I took the car 2 days this week and the bike 3. So much for my everyday in May plan, but at least I'm still trying to do my best. It's been close to 100 degrees this week and riding so much is starting to wear on me. I have been getting home and falling asleep way too early. That would be OK, but being a teacher, I still have papers to grade after I get home. I really need that time at night to get things done. I have also been feeling very tired and have started to dread the ride
I don't want to do it so much that I wind up hating it! I use to always look forward to the adventurous ride. Now at times it seems like another difficult task to accomplish. Beside just being tired, another damper was put on my commuting enthusiasm. The last 1-2 miles of my ride is a peaceful bike path away from cars along a creek bed that runs to the ocean. Well now they are updating the path and it is closed!! Dang it. I really look forward to that part of my ride. Now my last mile is on a busy street loaded with parked cars and blind intersections.
On a positive note!! Thursday, one of my driving days, I accidentally left my backpack at work. When I rode my bike on Friday, it was amazing. I had my fastest time yet of only 33 minutes. It was REALLY nice being free of the backpack. I got to work feeling great and I did not have my usual drenched, sweaty back. I don't know how much my backpack weighs, but I noticed every ounce that I wasn't carrying. I need to find a way to lessen the amount of things that I take to and from work. I am usually carrying: two binders, some papers, my charger, bike pump, tube, a few tools, phone, keys,extra clothes, water, and lunch. There are days when I stock up on these things, so I don't always bring each of those items. When I would only ride 1 to 2 days a week, I would stock up on materials with my car so that when I took my bike it would lighten my load. Now that I am trying to bike nearly everyday, I am just trying to manage with carrying what I need in my backpack. I guess I am learning the details of bike commuting. I need to pack smarter, lighter, and consider planning to take my car 1-2 days a week to transport my weekly supplies. I just don't want to have to take my car. I want the bike to be able to replace my car; for the most part anyway. I might just buy a pannier rack. I'm just not sure If I want to go that route. I want to keep my bike as light as possible.
Another great part of commuting this week was my new glasses and rear view mirror. On the recommendations of some of you outstanding people here on EBR, I bought a pair of Tifosi sun glasses(Thanks Ravi) and a Mountain Myyracle(? something like that) mirror. Wow they worked great. The glasses are not as nice as Oakley's, but WAY better that nothing at all, especially since it has been windy and very sunny this week. My mirror has also been great. Wow, I can see what is behind me. It really makes a difference. EVERYONE should get one!!
BTW I think ebikes should have software that allows the user to modify the pedal assist quantities/qualities, maybe via a smartphone app. I also think that you should be able to switch between torque sensing mode and cadence sensing mode. There are time when I would like to do just that.
