Finding new ways

Well, the bicycle commuting is certainly not a passing fad for me. I'm starting to feel bad for the Jetta, actually. I managed three days last week and am on pace for four this week (July 4th holiday). I'd like to think that I'm actually getting stronger. My speeds are slowly creeping up, and I can spin like crazy for a good chunk of the ride.

I have also been experimenting here and there with the route south of Broad Ripple. The trail south of there as I've said before is somewhat annoying -- many cross streets and the need to slow down and really pay attention for traffic. So the parallel roads offer some relief, although their quality is hit-or-miss. Today I tried Center instead of College, and while it was good south of 54, just north of that it was total crap. Quiet roads, no traffic, but really pad paving. That slows things down a lot (I noticed 14 and under) which annoys me.

I am having to make a strong effort to relax my shoulders, arms and hands during the ride. I find after a while that they've got this tense deathgrip on the bars. That doesn't help. Usually when I can relax more I can put down more energy pedaling which is good. I'm not sure if the deathgrip has to do with the bike's setup. I'm going to put down a few hundred more miles before I pass judgement on that.

Speaking of which, I've surpassed 300 total riding miles. The commuting miles are just trailing that slightly. It's really amazing to me how quickly they add up.

I guess once I'm out in Omaha I'll have to go without a bike. Unless I can find one to rent there or something. Maybe I can buy a singlespeed and pay someone to house it. Or buy a singlespeed and pack it in my suitcase. That might not be too bad.

Maria's driving is getting better and better. We're still working on basic car control, turns, which lane to be in and why and major destinations. I realize now that all those years of driving a lawnmower at my parents house really gave me a good sense of vehicle control. Maybe if we could find a lawnmower somewhere. ... Or a go-kart track ...