I normally keep track of miles i ride. That's how I can proudly say that I rode over 70 miles one day on the hottest day of the year back when my Trek 1000 was a geared road bike [it has since been turned into a fixie, and now awaits parts for eventual restoration as the fixed gear parts are on my Panny]. That's how I can say I had to get a folding bike, because i am just not riding as much as I used to only two short years ago. Riding on the way to and home from work seemed like the ultimate solution [and a good excuse to pick up another bike! Hey!]
The idea of tracking events, however, that unfold during commutes is something new... but as my goal is to satisfy my urge to share bicycling with the world I believe it is one that makes sense. What better way to get others hooked on biking -- having fun -- ont he way to work is there than telling them how MY trips go? Hopefully I will dispell many fears of colissions with cars whilst commuting, flat tires, etc. -- but if some misfortune does occur you can be sure i will report it along with the good.
COMMUTING EQUIPMENT:
HELMET- I know, i know, it isn;t "cool" -- but a helmet can save your head, literally, so if you ride in traffic wear one [if your a kid it's the law in most areas -- and if you're an adult you should be smart enough to wear one voluntarily unless you wanna end up starring in "Rainman II"]. Buy a helmet with enough vents that your head doesn't overheat in summer but not so many vents that you will have to wear headwarming gear in early fall. Mountainbike helmets are usually cheaper than road-specific head-savers and have an intermediate amount of venting, so they are a good bet. You can usually pick one up for around 440-60. You can use the same helmet you normally do, or use your current one for commuting and buy a new one for your "recreational" rides. Hey, it's an excuse to get new gear. Do it! My own fav picks for helmets have been Specialized, Giro, and Bell. Current helmet is a blue Bell Yukon, a mountainbike brain-catcher but I use it for road and work rides too. Tip: Don't leave your helmet outside. Sunlight exposure to the inside or other elemental wear-and-tear may reduce its effectiveness if you need it in a crash. LOCK- On a folding bike this isn't really needed, because you bring it inside upon getting where you're going. But what if you have to go to the bathroom halfway to work/ Do you just leave your bike outside as you run into a store? Keep a lock just in case. RAIN GEAR- a water-resistant coat in case it pours on your parade. WIll usually fold or roll up. Mine in a red ledge hiking jacket with a hood and it had its own bag you stuff it in. Never had to use it yet but i ain'tr afraid of the weather knowing I got it. SHIRT- Also carry a change of shirt for work. FENDERS- fenders, mudguards, whatever you wanna call 'em -- they are a godsend. None of my other bikes save for my 3-speed "club bike" repro have fenders, and i always end up splattered with grit and having to clean my bike after rides in rain. With fenders you still have to wipe off your bike but there is less to clean because the fenders save the bike, and your butt. LIGHTS- A front and rear ligth are important. If you are riding in an unfamiliar or porrly lit area, go with a headlight that illuminated the road ahead. If you are in a city or area you know well, you can get away with an LED up front. In the back, have a red light, don't mount it too low and use one that is both bright and that can be set to either flashing or steady light.
OTHER- Spare inner tube or a patch kit may be advisable, as may a pump. a min-pump is cheap, weight less than your keys, and will fit in your pack or backpack or strap to your bike's rack. If your bike doesn't have quick release carry a small wrench to remove the wheels! I've never got a flat on my Dahon folder and i weight 185lbs, but many people complain of flats on folding bikes so it isn't a bad idea to pack spares.
__________ This page updated no less than every 7 days.___________
WEEK ONE:
Monday, October 11, 2004: First Commute on Dahon: Ride to train station is uneventful and takes mere minutes. Stop for a pack of smokes at the store and the guy who own the joint comes out and starts looking at the bike. His wife tries to disinterest him but he asks questions. I answer them pleasantly and am on my way. Boarding the train was no problem. The bike folded easily and I carried in in front of me going thru the door, then took my normal seat near the back of the train car by the door. The bicycle fit in front of my legs just barely but was not that uncomfortable. Arriving in Newark, i got out, and unfolded the bike quickly. The ride was quick, down Central ave, then up Warren. A normally 15-minute hike turned into a 4 minute ride. It was great fun. I had once instance of a van cutting me off but simply went around him. At the office, people asked questions about the bike and i gave them a folding demonstration. Going home, I got asked tons of questions but the bike. Pedestrians stopped me to ask me how light the bike was, if it was strudy, where I got it. I boarded the train and got off a town away from where i lived, at an earlier stop, and rode the rest of the way home. I was so happy with my new bike!
Tue. Oct. 12, 2004: Had to drive in the morning but went home and took the train, hence the bike. It was great fun riding in the sun! Trip was uneventful and there were no problems with drivers. Rode home from next town over.
Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004: Trip was uneventful and I received complements on the bicycle. Rode home from next town over.
Thurs. Oct. 14, 2004: Light rain turning to eventual drizzle with some clouds and sunny patches. The mudguards performed admirably and I was hardly cold or wet, even tho i left my raincoat at home. I arrived at work excited and arrived home pleasant and mellow after riding home from two towns over, getting off two stops early to give me more time to ride.
Friday, Oct. 15, 2004: The trip in went well, used a bike-specific pack onthe rear rack of the Dahon instead of wearing my backpack. in contained my soda, a bottle of water, matches, train schedule, extra pack of smokes, cell phone, waterproof jacket, and had room to stow my longsleeve sweatshirt when it got warmer and I took it off, as well as my Smith&Wesson folding pocket knife, which i habitually carry, tho not on my person because it is a tool rather than a weapon ["be prepared"]. Also carried a bike lock for the first time since using the Dahon, which i have yet to actually use it in Newark as I just take the bike inside with me! The pack added only sightly to the weight of the bike when lifting it folded, but caused no problems and was easier than carrying a bike AND a knapsack, especially on the train where turning sideways to squeeze past people and into seats often caused the knapsack to get caught or bump into things, other persons, etc. Riding to the station and then from Newark Broad St. Station to work, the pack's weight over the rear wheel seemed to add more stability to the Dahon's handling, with no impact on ability to get up hills. Going home: Awesome. No prob, right on it and back to la casa! Whatta ride. Next update in 7!
WEEK II:
The 2nd week has gone good. Yesterday I used the Dahon to run across town to a conference as one of our employees needed cab fare to return. The Bike performed admirably.
Today, whilst lifting it unfolded, I noticed some vertical give in the hinge; it seemed slightly loose when lifting up, but there was no give downward when putting weight on the bike. This should therefore not be a problem when riding provided both wheels remain on the ground. It does however point out the difference in folding designs. A sturdier design would be one such as the Brompton which is actually held open by the rider’s weight and has a hinge which folds vertically. The lateral folding of the Dahon means it will always be somewhat less sturdy. However, it appears none the worse for wear while riding and the safety and ride quality do not appear affected; it is only noticeable when lifting the frame in its open position.
Week II Cont'd: week two is ending. It's Friday 10/22/04 3:15PM -- I went to mail a letter and found out there had been a shooting two blocks away. A fight broke out ten feet from me as I walked to get a cup of coffee before returning to the office. Traffic doesn't scare me but this sh!t has me a little worried; I'd probably be safer commuting by bicycle in Fallujah! Figured I'd best update this page now just in case. ;)
See u in 7!
WEEK III:
10/25/04: Monday first day of week three. Quiet commute in Newark and home from Murray Hil station. However, helicopters were circling the Broad St. Newark train station as I boarded the train going home. Cycling was uneventful, however, except for it got dark much earlier today.... daylight savings time cometh!
10/26/04 - tuesday Oct. 26: No shooting either today or Monday. Today was much warmer than yesterday, I managed the morning ride in a t-shirt and my green vest, no long sleeves. The ride in was uneventful, meaning, good, no incidents involving deranged motorists.
11/5/04 - Antoher week on the Dahon. Cold and rainy but today is Friday and the Sun is out!
As winter sets in you need to add a jacket and lights to your commuting gear but other than that it is still fun!
.... more on the way.
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Dahon Company Website.
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