Bike to Work Interzone

Every day is Bike to Work Day!

I wanted to drop by the LBS for a free breakfast, being Nat'l Bike to Work Day. So I ride through parts of old East Lawrence near where I live early this Friday morning, through the rugged brick-paved neighborhoods, for coffee and cakes.

Local Bike Shop at 8:45 a.m.

There's not much traffic this cool morning--only the most intrepid cyclists are out--rain is forecast for later in the morning. I believe I'll have plenty of time to talk to the friends I've made at the shop, and get a cup of coffee before I head up to Mt. Oread.

The Desert San Campus Bike, now my Interzone Commuter.

I was told that about 40 riders showed up and I think that's awesome! I don't go into the office until late morning on some days, so most of the real rush hour car traffic has faded out. My bike is a real commuter--most everyone else rides an old road bike or a cheapee mountain bike. I have fenders, a basket, a bell, and of course my wool cap. I only ride just over a mile--all up-hill--and I don't rush to get to the office on time--that would take too much work! Instead I leave The Little House with plenty of time to spare so I can take my time with a steady pace.

Coffee and cakes, and a cool brand-new Lawrence Bike Map.

Guy in the blue shirt is my neighbor and one of the managers of the LBS--he's also just turned 40 and has joined the Lawrence Fire Dept. Quite a feat I must say! He worked hard to reach that goal, competing with much younger men for the few slots at the Dept.

Historic old downtown--the bike shop is a real hub of the community where everyone is friendly and helpful--they have been to me, mes amis.

Did it ever rain!

After I talked to the guys, and met the local bike racing coach (Professional Ranked Coach) who I would really consider getting some coaching from because he was a great guy--some really dark clouds full of loud cracking thunder and flashing lightening, arrived and it began to rain. No worries because I had my rain gear stowed on the bike.

But as I got up Mt. Oread and just a few blocks from my office, it really let loose in a torrent, Gentle Readers of This Blog--and I was soaked to the bone in a matter of a few minutes! Rivers of water rushed down the streets of Mt. Oread, washing all the beer cans, cigarette butts, litter, and junk out of the gutters.

I made it to work--I had ridden my bike to work--but now I had little choice but to ride back home, change into dry clothes--and get a ride in with Little Egypt. She met me at home, I got out of the wet clothes and into dry--and she drove me up the Mountain to my office. The whole time it was raining cats and dogs--thunder was ear-splitting, and lightening bolts jolted all around.

Well, mon ami, I hope your Bike to Work Week and Day was a good one. Every day is Bike to Work Day for me for the last two months. This was the first day I rode in by automobile.

Cheers! Bruce

Monday's Child is Fair of Face

Kansas farmland on a bright sunny afternoon.

This past weekend was cold and dreary--it was if a chilly grey blanket stretched out over everywhere freezing us out after a long week in Interzone. I had Monday off, so when the clouds checked-out and the Sun shone clear and blue--I am on the bike!

Bon jour la bon jour, mes amis!

Late Monday afternoon and there's no headwind going out to Lone Star Lake--that means I am riding fast and furious--helped along with tunes from Rico's iPod. Normally I will not ride with an iPod, but with the messenger mirror set up now on my sunglasses, I can see cars coming up behind me on the long stretches of rural country road.

Many barns are white this year.

The Old Man.

Green dust in the muddy fields--crops are beginning to sprout!

Fast rollers on the road around Lone Star Lake.

Lone Star Lake, about twenty miles West of Lawrence, Kansas.

There was not a soul out at Lone Star Lake, Gentle Readers of This Blog--I zipped along the rolling road that hugged the banks, through towering thick newly green oak and walnut trees. Birds of all kinds darted past as I cut the silent cool air. The matter was actually a young hawk buzzing the canopy and creating a stir.

A memento of my ride.

The road around the lake ended--I was told that it would--it would have been nice if it went all the way around but I wanted to see for myself this once. Where pavement and gravel met, I found there one of the young hawk's feathers, and then there was a shadow speeding through the shadows of the oak limbs like a ghost. I looked up and he was flying above me. He gave me a glance and then banked back over the lake.

Time to go back I knew, but time to reflect on things... Leaving Tucson has been at times frustrating. Living here is an adjustment for us all; we're all together but this is just temporary--but for how long? School, jobs, a mortgage, and also rent to pay in Kansas. Often I feel like I'm having to start over and I will have to move again for employment. There are just no jobs in Arizona--and few now in Kansas. Like the road around the lake, it's a dead end--you're momentum is suddenly gone--the road has run out.

However, a reminder that you can soar above and beyond what's troubling, gives Hope that you can ride out what seems the tough Brevet that must be endured...

Allure Libre!

Bruce

May in Kansas

On the Road, Kansas, USA.

I'm trying to get more posts up for you, Gentler Reader of This Blog, but rain and then Little Egypt catching me before I'm able to get out the door on the bike--usually she's got some kind of domestic chore or something like that--has often thrown a wrench in my plans.

I'm the kind of person that does chores a little every evening, during the week so that when the weekend rolls around I can be out on the bike all day. Little Egypt does not operate that way--so what I must do is have everything ready to go the night before, and then slip out at 6 or 7 am. I get back 40 miles later just as she's waking up. You guys know what I mean, right?

Early May Morning in Kansas--arm warmers required for the first few miles.

I had a bike fit for the Mighty Trek recently too, as I was having some knee problems--that came to a head on the 200 KM Casa Grande I rode in January. I've also had on-going sit bone problems but just rode through the discomfort. So the lads down at the local bike shop offered me a fit about 50% off and I went in. I have to say that the last fit was for my LeMond, which Trek replaced after I found the crack on the bottom bracket--so this fit was for the Mighty Trek--and much needed I felt. Of course, all the expensive light weight saddle posts and saddles fit awesome. But with some work, my trusty Brooks and seat post came through for me. I needed the saddle lower and my cleats adjusted. Also got a shorter stem which got me in the right position on this bike from the LeMond. This Sunday Morning in May, I got to go out and see if the fit was going to work--happy to report it did, and I recommend you get a professional fit when you are able.

On the Bike and Running Path to Clinton Lake.

Got up at Dawn's Early Light and slipped away without so much as a clip-in-snap to the pedals, mes amis. I got some recon from the bike shop boys--sprinted down what is usually busy 31st Street (deserted this morning) and headed to the start of the trail that would head West out to Clinton Lake.

Bike Path that cuts through some remote farmland. Reminds me of the River Bike Path of my home back in Tucson...

This path is lush and green, and took me through some farmland on the outskirts of Lawrence. Then it cuts through some new housing developments--sprawl even in Kansas--and that's where I met up with Ron. The bike shop guys told me to keep to the right when on the bike path, but I came across several forks in the path where right looked like it would back-track, and I had no idea how to go. I saw a cyclist coming up, stopped him to ask for directions--and in typical Lawrence cyclist style, he says, "He I'm going out that way! Ride with me and I'll show you the way!" Hey is that great luck or what?

The Bike Path follows the spillway of the Clinton Lake Dam.

Ron will take me out to Clinton Lake, and then we'll ride on to Lone Star Lake--a route I know well. As we ride, Ron and I discover we have a lot in common--besides our love for riding, he's just moved to Interzone himself. We've both put on a few pounds since our arrival. Ron's from Florida and used to the heat like me. Both of us are about the same age--and both starting new jobs. Best thing is that Ron is about a step-up in fitness than I am, so I have to work to keep up with his pace--this will be a good workout!

Ron and I take on the hills this morning--the wind has not shown up yet, thank goodness!

Ron is an endearing, cheerful and motivated fellow, and we're going to be pals I know! Like me, he's carrying that extra weight, but we are really moving along--he drops me on a few of the big climbs. As there seems to be no wind heading out to Lone Star, we make fast time of the trip to the lake.

On the Dam on Lone Star.

Turkey Vultures, or Buzzards--what ever you want to call them--seem relaxed and indifferent to us riding by.

I tell Ron about the route that was shown to me by the last cyclist I met up with, and we decide to take that course back to add on some more miles. We'll have some climbing and then some fast downhill to get us back.

On the road, heading back toward the city of Lawrence.

This part of Kansas is not that flat--there's some long climbs--and the wind has picked up and coming at us from the East--this is an odd direction and can only mean one thing--more rain on the way for the week!

Taking my turn pulling in the headwind!

Ron is going to get me back into town and then I'll ride in on Interstate 40, which is 6th Street. There's a wide sidewalk which is designated bike lane, but Ron tells me he's not sure how long it goes East on 6th. Its Sunday morning and I'll probably be okay as traffic will be light for this cross town part.

You can see the bike path on the far right, going into town.

Ron rides with me a ways on the 6th Street Bike Path, and then he heads home. I have to ride on the road with traffic, which is okay except for now at about 10 am, the head wind is awake and stretching--and is grumpy! And I have to pretty much climb back into the city. Eventually I'm in the older part of Lawrence and the trees block the wind. I zip down into and onto Old Historic Massachusetts Ave, which just a few clicks from the Little House--and I'm home free!

My street, in the heart of Interzone...

Time for a quick shower before the gang wakes up, and then sleep while Little Egypt finally gets into the shower herself, makes coffee, and starts to plan my day.

Cheers! Bruce

Hill Yes!

Car free living in Interzone, Kansas.

I continue to live in Interzone, Gentle Readers of This Blog. Rain and wind are constant companions for April but I continue to commute to work on my bike rain or shine. May I'm told will be the best here so I'm looking forward to the next few weeks. In the meantime, I have some more photos of my commute up Mt. Oread where my new office is located.

Fraser Hall about a mile away.

For this typical April Morning, the rain is winding down, and I'm off, mes amis, for work. Fenders are the best and make all the difference--but I probably don't have to tell you that. They keep me dry and clean, and same for the bike. From here at the Jr High School, I start the climb up to campus.

Looking up 14th Street, heading West to the top of Mt. Oread.

The climb up 14th that you see above is about a good half mile long, with the last quarter of the mile a pretty steep grade for sure. Not a lot of traffic as there's really no parking up around here so students are out of luck if they're running late for class.

The Bloke on the Bike, climbing Mt. Oread--Hill Yes!

Many of the students can be seen wearing shirts exclaiming, "Hill Yes!" which is reference to this steep area. I'm not quite sure but it's some kind of joke--a figure is seen walking in a cross-walk but the cross-walk is crazy steep. And they're not kidding! I'm glad there's rain and its a bit cool--this is a workout for anybody!

Top of 14th Street and Jayhawk Blvd.

Quick tour of campus for you!

Tulip garden...

Students arriving on campus this cold rainy morning.

Strong Hall

Another view of Fraser Hall as I take a quick ride around the top.

Albert and Prof. Jimmy Green.

Albert killed in the Spanish American War, a little over 100 years ago. A war with details long forgotten--our best and brightest sacrifice their lives--Rest in Peace with your Brothers and Sisters--from your time--and with Those from ours that now have followed.

Now, like in Albert's day, students on campus going to and from classes.

Bike Parking in front of my office building.

Thanks for coming back from time to time to read my blog. More posts to follow as the weather gets better for us here in Interzone!

Cheers! Bruce

Car Sugar Free

Rural Kansas Roads.

The club ride was Saturday morning, but too cold for my blood, Gentle Readers of This Blog. I slept in and decided it would be Sunday when I'd go out. When Sunday morning was just as cold--stayed and made Little Egypt and Rico and I breakfast--then at 11 o'clock I set out for Lone Star Lake. Just as I was about to head out of Interzone and into the Wilds--a rider pulled up to me and asked where I was going--and if he might tag along. This has been what's so great about Lawrence, mes amis! There's always some rider or riders to hook up with and ride out into the Wilds. I'm happy to have Jim along, and together we take turns cutting through the ever-present headwind out of the South.

A beautiful Redwood tree set here in the little village of Lone Star.

Jim is faster and stronger than me, so I have to work to keep up with him. We're really riding at a good clip despite the headwind we have to get through. Had I been out here by myself, this ride would have been a slog--but Jim is happy to pull us both. And as he said, eventually another rider or group would come along and a paceline would form up out to the Lake.

Lone Star Lake at last.

I'm using my messenger mirror that Le Tigre got for me last year--really helped on this ride.

I started using a mirror because out here the wind is so fierce that I can't hear anything--like cars coming up from behind--and for some reason out here on these Kansas Roads I'm finding that a little un-nerving. The only way Jim and I could talk to each other was riding side-by-side. It just always seemed that out of nowhere there was a car or truck behind us. The mirror worked for me this ride. I'll use it more--thanks Le Tigre, Old Sport!

Tailwind for the ride home.

After an hour of riding with a bitch of a headwind, mes amis, we are flying back to Lawrence averaging 25 mph! I have to say that the guys out here get strong as they have this nasty headwind to deal with. Everyone gets in a group on the way out to try to share the work. The reward is the fast trip back!

On the way to the Little House--its Spring!

Jim says we'll meet again soon as he's going to be out on the club rides this year on Saturday mornings. It will be good training to ride in a paceline with some good blokes like the ones I've met just going out on the road.

Interzone.

Take care everyone, and thanks for stopping by my blog and coming along for the ride.

Cheers! Bruce

Right Place--Wrong Time

Rushing to my bike-fit at the LBS downtown Interzone.

The Local Bike Shop Staff have been to some bike-fit training and seminars as of late, and they are offering a good price for a fit. I believe I will take advantage of their new knowledge and the great price, mes amis, and sign up. So I thought after work, I'd ride downtown to loosen up the legs for the fit.

I make it to the shop.

But there was some kind of event going on, and the whole of downtown was packed full of cars--jam-packed--as it were, so I had to sprint between the mass of steel and fumes to get to my appointment on time. The trouble was, Gentle Readers of This Blog, that my fit was not for two more weeks. I was pretty embarrassed, seeing as how I took quite a few chances in traffic to get to the shop. No worries--the staff is laid-back and just happy to see me.

Lance is with me in spirit!

A band will try to play before a rain storm begins.

So out the side door of the shop I see my way is going to be blocked. Anyway, I talk to a few girls that are there to promote the show. They are two girls from KU that got hired to wear tight shorts and shirts, barely on their svelte bodies, and round up an audience to the show. They were friendly and said the band, with prizes and free beer, was to promote Adult Swim--of which I'm a fan. Actually they were getting a bit cold as the wind was coming up and we felt a few drops of rain. Time for me to get back home!

Lawrence Community Theatre, not far from where we live in The Little House.

My alternate route home wasn't much better, as the play, To Kill a Mocking Bird, was about to start. Traffic was everywhere, and folks were busy looking for a spot to park, and get to show before the rain started.

Mighty Trek.

So I got home just in time to discover that Little Egypt and Rico had gone out to pick us all up some dinner. And I didn't have my keys to the house--I had locked myself out. A quick text found LE and R downtown just where I had left not a few minutes before. Well, as it had not started raining, and there was just a bit of light left--I rode slowly around the quiet streets of East Lawrence, past Bill Burrough's house down the street--down the old rail-trail a pace, and then back home.

Cheers! Bruce