Commuting with Planet Bike Lights

I just started a new job requiring me to work 5 , 8 hr+ days a week instead of 3 12 hr days. I feared this would cut into my cycling time, so I decided to purchase some lights for hopeful commuting. My commute is 16mi each way in a fairly rural area. In hopes of commuting I purchased some inexpensive lights. Instead of spending a lot of money on intensity lights. I decided to try economical Planet Bike lights. I started with the Beamer 3 headlight. Not much better than my old Cateye. The biggest advantage to the Beamer is it's small size and long battery life. I also added the Blaze 1/2 watt tail light. Tiny, also only 2 AA batteries and is extremely visible. I then added the Blaze 1/2 watt front light and another 1/2 watt blaze tail light.

With this setup I did my 1st commute to work on my ICE T Trike. I left at 5am for a 6:30 start. I had to carry my work clothes and work paraphernalia. I decided to also stop for bagels for the staff. My Pod bags weighted 30lbs. I must say I was very impressed with the lights. Being a slow rider at 11mph, the lights provided plenty of visibility. As the day broke I changed over the front lights to flashing mode. I was amazed how far they flashed at signs. There was a person from work who passed me and commented how visible I was.

All in all I am happy with this set up.

On another note, people at work asked me if I was tired and how I would fair on the way back. 16 miles is a walk in the park and the ride back is even easier. It's a time to reflect on the day and take your time getting home. I have done work commutes before, but not as pleasurable as this. Not sure how often I will do this, as I am mgt and require to stay as needed.

All in all a great experience with lots of potential.

KEEP RIDING!!

Cycling Glasses

For those of you that are not overtly sight impaired, I highly recommend Smith and Wesson Magnum Safety glasses. I bought a pair a few years back from Walmart for under $10. I loved them so much I purchased 2 more pair. Since then, due to my abuse they have scratched severely and I have decided to get a new pair. With much dismay, they were no where to be found. I checked safety glasses at all my local hardware stores and non had that same comfortable fit. After searching the web I found my loved Smith & Wesson glasses at SafetyGlassesUSA.com at a reasonable price and shipping with a great variety of lenses.

I purchased 3 pair. Clear for night riding, Orange Blue Blocker for cloudy days, and Smoked with anti fog lenses for sunny days. I am very excited they did not change the design.

Smith & Wesson Magnum Features precision cut to shape 7 base spherical lens for increased distortion-free peripheral protection. Adjustable temples with four settings for a precise fit. Ribbed, non-slip rubber nose piece for all day comfort. Maximum UV protection. Exceeds ANSI Z87.1-2003 performance standards.

Please note these are not for people who need prescription sun glasses. These are regular sunglasses at a reasonable price with a great fit. If you can survive without prescription riding glasses, I highly recommend the Smith & Wesson Magnums.

KEEP RIDING!!!

Sacrilegious

I know this must sound sacrilegious, but I am contemplating going Diamond Frame. I recently sold my Rans Rocket and have considered selling my Stratus in lieu of getting a DF Surly LHT. I will be starting a new job which is 5-8 hr days a week instead of 3-12hrs. It will cut into my cycling time unless I commute. It is 16 miles from home which is not that long but I hate to get sweaty before work. I am considering driving 1/2 way and commuting by bike the other 1/2. Fortunately or unfortunately it is in a rural, but, unfriendly bike area. My trike, which is a keeper will fit in my Hyundai Accent. It does require me to remove the seat and rack. I would like to keep my down time to a minimal.
Alan Barnard of of the Recumbent Blog and now ECOVELO has always been inspirational to me. For the past 20 yrs I have used my bikes for utility miles as well as recreational. I have become more ECO conscious. After reading his posts it seems a DF might suit my utility miles better. It still would not be a traditional bike, but more along the lines of an upright Dutch Bike. I remember as a kid how I would add high handle bars and sit straight up and tall and enjoy the ride. I am hoping I can find this combination which will not overtly effect my butt. Hunched over on a racer does not work for me. Sore wrists, back and butt converted me to recumbents. I am hoping an upright position and a broken in Brooks saddle will work. If not my recumbents work well for me.
After riding my Stratus again, I decided it is too comfortable and too much a classic to sell. I hope to go to my LBS which has many used bikes and try some DF out to see if they will work.
Like Alan change can be good and increase my cycling enthusiasm.
KEEP RIDING!!!

$0.00 9/10

$0.00 9/10

I just got back from a 40 miler. Winds light and not too hot. I ran into this charming couple from 8 months back who was looking into trikes. She had just learned how to ride a 2 wheeler, but was not comfortable. She purchased her GS GT3 and is having a ball. It's great to see people getting back to cycling.

Riding a recumbent, in this neck of the woods, makes you an odd ball. On club rides even the hybrid bikers get more respect than me. Riding my trike on club rides is like riding by myself. Fortunately or unfortunately I love riding my trike to the point my other 2 wheeled bents are just gathering dust. Unless I am riding with my son on his new trike, I ride by myself. To tell you the truth I love the serenity and time to myself to reflect on life and it's gift.

Getting to the topic, I use my trike for most errands. For example, 2 days prior to Fathers day, I took my trike to Walmart to pick up some inexpensive wicking tank tops for my son. Then I went to Home Depot and purchased a table vise for my son's 1st Fathers Day. It weighed 10-15lbs. I strapped it to my rack. I then went to the liquor store and bought 2-1.5lts of wine and 2 sixpacks for Sunday's celebration. On my way back home I realized I forgot the new water filter for the refrigerator ice machine so I stopped again at a different Home Depot. Other than the vise all things were stored in my PODS, which are basically 2 duffel bags strapped together. The trike weighed a ton but didn't seem to mind the load. I did about 25 mi, ran my errands, and enjoyed a beautiful day without spending any gas. How cool is that?

My favorite and 1st site to visit is Alan Barnard's ECOVELO. He has always been an inspiration to me. His Recumbent Blog is fantastic and now his new site is filled with ways to utilize bicycles and cut down our dependence on fossil fuels. I have no idea how he acquires so much info, but I am glad he does.
I have been bike riding for 20 years now and before I joined a club I have come to learn that most of my miles were termed utility miles. I had a Mongoose hybrid that I equipped with inexpensive day panniers and fenders. I even added a Zzipper fairing. (Quite a site in those days) Working off shift I had many opportunities to ride. I would go to the mall, run errands and if I bought something I had room to carry it. Today it has become a way of life for me. All my bikes are equipped with rear rack, fenders and panniers. People often ask me what do you carry in those bags. My answer, you would be surprised.

I have become quite well known in this area. Not by name, but by that guy on that crazy bike.

KEEP RIDING and HAVE FUN!!!

Saved Another Turtle

Today I got off to a late start. It was already 80+ degrees at 10am. I decided not to kill myself and just do 25 miles with just a few major climbs. I did see other cyclists but not as many as normal for a Saturday.
It must be turtle season because, again I found a big Boxer in the middle of the road. This guy was not as friendly as the other and quickly closed up tight. While I was trying to get it, a car came up and almost ran it over. I picked up the turtle and placed it on the grass in the direction it looked like it was going.
This was a Hotter than Hell Day, but still better than not riding at all.
KEEP RIDING!!

Another Great Day

It was another beautiful day in NJ. My son on his new WW and me on my T. Great father, son bonding. We did 38.5 miles of beautiful country roads. Found and saved a turtle crossing the road. We got home just as the day was heating up. It was then Miller time by the pool.
The day was a gift.
Keep Riding!!!