Dave's Good Stuff

I’ve decided to seriously look at commuting to work by bicycle. Since I refuse to use my Torelli for this task due to the increased risk of damage, I will polish up the Giant again. I’ve tentatively mapped out my route which, aside from crossing over I35 at 75th St, avoids as many high-traffic areas as possible. It’s only about 8 miles one way, so in terms of distance, it’s nothing. What I hope, however, is to save money on gas, eating out (who wants to ride their bike to lunch?!), and increase my fitness level all at the same time.

Ye Olde Giant Perigee. Purchased in 1990 at (the now defunct) Rick’s Bike Shop in Lawrence. It’s no 17lbs Torelli, but I tell you what, it saw me through some lean years at college. I didn’t have a car for the first four or five years, and it was my only dedicated and reliable form of transportation. And reliable it was… for $350, it’s seen more miles than I can count, in stifling heat, blistering cold, and everything in between both wet and dry. Aside from the occasional dented rim from hitting potholes, the scraped handlebar tape and shifter covers from spilling in the rain, and one bottom bracket replacement from riding in said rain, it did the job without complaint. It’s never really been upgraded either. By and large, it has the same components it came with. Some off-brand I can’t even recall right now. Oh, I’ve replaced little things here and there… tires, wheels (el-cheapo), cables, and tape, but it is essentially original. No carbon, aircraft aluminum, or titanium here, either. A good old fashioned heavy steel frame means it’s not light either. Though my ride will be short, it will still be good training.

Bike. Check.

Honestly, the thing that really made me start to consider commuting is my brother. Up in Portland, he commutes about 15 miles one way daily to work. He and I are starting to play off each other, goading each other into better shape so we can ride more closely together when we visit each other. Nothing beats daily riding for getting into better shape. What made me consider the Giant for this task were the pedals. Sweetie and I found some SPD pedals at a swap meet in Lawrence the day before the 2007 Lawrence Octoginta for stupid cheap. Once I was able to get the frozen (original) pedals off the Giant, the “new” pedals proved well worth the money. I bought some Shimano M225s a while ago for using on the stationaries in spin class, but they fell into disuse as spin class proved to be just too damn early in the morning. I can break those out again now. Since I’m so completely spoiled by clip less pedals, I couldn’t fathom the idea of spending any serious time on a bike with either toe clips or nothing. Now I don’t have to.

Pedals and Shoes. Check.

What I need now are some fenders, at least one rack (probably on the rear), some rack bags, plenty of reflectors and lights, all-weather clothing, and I should be good to go. It’ll take some time getting used to the down-tube shifters again, but I think I can hack it.

There’s a fairly active cycling community here in KC. I’ve not been involved, but would like to be. I’ve always felt my “weekend warrior” activity level just didn’t warrant it. My life is revolving more and more around cycling, though, so increased involvement is, perhaps, inevitable. This will almost certainly raise more issues where cycling rights are concerned, in spite of my short commute. I’ve been paying some attention lately to the attitudes of motorists vs. cyclists, and have been alternately shocked and dismayed, pleasantly surprised, and calmly reassured… but that’s a topic for another post…