Thursday, May 8, 2008

That was better

That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right? So today I was determined to commute by bike once again.

This time I borrowed Husband's bag/rack combo. First impression, his bag is plenty big enough for all my stuff. Too big, actually. Also, it slides on and off the rack easily and the pannier sides secure to the pannier rack nicely. The whole contraption is quite a bit heavier, though, and probably too heavy for me. It would be ideal to find something bigger than mine and smaller (and lighter) than his.

Had to stop 3 times going up the hill. How pathetic is that? I don't think I've ever had that much trouble before. I've decided to blame it on the extra weight from his bag/rack combo. Yeah, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

It was quite windy on the way home. Made it down the hill without much problem and then noticed I was really cruising (20-21mph) without much effort on the flat stretch going toward home. I'm attributing that to 'wind-assist.' I also experienced a considerable slow down (9-11mph) after turning *into* the wind at the very end.

No flat today. That was a huge plus. But something isn't quite right with my front wheel, so I need to take a look at it before I take the Giant out again.

All-in-all, a much better experience than Tuesday.

15 comments:

  1. Had to be the extra weight. And that glide on the way back? All muscle baby! :-)

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  2. I wish I lived closer to work so I could ride in. Definitely the heavier bag. Glad to hear you didnt get any flats this time. Hopefully your rim isnt bent

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  3. Definitely the rack and bag extra weight is what slowed you down on the hill!

    Have a great weekend.

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  4. Alright Lisa!! Def much better than the last time.

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  5. I'm glad that it worked out better for you this time. :-)

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  6. So glad to hear this day was better!

    Stopping 3 times going up the hill is not pathetic...it's better than not going up the hill at all ;)

    Each time will get easier.

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  7. Impressive!
    Glad it worked out!
    HAve a great weekend,
    Take Care

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  8. YAY for better days!!!

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  9. Take the credit! It was you making the 21mph happen!
    Clearly it was the bag's fault about the hill.
    I'd have never ridden again, wqell done darl!

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  10. Glad to hear it was better than the last time... that IS what is important, right?!

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  11. That heavy crap really takes its toll. Good for you!

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  12. Great job putting that much thought into the best way of bike commuting! I wish I was committed to being a bike commuter but I don't have any patience for riding in the traffic here.

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  13. Wind assist or not, that was mighty speedy!!!

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  14. I'm glad you gave it another go! You're determination is inspiring.

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  15. I'm impressed by your persistence in commuting! Well done. I'd like to think that I'd be that committed but as my commute involves walking to the next room, I don't think I'll be put to the test any time soon! Good numbers (even with the wind and hills)!

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