Riding Back to Back Days

So I did not spill anything on my pants yesterday so I took on riding in again today. I do have to admit I was a little slower this morning. And I choose to believe it was not that my legs were tired but that I was taking in the scenery. Check out some of the pictures I took with the blackberry on the the way home last night and the way in this morning.

This is from the trail along the Wissahickon creek, in the afternoon the trail is much more crowded with other folks getting in a little exercise.
This is the Vally Green Inn, a nice nearly mid point stop on the ride. Due to the heat today I will be stopping at the water fountain there to fill up my water bottle.

And this one is from the way in this morning. I get to ride past the only covered bridge in Philadelphia county. Very scenic, how's it compare to your daily commute?

Getting Faster on the Bike

So ride number three this morning was faster than previous rides by about 8 minutes or so. And while that does not seem like a lot it is a 10% improvement over my initial trip which took an hour 20. And this time I remembered to bring my pants into the office the day before so I was all set once I arrived.

I will have to take some pictures with the blackberry on a trip to give a sense of the natural setting I ride through. Maybe on the way home tonight? Also as long as I do not spill anything on these pants today (a higher probability than you might think) I may try back to back days, by riding in tomorrow. I can pack a golf shirt that will not get to wrinkled.

Wind Turbine on the move

On a recent trip back from a meeting in Skillman, NJ the J&J office I used to work at, I was on the PA turnpike and saw an pretty unique over sized load. Now I have seen wind turbines in the desert in CA and there are even a couple you can see from the PA turnpike and yes they look big but seeing just one of the blades on it's side going down the highway was pretty impressive.

24 hour coast to coast

So I have a business meeting tomorrow outside Seattle at 9am. I will be on a flight tonight at 6pm, arrive at 9pm local Pacific time, grab a beer with Casey and Kate (they are good sports), crash and then go to the meeting. It is then off to the airport for a 1:30pm back to the East Coast, to arrive by 10p at home. Got to love those quick turn around meetings. I wish I had been able to work a longer stay, with all the sailing and BBQ'ing that Kate and Casey are up to that would have been a good time, oh-well.

Weekend Projects

After spending almost the entire weekend inside avoiding the heat and both of us doing work, Amy and I decided to get out of the house today. So a trip to Famous Dave's BBQ for lunch and then on to Ikea was planned with our friend Sandra. After a delicious lunch that consisted of a pulled pork sandwich for Sanda and I and Amy's BBQ chicken we were off to Ikea.

We went into the store looking for a new cabinet for next to the wine fridge in the living room, and to check out new blinds for the bedroom. And despite our worst fears we did not end up with any extra stuff. Below is the results of our efforts. And all for just under $200 and an afternoon with a screwdriver. Got to love those Swedes.

Ride #2

So I did a second ride to work today, (Lew - I am working up to my bear hug from Al). And it was much better this time I would have to say that is probably due in large part to the great NEW bike Amy bought me for my early birthday present! Check it out below. It is a Novara Ponderosa, and I even got her to spring for a pair of slick tires. Much better than the old beater that cost me $100 fours years ago at a flea market.

Also on a really funny note, what do you think is the worst thing you can forget to pack when you bike to work, that would be pants. Yes that is right I forgot to pack work pants in the bag I brought so I am working all day in my Penn gym shorts. Sitting at my desk most of the day has not been to bad, now if I could only get up the courage to go to the cafeteria for some lunch, I am starving.

$50 Tank for my Mazda 3!

That's right folks I had my first fill up today that was +$50 for my Mazda 3, now that was quite a shock. And now that my memory of the bike ride last week has faded a bit I think a trip to REI for saddle bags for the bike maybe in order. This way I can do the ride with less pre-planning of bringing a change of clothes to work the day before.

And at this rate I am very excited we live in the city where we have the option of walking to most places. How does it feel suburbanites? Feeling a little trapped in your houses?

Green Commuting - I'm a fan!

I got it in my head that there were two changes I wanted to make in my life:

1) I wanted to get back to better shape, after my surgery I really took it as a huge excuse to not work out at all.
2) Commute more efficiently to save gas and $s, and in the short term I thought that meant working from home, which is a great option I am taking advantage of at least once every two weeks, technology is great.

However I realized this week there is a way I can accomplish both in one action, bike to work. So since this morning was going to be the last low humidity morning in Philly in the next 10 days, and maybe until September, and it is the last day before a holiday weekend, I thought there is no better time than the present. So I fixed the flat tire on the mountain bike last night, packed a back pack and struck out at 6:45 this morning.

My route was 15.8 miles (thank you Google Maps) I took the trail along the Kelly drive trail along the Schuylkill to Forbidden Drive along the Wissahickon Creek, up Bells Mills Lane through Flourtown and into the office, all in only 75 minutes. After a quick shower in the gym here I was at my desk earlier than I have been in months. And having my bike parked next to my desk has a certain cool factor to it. So in short if you have a bike and a desire to be more active try bike commuting, I am a fan. Although I do still have to make it home this afternoon...maybe I will take time to enjoy the scenery (code for I will be going slow b/c my legs are on fire...)

Check out my approximate route here. (Google can not map the trail along the Wissahickon as cars are not permitted)