode down Lake St under the tracks, dusted with a fine sprinkling of El "juice", I thought to myself, " Chicago is not such a bad place to bike in"