Time for Reflecting

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!

Ride On!

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.

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!

Casual Friday

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.