| Ride Stats |
|
Distance:
4.51 miles
|
Time: 00:24:00
|
Avg Speed:
11.27 mph
|
|
Route:
Commute to work #3
|
Altitude Gain:
62 ft
|
Calories Burned: 101
|
|
Max Speed:
22.50 mph
|
Weight:
349
|
Category: general: commute -
solo
|
|
Terrain: Road: Flat
|
Bike: Specialized Crosstrail (Retired) 700c Hybrid
|
Club: Blackhawk Bicycle and Ski Club |
| Weather Conditions: Partly clowdy, temperature 33°F, wind S at 9 mph. |
|
Distance:
1.45 miles
|
Time: 00:09:00
|
Avg Speed:
9.67 mph
|
|
Route:
|
Altitude Gain:
0 ft
|
Calories Burned: 33
|
|
Max Speed:
17.80 mph
|
Weight:
349
|
Category: general: errand -
solo
|
|
Terrain: Road: Flat
|
Bike: Specialized Crosstrail (Retired) 700c Hybrid
|
Club: Blackhawk Bicycle and Ski Club |
| Weather Conditions: Mostly sunny, temperature 37°F, wind WSW at 19 mph |
|
Distance:
6.53 miles
|
Time: 00:42:00
|
Avg Speed:
9.33 mph
|
|
Route:
Commute to home #1
|
Altitude Gain:
379 ft
|
Calories Burned: 147
|
|
Max Speed:
25.50 mph
|
Weight:
349
|
Category: general: commute -
solo
|
|
Terrain: Road: Flat
|
Bike: Specialized Crosstrail (Retired) 700c Hybrid
|
Club: Blackhawk Bicycle and Ski Club |
| Weather Conditions: Steady light snow falling, roads wet with no accumulation, temperature 33°F, standing wind chill 27°F, wind NW at 8 mph. |
|
The computer darkens, done for today.
A quick glance out the window. Wow!
Large white flakes falling in formation,
quietly melting as they kiss the earth.
The steel security gate slowly arcs open.
I roll out on the bricks toward home.
Black knobby tires quietly hummmmmm.
Carbide studs prickle at the aggregate.
Passing the ice rink, sounds of laughing.
Skaters twirl and fall. I smile inside.
Next the post office, a bustling place.
Be careful here. Why all the hurry?
Next light turns red, time to observe.
The drivers seem so stern and boxed.
They're not angry, maybe desperate.
Glad I'm not driving today. Green light.
The sun hides behind low heavy clouds.
There's a blue sky above for another day.
I like this better, at least for now anyway.
Wet black road, fluffy white grass, contrast.
Almost out of the city, slippery tracks ahead.
Bells, lights, lowering gates, a line of cars.
Not to worry, more time to observe.
I notice the crisp clean air in my nostrils.
A Metra train darts toward Chicago--fast.
Inside are heated sheltered rail commuters
Concealed behind dark tinted windows.
Are they aware of what they are missing?
As I pedal, the Fox Valley hills roll by.
The colors are mute, but stark against bright.
Squirrels scramble for cover, a hawk swoops.
Hey! Best stay alert to the task at hand.
The last bridge, studs start digging in. Ice!
No fishermen wading in the Fox today.
Darkness sets in fast. Lights on? Yes. Good.
Ahead, the final climb to home invites me.
A sweet ride home. No flats. No falls.
Magic twinkling snow in my headlight.
Some folks bike-commute to save the world
I ride to save myself. It seems worth it.
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