I was lucky enough to attend a conference in Chicago last week, and managed to stay for extra day to see the sites. A highlight was renting a hybrid bike from Bobby’s Bikes near Navy Pier. It was a fantastic sunny Saturday. Actually, coming from Alaska, it was cooking hot. But I happen to like that. Bobby’s had choices of cruisers, hybrids, and road bikes. I went with a hybrid for $20 for 4 hours. I wasn’t sure I’d go for the whole 4 hours, but it turned out that that was perfect.
Chicago Lakeshore Air Show
I had to wiggle my way through throngs of people lined up on the lakeshore to watch the Air Force Airshow. After meandering through Lincoln Park, and enjoying the quiet of roads closed to cars, I came
out a few miles north of downtown to mellower crowds. From there is
Handlebar View
was great riding. The whole trail is 18 miles long. The trail is in great condition, clean and smooth. And the view is spectacular. I watched children play in the water, dogs swim for sticks, sailboat races, and simply happily pedaled.
For more information go to: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/resources/beaches/.
Saturday night and nothing to do? I know, how lame is that? Then it hit me, go camping and biking up at Eklutna. A beautiful evening, AND, no cell phone access. What’s not to like. So I did it. I was lucky to get a campsite. I got there around 3:30, and by about 5 all the sites were full. The nice thing is, at the bottom of the 8 mile drive up the hill to the park, there is a sign that lets people know whether camping is available.
I didn’t even bother getting my tent set up. I just found a spot, parked my car and pulled out my bike and helmet. From the campground, its just a 1 minute ride to get onto the trail that hugs the
View from the handlebars of Eklutna Lake
gorgeous lake. You might remember how much I loved biking in Florida, with the aqua blue water. That beauty doesn’t come close to the stunning mountains that pop out of the glacial blue waters of Eklutna Lake. The picture to the right does not do it justice. You really have to go up there to believe.
Bike as a Stake
The trail that hugs the lake is 12 miles long. All of it is stunning. If you plan way ahead (like 6 months) you can rent the cabin on the lake at mile 3. But I hadn’t thought more than an hour ahead for this trip. I also only rode 10 miles, because I got hungry and didn’t pack any food with me. But still, it was a fantastic ride and evening.
When I did get around to setting up my tent, I realized that the stakes wouldn’t stay in the ground. Good thing I had my bike, it was perfect for trying down the fly. And good thing I tied down the fly because it drizzled, perfect sleep sounding drizzle all night.
Today, I decided that rain shouldn’t dampen my effort to bike commute. It seems like it isn’t going to stop raining until it starts snowing. And what do you know, it didn’t rain a drop while I rode to work this morning. Not only that, but the clouds are breaking up and specks of sun are fighting their way out.
Today, I rode on a road bike. I know I’ve mentioned this before, but WOW. I hardly even have to peddle. The bike rides itself, I just have to watch out for cars. And today, I also
It Rides Itself
had to watch out for other bikes. I was waiting at the Elmore/Tudor intersection for the walk light, and there were three other cyclists at the light. We smiled and said hi. Nice way to start the day.
One disconcerting thing, in two places, where I usually ride, there were trail closed signs. One was just a flat out “Trail Closed” sign. The other at least had a detour sign. Seems to me that if a bike trail is going to be closed, just like a road, there should be a detour. The alternate route for the closed sign was miles out of the way. I’m not going to say which route I took.
Glad I rode today. Glad I fought the lazy urge to avoid rain. And especially glad that it didn’t rain!
I have to admit it, I didn’t ride today, or even yesterday for that matter. Lame, I know. Its just been mucky outside in the morning. Drizzly and mostly cloudy. Then there are meetings, and things to haul around town. Ugh. I was thinking this morning, that I really prefer riding in the winter on the bright white snow. No sludge splatters to contend with. And the trails are smoother.
When I get off work, that’s when I want to ride. Anchorage weather has a funny way of clearing up in the evening. Its a little disconcerting. All day, with the drizzly dark sky, I think about doing laundry, cleaning my garage, or more likely, hunkering down with a movie or book, curled up on the sofa. Then BAM, the sun comes out at 8pm. That’s when it is time to ride. A couple of evenings this week, that is just what I did. Hopped on a bike, got on the trails and went for a ride.
Something I noticed while driving:
I was making a right turn on one of the new curved, traffic directing right turn spots, the ones that make it clear that you can no longer make a left turn, specifically, there are several of these on Tudor. The curve of the median pulled me right out into the middle of the crosswalk. Sure enough, I was in the way of a cyclist. Fortunately he was coming from the left and I saw him. But it is ever so easy to not see cyclists coming from the right.
A good thing, for about the next 30 minutes I was very alert for bikes. I know its true- More Riders = Safer Biking!
I am one of the self appointed guardians of a family of 7 goslings in the duckpond by my house. There are probably quite a few of us with that title. I’m happy to share. Two weeks ago, the baby geese were tiny yellow balls
Russian Jack Goose Family
of fuzz. Given the short growing season before they have to pack up and fly south, I shouldn’t have been surprised that they are nearly as big as the mallards in the pond. (I realize there is no evidence of the pond in the picture. That’s because the family was involved in a field trip to the greener grasses on the other
Russian Jack Pond
side of the road. Here is a picture of the pond at the end of Wesleyan Drive.)
This is the first year I’ve seen geese in the pond. Every other year that I’ve performed the duties of guardian, it has been for mallard families. But so far, there are no ducklings. I’ll let you know if that changes
I rode about 100 yard this morning when I realized I had a low front tire. A few days ago I’d popped it and had the good luck of riding with a friend who helped temporarily patch it. But I’m afraid today, the tube decided that the temporariness of the patch had reached its half life. Also luckily, I have my trusty old mountain bike to ride. So I turned around and hopped on it. (I’ll use my repair lesson and fix the tire myself this afternoon. Knights in shining armor on stallions are wonderful to have around, but I am not fond of the damsel in distress role.) Anyway, it was great to pull out the old mountain bike, after miles of road biking. I realize that I am fortunate to have a choice. Always looking for the gratitude.
Fellow cyclists and those who want to give it a try, here is a 30 second video to help inspire you.
Oops, its been a while since I’ve posted a biking story: Since Bike to Work Day. But its been tough biking lately, hauling books, boxes of stuff and having meetings around town. That isn’t really a very good excuse. I think the real deal is that I need to figure out a way to make it work. Maybe not
Time for Reflecting
every day, but whenever possible. Because riding to work is such a great way to start the day: smiles, waves and a little exercise.
I have been riding though. I have a favorite route: it starts at Russian Jack Park, cuts through
Mountain View to the Ship Creek trail, around downtown to West Chester Lagoon and back to Russian Jack on the Chester Creek trail. The Mountain View part is great in the evenings, but it makes me so hungry with so many people out barbecuing. The new Ship Creek trail is quiet and
Point Woronzof
Dandelion Bouquet
peaceful. One day I kept going past West Chester out to Point Woronzof. It was such a beautiful night, sunny, calm and warm. Once out there, I walked to the cliff and looked out at the water, families playing on the beach and children picking dandelions. Now personally, I am not a Dandelion fan. But in the right place, they are perfect for little boys to pick to make bouquets, and they can actually be quite beautiful.
It was a perfect day for Bike to Work Day. Sunny without a cloud in the sky. Pure perfect Anchorage May. I’ll bet this BTW day will turn out to have one of the highest levels of participation ever. Last year, the rain inhibited participation. But no excuses yesterday. Bike Commuters of Anchorage: www.bicycleanchorage.org
posted a need for someone to make the loop around to the snack stations and take some pictures. What a perfect way to help out. In the past we have been counters, counting the number of cyclists at an
Westchester Bike Counter
intersection, and noting the number with helmets: A very important job because it lets political decision makers know that there really are lots of us out there on bikes. And for safety promoters, it helps us gather data on helmet use. (I know there are anti-helmet people out there, but until we have more bikes than cars, I’m wearing mine.)
BCA: Jay's Shortbread Cookie Stop
Anyway, instead of counting this year, I made the loop (most of it) taking pictures and eating my way around Anchorage. Jay’s grandfather’s special shortbread cookies at the Westchester stop were delicious. The Spenard Roadhouse Bacon at the Eastchester stop was fun, I smelled it cooking all the way up in Roger’s Park.
BCA : Bacon at East Chester
Coffee and Great Harvest cookies served by BCA’ers at Campbell Creek was much appreciated, and a quick water and many smiles at the ANTHC stop were wonderful. Thanks to EVERYONE who made BTW Day happen.
Another great day for riding. It looked like it would be gorgeous and sunny when I got up, but things change. Its a good reason to keep rain gear with me. So far though, it is just overcast.
Morning Reflections on University Lake
Everyday I see more people cycling to work. There is one intersection that I go through, and two days in a row I have passed another woman who rides past me. We smile and wave. What a wonderful way to start the day. With bike to work day coming up May 21, I hope lots more people will join the ride. The more of us out there riding, the safer it is for all of us. Wear bright clothes, make eye contact with drivers, wave to fellow riders and walk into work with a smile!
The city of Anchorage has done a great job this year cleaning streets and bike trails, washing away the grit and gravel. I was impressed this morning with the
Freshly Painted Crosswalk
freshly painted crosswalks on Northern Lights. It sure makes it easier for cars to see where to stop and lets us bikers and walkers cross in a safer space. Thanks Municipality of Anchorage!
The budding trees were popping out all over today. It seems that the weekend of sun inspired them to jump out into spring. There is a lilac bush near my office that was barely showing signs of green when I left work on Friday. But today, it had fully developed mini buds. There is something about Lilacs in the spring. When the flowers bloom I promise to take a picture and post it. We’ll get to see just how fast spring really does pop out in Anchorage.
It is Biking First Friday Day! I’m meeting a couple of friends after work to cruise the First Friday Art Galleries on our bikes. It is a perfect day for it. Sunny, and springy in Anchorage. And it will be light out until after 10. But I am keeping my back red blinker light on my bike and turned on this evening. Every little bit of “look I’m here” counts.
Beth and I both rode to work today. That means it is also casual Friday. Light gloves, helmet (of course) bike pants and shorts, a nylon workout shirt, thin wool sweater, and a BRIGHT NEON YELLOW jacket. Usually Beth and I change when we get to work, but today, we are staying in bike gear.
It was great riding the trails and seeing that there is no snow. A funny observation, parts of the trail are gravel around University Lake. And I discovered that I’d rather ride on quiet hard snow than gravel. BUT, that does not mean that I’m wishing for the return of snow any time soon. The street/bike crews of Anchorage have done an amazing job clearing the winter grit and gravel. Thank you!!!
Happy riding. Be Safe, Be Bright and Share Smiles.
Check out BCA's website for more information about upcoming events and to connect with other bicyclists in Anchorage: www.bicycleanchorage.org
Bike to Work Survey Results
Check out the data from Bike to Work Week.
2,567 riders were counted by volunteers on Friday morning, an increase of 43% over 2009 'typhoon levels
For more info go to www.muni.org/biketowork.
I was lucky enough to attend a conference in Chicago last week, and managed to stay for extra day to see the sites. A highlight was renting a hybrid bike from Bobby’s Bikes near Navy Pier. It was a fantastic sunny Saturday. Actually, coming from Alaska, it was cooking hot. But I happen to like that. Bobby’s had choices of cruisers, hybrids, and road bikes. I went with a hybrid for $20 for 4 hours. I wasn’t sure I’d go for the whole 4 hours, but it turned out that that was perfect.
