Today was a day devoted to house cleaning and bike riding. House cleaning because Mike comes home tomorrow and the house looked liked it hadn't been cleaned in about 2 weeks. I did a full top to bottom, dish (no dishwasher) and clothes wash, sweep, mop and dusting in about 3 hours. This is a personal record for me.
Around 3:30 I realized I had not turned in my schedule request for November. This is where the bike riding started. Trip 1 was to work to fill out and turn in my schedule request. Note to company: develop an on-line form please.
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From there I headed downtown for my Rotary meeting. The location we usually use was occupied by another event, so we opted for for a social meeting at Lucky's Pub. Lucky's has no bike rack I would like to point out, so I had to lock my bike to a street lamp.
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The socializing was good. From there I headed to the Randalls on St Emanuel. I had my grocery list and the full intention of making the previously mentioned 'curry pear squash soup' to have in the fridge for Mike when he gets home tomorrow. Well guess what: no butternut squash. Also no pear nectar. Apparently to cook anything in Houston outside of your standard meat and potatoes, a trip to Central Market or Whole Foods is required.
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From there I rode home. I dropped the items off I was able to get from Randalls at my place.
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From there I ditched my bike, sore butt and all, and walked to Kroger in search of the squash. Victory on pear nectar, still no butternut squash. In defeat I walked home.
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8 hours later, post good night's sleep, I rode up to the other Kroger and found my squash. Soup got made, although I have not tasted it yet. By the time it was done, it was time to ride to work.
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Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Pears. Lots and lots of pears.
Yesterday I helped create a wonderful meal centered around pears. My dear friend got sucked into the bounty of Cost-Co and walked out with a flat of 12 ripe pears. At noon I hopped on my bike and rode over to her place carting with me: goat cheese, strawberries basil from my basil plant. None of this we actually needed.
Working double team method, we used a little over half of them creating 3 dishes and invited some friends over to help us eat it. There were going to be 4, we attempted bread, but that never made it out of the rising stage. In fact we had at least one issue with each recipe.
First on the list was Curried Squash-and-Pear Bisque Soup (amazing). Recipe from myrecipes.com and published in Cooking Light October 2000 edition.
* 1 butternut squash (about 2 3/4 pounds)
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 2 cups chopped peeled Bartlett pear (about 1 pound)
* 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced onion
* 2 1/3 cups water
* 1 cup pear nectar
* 2 (14 1/2-ounce) cans vegetable broth
* 2 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup half-and-half
* 1 small Bartlett pear, cored and thinly sliced
Preparation
Preheat oven to 375°.
1. Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membrane. Place squash halves, cut sides down, on a baking sheet; bake at 375° for 45 minutes or until tender. Cool. Peel squash; mash pulp. Set aside 3 1/2 cups pulp, reserving remaining squash for another use.
2. Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped pear and onion; sauté 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Add squash pulp, water, and next 5 ingredients (water through pepper). Bring to a boil; partially cover, reduce heat, and simmer 40 minutes. Place one-third of squash mixture in a blender; process until smooth. Pour puréed mixture into a large bowl; repeat procedure with remaining squash mixture. Return squash mixture to pan; stir in half-and-half. Cook over low heat 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Ladle soup into bowls, and garnish with pear slices.
Only problem with this was actually trying to find the butternut squash. Kroger had a grand total of 1, that didn't weigh much. So a pit stop to HEB was necessary. Smaller store, fewer options, lots of butternut squash, go figure.
Next on the list was baguette bread. We killed the yeast before we really got anything started. Note to future bread bakers: don't pour boiling water on your yeast, it kills it. Dead yeast, no oxygen production--no oxygen production, no rising--no rising, really dense bad bread. We wound up sending a husband back to the HEB to pick up a baguette for us. Better luck next time.
Dessert: Pear Upside-down Cake (really good, no comment on caloric content). Found on myrecipes.com and published in the Sunset magazine (according to Mikel 'Southern Living' for California) September 2007.
* 3/4 cup unsalted butter, plus more for pan
* 2 Bosc pears, cored, peeled, and cut into 1/4-in.-thick slices
* 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
* 1 cup chopped pecans, divided
* 1/3 cup bourbon
* 1 teaspoon salt, divided
* 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
* 3 eggs
* 2 teaspoons vanilla
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 2 cups flour
* 3/4 cup plain whole or low-fat yogurt
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Generously butter a 9-in. cake pan and arrange pear slices in a pattern on the bottom of pan. Set aside.
2. Bring 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a 10-in. frying pan (not nonstick) over medium-high heat. Lower heat to maintain a steady simmer and cook, undisturbed, until mixture starts to brown (swirl pan to help mixture brown evenly). When mixture turns a medium amber color, add 1/2 cup pecans and cook until fragrant but not burning, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and slowly stir in bourbon and 1/2 tsp. salt. Pour over pears in buttered pan.
3. Put 3/4 cup butter, the brown sugar, and remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a large bowl. Beat until smooth and a bit fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla, baking powder, baking soda, and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt. Add half of the flour and beat until combined. Then beat in half of the yogurt. Repeat with remaining flour and yogurt. Stir remaining 1/2 cup pecans into batter (it will be thick).
4. Drop spoonfuls of batter over pears and sauce and spread evenly. Bake cake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Let cool on a rack 15 minutes. Run a knife between cake and pan sides and invert cake onto a plate or serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.
This one gave us the most issues, besides the complete and total failure of the bread.
--First problem was being Sunday, most liquor stores are closed and we didn't have Bourbon. We used something we guessed was Scotch. Liquor is liquor right.
--Problem two was the whole browning of the sugar, it never browned. In fact we evaporated off all the water the first go round and wound up with packed sugar crystals. Basically we dumped water back in, got the sugar into solution and let it heat some more. We never achieved the amber color we were looking for. When the water was about to evaporate for the second time we just dumped the pecans and Scotch in and hoped for the best.
--Problem three: we used a spring form pan so the sugar liquid was seeping form the base. To prevent possible fire from messing up our evening we put a baking sheet under the pan, thus blocking a lot of the heat from the base. It took a little over an hour to cook as opposed to 40 minutes.
--Problem 4: when we were flipping it to make it upside down, we dropped it on the stove top. We just scooped the pieces back up and onto the plate.
Last but not least we made a salad with cut pear pieces and feta cheese. Easy, no issues, good too.
So despite our obvious problems with following directions, we ended up with 3 good items. Fortunately we had people come help us eat it. And I had a nice swerve ride home. Unfortunately I had to leave for work at 8:30 in the next morning.
Working double team method, we used a little over half of them creating 3 dishes and invited some friends over to help us eat it. There were going to be 4, we attempted bread, but that never made it out of the rising stage. In fact we had at least one issue with each recipe.
First on the list was Curried Squash-and-Pear Bisque Soup (amazing). Recipe from myrecipes.com and published in Cooking Light October 2000 edition.
* 1 butternut squash (about 2 3/4 pounds)
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 2 cups chopped peeled Bartlett pear (about 1 pound)
* 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced onion
* 2 1/3 cups water
* 1 cup pear nectar
* 2 (14 1/2-ounce) cans vegetable broth
* 2 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup half-and-half
* 1 small Bartlett pear, cored and thinly sliced
Preparation
Preheat oven to 375°.
1. Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membrane. Place squash halves, cut sides down, on a baking sheet; bake at 375° for 45 minutes or until tender. Cool. Peel squash; mash pulp. Set aside 3 1/2 cups pulp, reserving remaining squash for another use.
2. Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped pear and onion; sauté 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Add squash pulp, water, and next 5 ingredients (water through pepper). Bring to a boil; partially cover, reduce heat, and simmer 40 minutes. Place one-third of squash mixture in a blender; process until smooth. Pour puréed mixture into a large bowl; repeat procedure with remaining squash mixture. Return squash mixture to pan; stir in half-and-half. Cook over low heat 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Ladle soup into bowls, and garnish with pear slices.
Only problem with this was actually trying to find the butternut squash. Kroger had a grand total of 1, that didn't weigh much. So a pit stop to HEB was necessary. Smaller store, fewer options, lots of butternut squash, go figure.
Next on the list was baguette bread. We killed the yeast before we really got anything started. Note to future bread bakers: don't pour boiling water on your yeast, it kills it. Dead yeast, no oxygen production--no oxygen production, no rising--no rising, really dense bad bread. We wound up sending a husband back to the HEB to pick up a baguette for us. Better luck next time.
Dessert: Pear Upside-down Cake (really good, no comment on caloric content). Found on myrecipes.com and published in the Sunset magazine (according to Mikel 'Southern Living' for California) September 2007.
* 3/4 cup unsalted butter, plus more for pan
* 2 Bosc pears, cored, peeled, and cut into 1/4-in.-thick slices
* 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
* 1 cup chopped pecans, divided
* 1/3 cup bourbon
* 1 teaspoon salt, divided
* 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
* 3 eggs
* 2 teaspoons vanilla
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 2 cups flour
* 3/4 cup plain whole or low-fat yogurt
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Generously butter a 9-in. cake pan and arrange pear slices in a pattern on the bottom of pan. Set aside.
2. Bring 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a 10-in. frying pan (not nonstick) over medium-high heat. Lower heat to maintain a steady simmer and cook, undisturbed, until mixture starts to brown (swirl pan to help mixture brown evenly). When mixture turns a medium amber color, add 1/2 cup pecans and cook until fragrant but not burning, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and slowly stir in bourbon and 1/2 tsp. salt. Pour over pears in buttered pan.
3. Put 3/4 cup butter, the brown sugar, and remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a large bowl. Beat until smooth and a bit fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla, baking powder, baking soda, and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt. Add half of the flour and beat until combined. Then beat in half of the yogurt. Repeat with remaining flour and yogurt. Stir remaining 1/2 cup pecans into batter (it will be thick).
4. Drop spoonfuls of batter over pears and sauce and spread evenly. Bake cake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Let cool on a rack 15 minutes. Run a knife between cake and pan sides and invert cake onto a plate or serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.
This one gave us the most issues, besides the complete and total failure of the bread.
--First problem was being Sunday, most liquor stores are closed and we didn't have Bourbon. We used something we guessed was Scotch. Liquor is liquor right.
--Problem two was the whole browning of the sugar, it never browned. In fact we evaporated off all the water the first go round and wound up with packed sugar crystals. Basically we dumped water back in, got the sugar into solution and let it heat some more. We never achieved the amber color we were looking for. When the water was about to evaporate for the second time we just dumped the pecans and Scotch in and hoped for the best.
--Problem three: we used a spring form pan so the sugar liquid was seeping form the base. To prevent possible fire from messing up our evening we put a baking sheet under the pan, thus blocking a lot of the heat from the base. It took a little over an hour to cook as opposed to 40 minutes.
--Problem 4: when we were flipping it to make it upside down, we dropped it on the stove top. We just scooped the pieces back up and onto the plate.
Last but not least we made a salad with cut pear pieces and feta cheese. Easy, no issues, good too.
So despite our obvious problems with following directions, we ended up with 3 good items. Fortunately we had people come help us eat it. And I had a nice swerve ride home. Unfortunately I had to leave for work at 8:30 in the next morning.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Unraveled
The face on the driver's license looked nothing like the face before me. It was the same person, but a lifetime separated the picture from the person. I felt like I was witnessing a life unraveling.
He walked in an hour before closing, maybe my age, looking for items so he could 'get away'. The skin stretched across his face was pale to the point of being translucent. The words he spoke slurred together and his eyes couldn't seem to find anything to focus on. He kept leaving to go out to his car and then would return a few minutes later to check out more stuff.
We all started speculating as to what he was on. We all helped him navigate the store, making a pile of items on the front counter we never thought he would purchase. Items that would sit on hold for 3 days and then make their way back to the floor.
He asked my opinion about how he looked in 3 different sweaters and 5 different belts. I picked the gray sweater because it made him look a little less like a ghost. He asked how his butt looked in a pair of pants. I said fine. Every now and then I would hear my name called out over the racks to come see what I thought about one shirt over another. You could see a longing in his eyes beyond the unfocused stare, maybe simply to be told he looked good, well, whole.
At first he was going to put everything on hold. Then he decided to call his dad. Every day I listen to kids beg their parents, the longing in their voice for items they are holding in their hands, the fear they are going to have to put it back. This was the same conversation, asking his dad for a sweater and pants and a bag that he really liked.
He was trying to thread his new belt through his new pants while talking on the phone. You could tell he was coming down off whatever was coursing through his veins, teetering on the edge of falling asleep standing up. I wanted to walk over and either help with the belt or hold the phone, something to make the process a little easier.
Because the transaction was taking place without an actual card, we requested his driver's license for photo I.D. and the number. That is when I saw the photo. The face that was no longer his. A round young face with bright eyes and a big smile. What happened between that photo and this version of that person? Was his dad buying a sweater and pants for the ghost man standing in the store or the boy in the photo?
We shook hands once all was said and done. He thanked me for my help and I told him to take care of himself. The bag he purchased may wind up sold for junk, but I hope he keeps the sweater to stay warm. I hope the face from the driver's license comes back.
He walked in an hour before closing, maybe my age, looking for items so he could 'get away'. The skin stretched across his face was pale to the point of being translucent. The words he spoke slurred together and his eyes couldn't seem to find anything to focus on. He kept leaving to go out to his car and then would return a few minutes later to check out more stuff.
We all started speculating as to what he was on. We all helped him navigate the store, making a pile of items on the front counter we never thought he would purchase. Items that would sit on hold for 3 days and then make their way back to the floor.
He asked my opinion about how he looked in 3 different sweaters and 5 different belts. I picked the gray sweater because it made him look a little less like a ghost. He asked how his butt looked in a pair of pants. I said fine. Every now and then I would hear my name called out over the racks to come see what I thought about one shirt over another. You could see a longing in his eyes beyond the unfocused stare, maybe simply to be told he looked good, well, whole.
At first he was going to put everything on hold. Then he decided to call his dad. Every day I listen to kids beg their parents, the longing in their voice for items they are holding in their hands, the fear they are going to have to put it back. This was the same conversation, asking his dad for a sweater and pants and a bag that he really liked.
He was trying to thread his new belt through his new pants while talking on the phone. You could tell he was coming down off whatever was coursing through his veins, teetering on the edge of falling asleep standing up. I wanted to walk over and either help with the belt or hold the phone, something to make the process a little easier.
Because the transaction was taking place without an actual card, we requested his driver's license for photo I.D. and the number. That is when I saw the photo. The face that was no longer his. A round young face with bright eyes and a big smile. What happened between that photo and this version of that person? Was his dad buying a sweater and pants for the ghost man standing in the store or the boy in the photo?
We shook hands once all was said and done. He thanked me for my help and I told him to take care of himself. The bag he purchased may wind up sold for junk, but I hope he keeps the sweater to stay warm. I hope the face from the driver's license comes back.
Friday, October 16, 2009
KUHF Silent Movies
About once a month KUHF sponsors a free silent film viewing at Discovery Green in downtown Houston. Discovery Green is a 12 acre park on the eastern edge of downtown. Before becoming the park it is today, about half the space was used as parking lots. Below an aerial view of the park's humble beginnings:
Today the green hosts concerts, movies, even bike repair workshops.
The films shown are usually from the 1920s and have included 'Girl Shy' (1924) and Buster Keaton's 'The General' (1927). To add a little more spice, orchestral groups are brought in to perform their own original scores for the films. This is a photo I found of tonight's performers 'Two Star Symphony'.
The films are classic if a little difficult to see given the street/office lights on behind the screen; not to mention the effect wind has on the inflatable screen. The treat is the live music and all the people who come out to sit on a grassy knoll with their family, friends, kids and dogs.
Tonight's film was 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' (1920); widely considered to be the original horror film.
Mike is off-shore and everyone else was busy so I packed my blanket and sweater into the panniers and took off to watch/listen solo. As I mentioned above, Two Star Symphony provided the music, a score they wrote for the film a few years back. Although only an hour in duration, totally a worthwhile trip. The cool front blowing through also helped make the evening enjoyable. First time this season I have needed my sweater and wanted to burrito wrap myself in the blanket I brought to sit on.
My route for the evening, same 'ole for downtown destinations:
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Today the green hosts concerts, movies, even bike repair workshops.
The films shown are usually from the 1920s and have included 'Girl Shy' (1924) and Buster Keaton's 'The General' (1927). To add a little more spice, orchestral groups are brought in to perform their own original scores for the films. This is a photo I found of tonight's performers 'Two Star Symphony'.
The films are classic if a little difficult to see given the street/office lights on behind the screen; not to mention the effect wind has on the inflatable screen. The treat is the live music and all the people who come out to sit on a grassy knoll with their family, friends, kids and dogs.
Tonight's film was 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' (1920); widely considered to be the original horror film.
Mike is off-shore and everyone else was busy so I packed my blanket and sweater into the panniers and took off to watch/listen solo. As I mentioned above, Two Star Symphony provided the music, a score they wrote for the film a few years back. Although only an hour in duration, totally a worthwhile trip. The cool front blowing through also helped make the evening enjoyable. First time this season I have needed my sweater and wanted to burrito wrap myself in the blanket I brought to sit on.
My route for the evening, same 'ole for downtown destinations:
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Im Back
So it has been a couple weeks since my last post. Let it be stated for the record: I have not cheated. I have been busy though. My husband came back home from his job on the oil rigs and we hit the ground running. In the past 2 1/2 weeks I have attended 2 weddings and 1 funeral, flown back and forth from Austin a few times and hung out in the Baltimore airport for 12 hours trying to catch a ride back home. So anyway, lots of undocumented commuting has taken place and I'm going to try to make amends.
Let's start with last night. I am in a Rotary Club that meets downtown at 6pm. Seeing that even if I work the opening shift I never get out of work until 6pm; I usually just take Tuesdays off in order to make it to the meetings. Here is my route downtown:
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I attempted Allen Parkway once, unless I am on a mountain bike and plan on using the trial along the bayou...never again. Washington is technically a bike route, it even has a designated strip on the road specifically for bikes. Well for bikes, buses and parked cars. Even with the obstacles, nothing compares to the pot holes and botched road repair jobs which occupy the bike lane. I would say I make it 50% of the way to downtown in the bike lane, the rest of the time I am in the regular car lane dodging objects or poured mounds of asphalt that make my teeth chatter when I ride over them.
Something else I have noticed in the past few weeks, is the increased amount of cars parked on the road as a result of the recent influx of new bars along Washington in both directions. I'm all for the addition of new business, but more and more of the bike lane is being eaten up due to parking and drivers don't always look before pulling out or opening their doors. Ok so that is my deal with Washington. For all my complaining, of all the streets that lead into downtown, I would rather ride this road than any other.
So downtown. I take Washington over to Milam and head south. I am stopped at pretty much every red light from Bagby to Milam. Granted this is only 4 lights but still. It's a pain when you have just started rolling and the light only 100m away is already yellow. Now Milam is fun. It is 11 blocks from Preston to the Wedge Building, I have found if I go fast enough I can hit every light green all the way. Buses tend to complicate matters seeing as I ride in the bus lane and they tend to back up and stop every block or so. I have started riding in the far left hand side of the lane so I can skirt around a stopped bus, usually I am going with the speed of traffic so merging with the next lane isn't too tricky.
When I arrive, at least 3 seasons out of the year, I am a sweaty mess. Rotary is usually made up of business professionals who I don't think would appreciate my soaked through t-shirt and running short attire. I try to get there about 10 min ahead of time to take a quick paper towel bath and change into clothes I cart with me in my panniers. Usually I have enough time to grab a beer on the way in the door.
The ride home is usually in the dark. I take roughly the same route back as I do in. The added bonus is the bread bakery on Washington, if I am lucky I can smell the bread being churned out for the next day.
Let's start with last night. I am in a Rotary Club that meets downtown at 6pm. Seeing that even if I work the opening shift I never get out of work until 6pm; I usually just take Tuesdays off in order to make it to the meetings. Here is my route downtown:
View Larger Map
I attempted Allen Parkway once, unless I am on a mountain bike and plan on using the trial along the bayou...never again. Washington is technically a bike route, it even has a designated strip on the road specifically for bikes. Well for bikes, buses and parked cars. Even with the obstacles, nothing compares to the pot holes and botched road repair jobs which occupy the bike lane. I would say I make it 50% of the way to downtown in the bike lane, the rest of the time I am in the regular car lane dodging objects or poured mounds of asphalt that make my teeth chatter when I ride over them.
Something else I have noticed in the past few weeks, is the increased amount of cars parked on the road as a result of the recent influx of new bars along Washington in both directions. I'm all for the addition of new business, but more and more of the bike lane is being eaten up due to parking and drivers don't always look before pulling out or opening their doors. Ok so that is my deal with Washington. For all my complaining, of all the streets that lead into downtown, I would rather ride this road than any other.
So downtown. I take Washington over to Milam and head south. I am stopped at pretty much every red light from Bagby to Milam. Granted this is only 4 lights but still. It's a pain when you have just started rolling and the light only 100m away is already yellow. Now Milam is fun. It is 11 blocks from Preston to the Wedge Building, I have found if I go fast enough I can hit every light green all the way. Buses tend to complicate matters seeing as I ride in the bus lane and they tend to back up and stop every block or so. I have started riding in the far left hand side of the lane so I can skirt around a stopped bus, usually I am going with the speed of traffic so merging with the next lane isn't too tricky.
When I arrive, at least 3 seasons out of the year, I am a sweaty mess. Rotary is usually made up of business professionals who I don't think would appreciate my soaked through t-shirt and running short attire. I try to get there about 10 min ahead of time to take a quick paper towel bath and change into clothes I cart with me in my panniers. Usually I have enough time to grab a beer on the way in the door.
The ride home is usually in the dark. I take roughly the same route back as I do in. The added bonus is the bread bakery on Washington, if I am lucky I can smell the bread being churned out for the next day.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Rain Riding
I would like to state that I am a fan of riding in the rain. As a general preference I would much rather show up someplace wet due to rain as opposed to sweat. Considering Houston is so humid, it is the latter that is typically the case.
Today was one of those rainy days. I got up early so I could go swimming, good plan until the rain blew in and the lightning started up. Instead of putting some good time into the pool I curled up on the couch, read the NYTimes online and drank coffee. Not such a bad plan either.
I did have a moment of doubt about riding in today. That moment actually lasted from about 7am when the rain started till 8:30am when I finally sucked it up, threw all my work stuff in a Ziploc, and jumped on my bike. The radio was warning drivers about the weather, I figure it counted double for cyclists.
Usually Memorial Park is teeming with bikers, today I saw one compatriot. We gave each other a passing smile, which in my mind said 'that's right sister, you are a bad ass.'
My only issue on my ride to work occurs at the crossing point where I switch from the Memorial Drive bike trail to the trail that runs along 610. There are 2 points that I have to cross daily which are not protected by a light or stop sign. They are the rt turn lane from 610N access rd onto Memorial Dr and from Memorial Dr onto the access road of 610S. Usually the problem is people stop their car in the middle of my lane, making it necessary for me to hop the edge of the curb and coast around behind them (never in front because I don't trust them to look my way before they gun it to get going).
The problem at the point is, who exactly has the right of way? I stop when the cars are moving unless one stops and motions for me to go. But occasionally the cars are stopped and I am hesitant to move unless I make eye-contact with the driver and we exchange signals stating that they understand that I will soon be occupying the space between their headlights and they have no intention of smashing me.
Today I thought I had effectively communicated my movements with a stopped driver. Apparently not, nothing happened, but I did get to witness him throw a hissy fit because apparently my sudden presence in front of his car was enough to set him off.
Anyway I made it to work in one piece. Wet but extolling the virtues of Patagonia rain coats for the rest of the day.
Today was one of those rainy days. I got up early so I could go swimming, good plan until the rain blew in and the lightning started up. Instead of putting some good time into the pool I curled up on the couch, read the NYTimes online and drank coffee. Not such a bad plan either.
I did have a moment of doubt about riding in today. That moment actually lasted from about 7am when the rain started till 8:30am when I finally sucked it up, threw all my work stuff in a Ziploc, and jumped on my bike. The radio was warning drivers about the weather, I figure it counted double for cyclists.
Usually Memorial Park is teeming with bikers, today I saw one compatriot. We gave each other a passing smile, which in my mind said 'that's right sister, you are a bad ass.'
My only issue on my ride to work occurs at the crossing point where I switch from the Memorial Drive bike trail to the trail that runs along 610. There are 2 points that I have to cross daily which are not protected by a light or stop sign. They are the rt turn lane from 610N access rd onto Memorial Dr and from Memorial Dr onto the access road of 610S. Usually the problem is people stop their car in the middle of my lane, making it necessary for me to hop the edge of the curb and coast around behind them (never in front because I don't trust them to look my way before they gun it to get going).
The problem at the point is, who exactly has the right of way? I stop when the cars are moving unless one stops and motions for me to go. But occasionally the cars are stopped and I am hesitant to move unless I make eye-contact with the driver and we exchange signals stating that they understand that I will soon be occupying the space between their headlights and they have no intention of smashing me.
Today I thought I had effectively communicated my movements with a stopped driver. Apparently not, nothing happened, but I did get to witness him throw a hissy fit because apparently my sudden presence in front of his car was enough to set him off.
Anyway I made it to work in one piece. Wet but extolling the virtues of Patagonia rain coats for the rest of the day.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Verdict On my Ride
I dropped my bike off at the bike shop. My fork is ok, just scratched off the clear coat. It goes down to the carbon but no evidence that the structure is compromised. My front wheel is shot and needs to be replaced. Water bottle cages are gone and my bike seat is a little tore up. All in all not a super expensive replacement. With a new helmet it will come to around $200 - $300 for parts, etc. I have other maintenance stuff that needs to get done, so they are going to do it while the bike is in the shop.
I had a nice time venting to the bike shop guys about the situation. Basically what I am most frustrated about is the blame. My leg looks like it got beat with a tire iron, my whole body hurts from my jaw down to my calf; ok it will heal. My bike is busted, but it's getting fixed and won't be as expensive as I thought. What pisses me off is that I am sure she is talking about that reckless cyclist who was so obviously at fault for the whole thing.
Riders in Houston get a bad rap from drivers. I know how to ride so as to not get hit by a car that is remotely following traffic rules. I'm not saying I don't roll through the occasional stop sign, but I do my best to ensure I don't put myself or a car in a tough spot of each figuring out how avoid each other. In this situation she made the mistake and I really wanted her to leave knowing that. Instead I'm afraid she is adding to the fodder of why you should yell at a cyclist to 'ride on the sidewalk'.
PS. Rode to work on 'The Beast'. Took me about 15min longer and I felt like I was driving an SUV. Plus those stairs at Memorial were tough, I think 'the beast' weighs about 25lbs more than my road bike.
I had a nice time venting to the bike shop guys about the situation. Basically what I am most frustrated about is the blame. My leg looks like it got beat with a tire iron, my whole body hurts from my jaw down to my calf; ok it will heal. My bike is busted, but it's getting fixed and won't be as expensive as I thought. What pisses me off is that I am sure she is talking about that reckless cyclist who was so obviously at fault for the whole thing.
Riders in Houston get a bad rap from drivers. I know how to ride so as to not get hit by a car that is remotely following traffic rules. I'm not saying I don't roll through the occasional stop sign, but I do my best to ensure I don't put myself or a car in a tough spot of each figuring out how avoid each other. In this situation she made the mistake and I really wanted her to leave knowing that. Instead I'm afraid she is adding to the fodder of why you should yell at a cyclist to 'ride on the sidewalk'.
PS. Rode to work on 'The Beast'. Took me about 15min longer and I felt like I was driving an SUV. Plus those stairs at Memorial were tough, I think 'the beast' weighs about 25lbs more than my road bike.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
So I Got Creamed by a Pathfinder
So I figured this was going to happen eventually, I just didn't think it would occur 9 days into my experiment. It involved a little more than a "love tap". I was hit by a car. Half a block from my house. While I was stopped at a Stop sign. And the lady told the responding police it was my fault.
I was at the corner of 12th and Yale stopped in the middle of the right lane (my lane), looking left to check the traffic heading north. When I looked up I had a Pathfinder grill baring down on me. My guess is she took a tight left hand turn, turning the car into the her left, my right, hand lane, my lane, and hit me head on between the headlights.
Damage to my bike, as far as I can tell, includes: scratch on the rt side fork down to the carbon, front wheel totally out of tru, water bottle holders crushed and seat knocked askew (seat is not busted but in my opinion that indicates a hit), the plastic on the back of my helmet is pealing off.
Damage to me: nasty bruise/welt/scratch on my left leg, bruised inside rt knee (maybe from the top tube), no bruise yet but pain on my rt calf where the initial hit was.
I think it would have been worse save a few mitigating factors: I was wearing a helmet (head is ok). My rt foot was clipped into my pedal and my foot was raised for the push off, thus maybe bringing my ankle above the bottom part of her bumper (speculation on how my water bottle holders are totally knocked in and my ankle isn't broken). I had a small bag stuffed with my work clothes on my back. So what hit the asphalt besides my left thigh was the back of my helmet and a fairly cushy pack.
Long story short i called the police, they came with an ambulance, bleh, and took statements. My statement was I was in the correct lane and she turned into me. Her statement was I was stopped in the middle of her lane and she didn't see me--I wound up in the other lane post impact, but I didn't start there. I did have my lights on, one officer even commented on what a good light it is. They then told me that because she had moved her car and they could not verify who was where, no one was at fault. If my bike is busted and I want her to pay, I have to take it through a civil process but the report is going to show conflicting statements.
Right now I'm annoyed at the situation. I'm annoyed at the lady for hitting me, moving her car, and then passing the blame onto me. I'm annoyed at the police who kept saying they saw no damage to my bike. That I probably hit the asphalt harder than she hit me--um i hit the asphalt hard because she hit me hard. That the area "is dark" even though the corner is lit by a street light. That although I was correctly stopped with my required light on and a car turned into me--it was determined to be a no-fault situation. I know it's not their fault and they see things a lot worse every day, but I'm still annoyed.
So on my to-do list for tomorrow: try to get my bike to the shop and I guess I'll be riding what we refer to as "The Beast".
I was at the corner of 12th and Yale stopped in the middle of the right lane (my lane), looking left to check the traffic heading north. When I looked up I had a Pathfinder grill baring down on me. My guess is she took a tight left hand turn, turning the car into the her left, my right, hand lane, my lane, and hit me head on between the headlights.
Damage to my bike, as far as I can tell, includes: scratch on the rt side fork down to the carbon, front wheel totally out of tru, water bottle holders crushed and seat knocked askew (seat is not busted but in my opinion that indicates a hit), the plastic on the back of my helmet is pealing off.
Damage to me: nasty bruise/welt/scratch on my left leg, bruised inside rt knee (maybe from the top tube), no bruise yet but pain on my rt calf where the initial hit was.
I think it would have been worse save a few mitigating factors: I was wearing a helmet (head is ok). My rt foot was clipped into my pedal and my foot was raised for the push off, thus maybe bringing my ankle above the bottom part of her bumper (speculation on how my water bottle holders are totally knocked in and my ankle isn't broken). I had a small bag stuffed with my work clothes on my back. So what hit the asphalt besides my left thigh was the back of my helmet and a fairly cushy pack.
Long story short i called the police, they came with an ambulance, bleh, and took statements. My statement was I was in the correct lane and she turned into me. Her statement was I was stopped in the middle of her lane and she didn't see me--I wound up in the other lane post impact, but I didn't start there. I did have my lights on, one officer even commented on what a good light it is. They then told me that because she had moved her car and they could not verify who was where, no one was at fault. If my bike is busted and I want her to pay, I have to take it through a civil process but the report is going to show conflicting statements.
Right now I'm annoyed at the situation. I'm annoyed at the lady for hitting me, moving her car, and then passing the blame onto me. I'm annoyed at the police who kept saying they saw no damage to my bike. That I probably hit the asphalt harder than she hit me--um i hit the asphalt hard because she hit me hard. That the area "is dark" even though the corner is lit by a street light. That although I was correctly stopped with my required light on and a car turned into me--it was determined to be a no-fault situation. I know it's not their fault and they see things a lot worse every day, but I'm still annoyed.
So on my to-do list for tomorrow: try to get my bike to the shop and I guess I'll be riding what we refer to as "The Beast".
Monday, September 7, 2009
Texas Bicycle Laws
So in my 5 years as a road biker I have heard many interpretations of bike laws. I had one car ask me at a red light if it was legal for me to be in the road. I have had quite a few drivers yell at me to ride on the sidewalk. Yesterday a lady on a bike yelled at me for not having a bell on my bike, granted she was not wearing a helmet and was weaving like a loony on the trail. So here is a consolidated list of current Texas bike laws pertaining to all things including bells and helmets.
First for the helmet situation:
According to the Helmet Safety institute: in Coppell and Southlake kids under 15 need to wear one, Bedford is under 16, Benbrook under 17. Children under 18 have to have a helmet on in Houston, Ft Worth, Austin and Arlington. Dallas is apparently the only city in Texas that requires all ages to wear a helmet.
Registration
Houston requires bikes to be registered for $1.00 or risk being fined $5.00. This can be done at a fire station. I think I will take my chances with the fine. I wonder how many people have shown up to a fire station looking to register their bike.
**Update: I don't really fact check my stuff. Someone left me a comment saying that bikes are not required to register anymore. I'm leaving the section up with a side note because I think it's funny you used to have to.**
Sidewalk vs Road
In Houston you can not ride a bike on the sidewalk in a business district. A business district is defined as an area where within 600ft of the road and occupying a 300ft stretch on either side of the road are buildings used as businesses. If you do ride on the sidewalk, pedestrians have the right of way. Lets face it, its easier to ride on the street and operate the bike like a car.
Safety Equipment
Working breaks, a light on the front of the bike that emits a white light at least 500ft, a red light/reflector on the back visible from 500ft.
Sorry lady, bell not required.
ID Requirements
You are not required to carry ID when operating a bike. If you are stopped by the police you are required to give your name, address and DOB. You will not be charged with failure to carry an ID. Don't give false info because that is illegal.
Drunk While Riding
I'm still looking for written evidence, but bloggers indicate it is possible in Texas to be charged with a DUI while on a bike. Open container laws apparently also apply. I'm of the opinion you would have to wreck into a Police Cruiser completely wasted with a beer cap on to face charges. Then your lawyer would really have to suck to be convicted. Not that I have faced that scenario.
Hand Signals
Have to use the hand signals we learned in drivers ed.
Operation on the Road
Ride the bike in the far lane as close to the curb as you feel safe. You can ride two abreast in a single lane, but no more than 2. Bikes can pass a car in another lane, bikes can move into another lane to get around a hazard or parked car. Bikes can cross lanes to make a left-hand turn.
Basically bikes are considered motorized vehicles and have to follow all the rules that cars do, including: not speeding, stopping at red light, stopping at stop signs, etc.
Interesting facts:
In Idaho cyclists can run stop signs if they slow down first to check traffic.
In Colorado it is now illegal to throw things at cyclists, before they would actually have to hit the biker for it to be a punishable offense.
Another CO law stipulates that cars must give bikers a 3ft cushion when passing.
A similar law was recently vetoed by Gov Rick Perry of TX, he stated it was already illegal to drive recklessly.
My opinion is that people don't necessarily drive recklessly, they just don't pay attention to what they are doing.
First for the helmet situation:
According to the Helmet Safety institute: in Coppell and Southlake kids under 15 need to wear one, Bedford is under 16, Benbrook under 17. Children under 18 have to have a helmet on in Houston, Ft Worth, Austin and Arlington. Dallas is apparently the only city in Texas that requires all ages to wear a helmet.
Registration
Houston requires bikes to be registered for $1.00 or risk being fined $5.00. This can be done at a fire station. I think I will take my chances with the fine. I wonder how many people have shown up to a fire station looking to register their bike.
**Update: I don't really fact check my stuff. Someone left me a comment saying that bikes are not required to register anymore. I'm leaving the section up with a side note because I think it's funny you used to have to.**
Sidewalk vs Road
In Houston you can not ride a bike on the sidewalk in a business district. A business district is defined as an area where within 600ft of the road and occupying a 300ft stretch on either side of the road are buildings used as businesses. If you do ride on the sidewalk, pedestrians have the right of way. Lets face it, its easier to ride on the street and operate the bike like a car.
Safety Equipment
Working breaks, a light on the front of the bike that emits a white light at least 500ft, a red light/reflector on the back visible from 500ft.
Sorry lady, bell not required.
ID Requirements
You are not required to carry ID when operating a bike. If you are stopped by the police you are required to give your name, address and DOB. You will not be charged with failure to carry an ID. Don't give false info because that is illegal.
Drunk While Riding
I'm still looking for written evidence, but bloggers indicate it is possible in Texas to be charged with a DUI while on a bike. Open container laws apparently also apply. I'm of the opinion you would have to wreck into a Police Cruiser completely wasted with a beer cap on to face charges. Then your lawyer would really have to suck to be convicted. Not that I have faced that scenario.
Hand Signals
Have to use the hand signals we learned in drivers ed.
Operation on the Road
Ride the bike in the far lane as close to the curb as you feel safe. You can ride two abreast in a single lane, but no more than 2. Bikes can pass a car in another lane, bikes can move into another lane to get around a hazard or parked car. Bikes can cross lanes to make a left-hand turn.
Basically bikes are considered motorized vehicles and have to follow all the rules that cars do, including: not speeding, stopping at red light, stopping at stop signs, etc.
Interesting facts:
In Idaho cyclists can run stop signs if they slow down first to check traffic.
In Colorado it is now illegal to throw things at cyclists, before they would actually have to hit the biker for it to be a punishable offense.
Another CO law stipulates that cars must give bikers a 3ft cushion when passing.
A similar law was recently vetoed by Gov Rick Perry of TX, he stated it was already illegal to drive recklessly.
My opinion is that people don't necessarily drive recklessly, they just don't pay attention to what they are doing.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Dumb Ideas
Of all the dumb ideas, who decides to ride their bike everywhere in a city the size of Houston. Even if it is just inside a loop. Bleh!!!
The regret stems from not making it to dinner with friends last night.
Plan: meet up for dinner and then head to a Bollywood festival in Herman Park at 8pm
Problem: rain
New Plan: meet at 6:30 for dinner
Problem: out of work at 6, 40min bike home, take dog (not mine, loaner) for a walk, 45 min bike down to restaurant
ETA for me to get there: after 8pm.
I would have begged the dog walk off on someone had he not tried to bite 2 people the day before. I really didn't feel like I could call a friend, ask them to walk said dog and then as a closing line throw in, "by the way it appears he snaps at runners he gets within striking distance of. Thanks."
So anyway the time line of events:
6:15 left work
7:00 got home
7:05 walked Sir Bites-A-Lot
figured out route to dinner using all bike lanes (I'm feeling pretty happy about this accomplishment...until i write them out longhand)
View Larger Map
Written out the directions looked something like this:
S Heights Blvd
R W Dallas
L Dunlavy
R Clay
L Woodhead
R South Blvd
L Hazard
R Bolsover
L Greenbriar
R Rice
Total distance: 6.1 miles
I'm not quite so impressed at this point. I'm also starting to think I'm going to need a home lamination machine, a hole punch and lots of string so I can hang zig-zag directions like these from a handle bar.
7:30 Leave house
10 min and 1.5 miles later I realize I don't have my cell phone.
This is an issue because as of right now I don't carry a spare tube, patch-kit or air on my bike. Meaning a flat in the wrong spot and I'm walking. Fine when I am inconveniencing myself. Not fine when people are waiting for me and may imagine me dead on the side of a road when I don't answer my phone for the 2 hours it would take me to roll my bike someplace.
7:50 back home, really wanting to say fuck it, jump in my car and go hang out with my friends. Instead I send a text message telling them to give me a call if they decide to change locations and I'd give it another good 'ole college try.
7:51 commence pouting
7:55 get a text telling me they are headed to Onion Creek, a bar 1.1 miles from my place. I have really good friends.
View Larger Map
Written Directions (no lamination or string required)
S Heights
L White Oak Blvd
8:50 Commence drinking beer
11:45 Ride home followed by a friend who was yelling my speed from the car window (25mph)
12:00 Realize I did not close out my tab
12:02 Ride back to Onion Creek
12:45 2 advil and bed
The regret stems from not making it to dinner with friends last night.
Plan: meet up for dinner and then head to a Bollywood festival in Herman Park at 8pm
Problem: rain
New Plan: meet at 6:30 for dinner
Problem: out of work at 6, 40min bike home, take dog (not mine, loaner) for a walk, 45 min bike down to restaurant
ETA for me to get there: after 8pm.
I would have begged the dog walk off on someone had he not tried to bite 2 people the day before. I really didn't feel like I could call a friend, ask them to walk said dog and then as a closing line throw in, "by the way it appears he snaps at runners he gets within striking distance of. Thanks."
So anyway the time line of events:
6:15 left work
7:00 got home
7:05 walked Sir Bites-A-Lot
figured out route to dinner using all bike lanes (I'm feeling pretty happy about this accomplishment...until i write them out longhand)
View Larger Map
Written out the directions looked something like this:
S Heights Blvd
R W Dallas
L Dunlavy
R Clay
L Woodhead
R South Blvd
L Hazard
R Bolsover
L Greenbriar
R Rice
Total distance: 6.1 miles
I'm not quite so impressed at this point. I'm also starting to think I'm going to need a home lamination machine, a hole punch and lots of string so I can hang zig-zag directions like these from a handle bar.
7:30 Leave house
10 min and 1.5 miles later I realize I don't have my cell phone.
This is an issue because as of right now I don't carry a spare tube, patch-kit or air on my bike. Meaning a flat in the wrong spot and I'm walking. Fine when I am inconveniencing myself. Not fine when people are waiting for me and may imagine me dead on the side of a road when I don't answer my phone for the 2 hours it would take me to roll my bike someplace.
7:50 back home, really wanting to say fuck it, jump in my car and go hang out with my friends. Instead I send a text message telling them to give me a call if they decide to change locations and I'd give it another good 'ole college try.
7:51 commence pouting
7:55 get a text telling me they are headed to Onion Creek, a bar 1.1 miles from my place. I have really good friends.
View Larger Map
Written Directions (no lamination or string required)
S Heights
L White Oak Blvd
8:50 Commence drinking beer
11:45 Ride home followed by a friend who was yelling my speed from the car window (25mph)
12:00 Realize I did not close out my tab
12:02 Ride back to Onion Creek
12:45 2 advil and bed
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Trial Run
I decided it would not be in my best interest to wait until my first day of work to figure out how to ride down to the Galleria. So today I did a trial run to uncover unknown obstacles and time allotment.
Here is a map of my intended route (you can use the zoom feature to see more and the move hand like in regular Google maps, don't bother looking at the larger image):
View Larger Map
The route is a keeper (7.4 miles one way) with a few issues.
Heights Blvd has a wonderful bike lane that goes all the way to Hwy59. I start almost all my bike trips on this road because of the space designated for bikes only. Below is the map of Height/Waugh/Yoakum bike route--Love it:
View Larger Map
One thing I don't understand is why from Heights towards downtown, Washington has a bike line. While towards Memorial Park it is an unmarked "Shared Lane" whatever that means. I received one of my 'Love Taps' as I like to call them along this section of road. A love tap is when a car makes contact but doesn't do any damage. I average about 1 a year.
View Larger Map
Once in Memorial things improve to a separate bike trail. That is until you reach the raised train tracks crossing Memorial Drive. The city is in the process of constructing a pedestrian path over the road, which is a fabulous idea. In the process of said construction they have closed off the path and put in stairs down an embankment so pedestrians can avoid the work zone. It works but according to the worker I talked to, they are going to keep working on sections trail once the bridge is completed and close off parts as they go. Possibly forcing me and other bikers onto Memorial Drive.
View Larger Map
On the other side of 610 there is a nice, separate bike trail that runs along the access road of 610S. The trail ends at Uptown Park Blvd and an unmarked "Shared Lane" takes me to Post Oak.
View Larger Map
This is where all bike friendly accommodations end. The last 1.0 miles is on Post Oak. Straight up traffic.
View Larger Map
According to the Bikeway map I use to plan my routes, there is no bike path/trail/shared lane that enters the Galleria area. In fact south of Memorial Park to Hwy 59 and east/west from Yoktown to Weslayan is totally void of any part of the Bikeway Network. These are some of the most traffic clogged roadways in Houston, maybe the addition of a few safe routes around the area for bikers would be to the city's benefit.
Here is a map of my intended route (you can use the zoom feature to see more and the move hand like in regular Google maps, don't bother looking at the larger image):
View Larger Map
The route is a keeper (7.4 miles one way) with a few issues.
Heights Blvd has a wonderful bike lane that goes all the way to Hwy59. I start almost all my bike trips on this road because of the space designated for bikes only. Below is the map of Height/Waugh/Yoakum bike route--Love it:
View Larger Map
One thing I don't understand is why from Heights towards downtown, Washington has a bike line. While towards Memorial Park it is an unmarked "Shared Lane" whatever that means. I received one of my 'Love Taps' as I like to call them along this section of road. A love tap is when a car makes contact but doesn't do any damage. I average about 1 a year.
View Larger Map
Once in Memorial things improve to a separate bike trail. That is until you reach the raised train tracks crossing Memorial Drive. The city is in the process of constructing a pedestrian path over the road, which is a fabulous idea. In the process of said construction they have closed off the path and put in stairs down an embankment so pedestrians can avoid the work zone. It works but according to the worker I talked to, they are going to keep working on sections trail once the bridge is completed and close off parts as they go. Possibly forcing me and other bikers onto Memorial Drive.
View Larger Map
On the other side of 610 there is a nice, separate bike trail that runs along the access road of 610S. The trail ends at Uptown Park Blvd and an unmarked "Shared Lane" takes me to Post Oak.
View Larger Map
This is where all bike friendly accommodations end. The last 1.0 miles is on Post Oak. Straight up traffic.
View Larger Map
According to the Bikeway map I use to plan my routes, there is no bike path/trail/shared lane that enters the Galleria area. In fact south of Memorial Park to Hwy 59 and east/west from Yoktown to Weslayan is totally void of any part of the Bikeway Network. These are some of the most traffic clogged roadways in Houston, maybe the addition of a few safe routes around the area for bikers would be to the city's benefit.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Rules of the Game
Every game must have its rules. They are needed for guidelines with which to operate by. And most importantly--when I am feeling like this was the dumbest idea ever, to fight the urge to cheat.
The goal: to ride my bike, take public transportation, car-pool (2+)....everywhere in Houston....for 9 months.
The area to be covered by this experiment is to be the confines of Beltway 8.
(the beltway is within the green circle, a big area)
It would be more dramatic if I sold my car or beat it to pieces with a metal bat, but the goal of this experiment is to test the true commutability of Houston. A saga about me biking to San Antonio or Austin would be interesting, but really, who in their right mind would do that?
The goal: to ride my bike, take public transportation, car-pool (2+)....everywhere in Houston....for 9 months.
The area to be covered by this experiment is to be the confines of Beltway 8.
(the beltway is within the green circle, a big area)
It would be more dramatic if I sold my car or beat it to pieces with a metal bat, but the goal of this experiment is to test the true commutability of Houston. A saga about me biking to San Antonio or Austin would be interesting, but really, who in their right mind would do that?
Biking Background
Growing up in another urban jungle named San Antonio, the concept of using a bicycle as a means of transportation never crossed my mind. When you wanted to go anywhere you went by car. To school, the grocery store, restaurants or out with friends, every aspect relied on the use of 4 wheels and gasoline. We all owned bikes, we all knew how to ride them, but for the most part they remained safely confined to a corner of our garages. So blocked in by Christmas decorations that even if the urge to ride hit, good luck freeing the heavy beasts.
I became an accidental cyclist in 2003, while living in the closest thing to a biking utopia Texas has to offer...Austin. A group of students banded together to ride bikes 4650ish miles from Austin, TX to Anchorage, Alaska. The goal was to raise money for the American Cancer Society and give presentations about cancer prevention along the routes up to AK. Despite not having ridden a bike since the age of 12, I decided this was the trip for me. Three months of training + 70 days of riding and over $300,000 in donations later our team of 40 made it to Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage. Somewhere between a sore ass, throbbing shins and the Yukon Territory I fell in love with the concept of going from Point A to Point B by bike.
check out the ride at www.texas4000.com
Upon my return to Austin and eventual move to Houston, I have continued to ride my bike sporadically as a means of commuting. By sporadically I mean when the weather, distance, estimated time and route suite my preference. Equating to about 70% of the time me wussing out and climbing in my car.
The impetus for this experiment is a planned 9 month hiatus from my job as a flight attendant for a major airline. I will be working at a local store, within striking distance on my bike, and have decided to see where exactly I can make it on my two wheels. I know I will probably not be able to give up the total use of a car, but with carefully drawn parameters I would like to flip my percentage to 70% transport by bike.
The Rules to follow.....
I became an accidental cyclist in 2003, while living in the closest thing to a biking utopia Texas has to offer...Austin. A group of students banded together to ride bikes 4650ish miles from Austin, TX to Anchorage, Alaska. The goal was to raise money for the American Cancer Society and give presentations about cancer prevention along the routes up to AK. Despite not having ridden a bike since the age of 12, I decided this was the trip for me. Three months of training + 70 days of riding and over $300,000 in donations later our team of 40 made it to Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage. Somewhere between a sore ass, throbbing shins and the Yukon Territory I fell in love with the concept of going from Point A to Point B by bike.
check out the ride at www.texas4000.com
Upon my return to Austin and eventual move to Houston, I have continued to ride my bike sporadically as a means of commuting. By sporadically I mean when the weather, distance, estimated time and route suite my preference. Equating to about 70% of the time me wussing out and climbing in my car.
The impetus for this experiment is a planned 9 month hiatus from my job as a flight attendant for a major airline. I will be working at a local store, within striking distance on my bike, and have decided to see where exactly I can make it on my two wheels. I know I will probably not be able to give up the total use of a car, but with carefully drawn parameters I would like to flip my percentage to 70% transport by bike.
The Rules to follow.....
Saturday, August 15, 2009
The Project
Urban Sprawl: The decentralization of the urban core through the unlimited outward extension of dispersed development beyond the urban fringe where low density residential and commercial development exacerbates fragmentation of powers over land use; also, the consumption of resources and land in excess of what is necessary where development is costly and underutilized existing infrastructure (at least according to smarte.org).
A perfect description for my current city of residence--Houston, TX.
Here is a little info about Houston gleaned from the lazy researcher's website of choice--Wikipedia:
Population
* 4th largest city in the US with 2.2 million over 600 sqmiles
* 6th largest metropolitan area of 5.7 million people over 10,000 sqmiles (slightly larger than New Jersey, slightly smaller than Massachusetts)
Transportation
* There over 730mi of freeway and expressway supported by 8 (yes 08.00) miles of metro rail. Until recently, by far, the largest concentrated population without a metro system. Not like 8.0 miles makes a huge difference.
* Public transportation does not connect many parts of the Houston metropolitan area, requiring individual cars.
Weather
* Hot and humid
Geography
* Flat. Downtown is a whopping 50ft above sea level making flooding a minor problem.
photo taken by someone (not me) after Hurricane Ike of the downtown area
So back to project...I am going to put my keys on ice from September 2009 through May 2010 and not drive my car for 9 months inside Beltway 8 of Houston. I am going to try to live my life to the fullest through the simple use of my bicycle and public transport. But let's face it, after living in Houston for 2.5 years I have decided that biking from point A to point B usually takes less time than waiting for the bus to show up. Hence the name 'Pedaling Houston'. I hope to do it all, attached to two wheels instead of four, in the ultimate urban jungle.
I have no idea how this will turn out. It's not that I don't think this is a feasible project, I'm just not sure my will power is up to the challenge.
A perfect description for my current city of residence--Houston, TX.
Here is a little info about Houston gleaned from the lazy researcher's website of choice--Wikipedia:
Population
* 4th largest city in the US with 2.2 million over 600 sqmiles
* 6th largest metropolitan area of 5.7 million people over 10,000 sqmiles (slightly larger than New Jersey, slightly smaller than Massachusetts)
Transportation
* There over 730mi of freeway and expressway supported by 8 (yes 08.00) miles of metro rail. Until recently, by far, the largest concentrated population without a metro system. Not like 8.0 miles makes a huge difference.
* Public transportation does not connect many parts of the Houston metropolitan area, requiring individual cars.
Weather
* Hot and humid
Geography
* Flat. Downtown is a whopping 50ft above sea level making flooding a minor problem.
photo taken by someone (not me) after Hurricane Ike of the downtown areaSo back to project...I am going to put my keys on ice from September 2009 through May 2010 and not drive my car for 9 months inside Beltway 8 of Houston. I am going to try to live my life to the fullest through the simple use of my bicycle and public transport. But let's face it, after living in Houston for 2.5 years I have decided that biking from point A to point B usually takes less time than waiting for the bus to show up. Hence the name 'Pedaling Houston'. I hope to do it all, attached to two wheels instead of four, in the ultimate urban jungle.
I have no idea how this will turn out. It's not that I don't think this is a feasible project, I'm just not sure my will power is up to the challenge.
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