I finally said enough is enough and got myself a nice bike to commute to work on. With just a 17 mile round trip to work it only takes me 20 minutes longer to ride my bike than it does to drive. I still find that hard to believe.
Am I content to just be outside, enjoying the fresh air, the wind in face? Of course not! I just had to go add a radio (ultra dork alert) to my handlebars so I could listen to my talk radio. 🙂
I know it’s not something everyone can do but for those who can I highly recommend it. I like to think my quality of life has gone up just in the past two weeks I have been riding. I get to work feeling much more ready to tackle my day and I use my ride home as a great time to reflect on everything going on in life and just enjoy the view.
As to the bike it is a Surly Cross-Check that I outfitted with a rear rack and Axiom monsoon waterproof panniers. Not having a backpack is such a blessing!
Just 17 miles…?!? makes my 3 mile round trip to the day job seem like a warm-up/walk in the park. Even though I don’t get much time in my bike commute(mostly just downtown) to wander off and reflect I do know what you mean about feeling energized when you arrive to work, especially on a -25F morning.
I want one.
Oooh, very nice. What transmission/tires?
Is that a speaker to the left of the radio on the handle bars? Did that come with the radio or was it separtate? I’ve been looking for something like that.
Dave,
It doesn’t run anything to fancy. The drivetrain is primarily Shimano Tiagra. This is my first time using bar end shifters but I’m really starting to get into them. I swapped out the stock tires for a set of Kenda cross tires. They’re a 700x28c and only go up to about 80 psi which makes it a bit smoother ride. Not like I’m racing to work anyhow.
Peter,
That’s actually something I pieced together. The radio is one of those Sony’s that you would normally strap to your arm for running and the speakers are something I found online.
http://computers.phimart.com/itemView.html?COBY-CSP14-Personal-Ministereo-Speakers-for-computers-and-home&listNo=L3256207253844
I zip tied the two bases of the speaker together and then using velcro pump straps I attached them to the handlebar. I’m pretty surprised how well it actually works 🙂 Another pump strap to hold the radio to my stem and I can change stations easily while riding and the radio is loud enough to overtake wind noise.
cool. thanks for the tip — I need to rig something together like that for the Burley jogger . . . running is too hard without music, and kid + earbuds + cars = not a good idea.
Yep, totally. I used to have ear buds that I zip tied into my helmet but I could never get them loud enough to hear without putting them so close to my ear so I couldn’t hear what was going on around me.
I may look a bit goofy and when I roll up to stop signs with people waiting for the bus I do get some funny looks but eh I’m riding in style!
Fancy! 🙂