Non-commute report

Miles today: Zero. Big fat zero. Had to go to some off-site strategic planning day thing and had to drive there.

Then, just like the comedy gods had planned, everyone in the entire universe -- I spotted five people, which is quite a high number for my area since I rarely see more than one other bike commuter in an entire day -- decides to bike commute home.

Perhaps everyone was bike commuting because it was A BEAUTIFUL DAY AND WE WON'T GET MANY MORE BEAUTIFUL DAYS THIS YEAR. PRETTY SOON WE'LL BE DIGGING OUR CARS OUT OF THE SNOW.

Yes, our off-site meeting had to take place on the nice day, the one with temps "above normal highs" as the weather man said on TV.

There's the whole gamut, including Practical Man, in his commuter-style helmet, Dockers, plaid button down and nicely outfitted (and complete with rear paniers) commuter-style bike.

I was so frustrated about driving to work that upon spotting a different bike commuter -- "I have a so-so 80's roadbike but I can still manage to look like a total hipster" -- I lowered my window and shouted "WOOOOOOOO!" No doubt he thought I was an evil car making fun of him or trying to scare him or something. I should have clarified my screaming with "GO BIKE COMMUTER GUY!"

Finally, I can't recount my bikeless day without the handy lime green team kit fellow. He was obviously headed up to the park near my work, as those other team kit folks have been heading in the same direction on Tuesdays. For him, I wanted to play team car and offer a bottle of water.

total cuteness

This photo is from 2002 Studios.

Tugboat, choo-choo train

One day, when there is a little person member of our family, we will get a child bike trailer.

It'll probably be attached to E's bike since he has rear brazons (those eyelet things soildered to the bike) on his Bianchi and my 44" Cannondale is probably shorter than the trailer!

Some parents strap their kids in the car in desperate efforts to get them to nap. Perhaps we will just ride the bike around the neighborhood for the same effect! Okay, I know that's wishful thinking since this is often a nighttime problem, but let a girl dream...

I haven't done much research, but so far, the Burleys look pretty nice.

There's a middle-class suburb just inside the loop that's full of uniform rows of $150,000 4-bedroom pop-up houses, eager soccer moms with minivans and pretty-good-but-not-great schools. I've heard that baby treasure hunters can get excellent deals on barely used baby items...There's no doubt that at least one yard sale will yield a well-priced, once used Burley trailer.

I'm not big on buying used, but a piece of simple mechanical equipment that we'll use for about 3 years doesn't seem like a long-term investment...

Exercising for two: Cycling

I've been reading up lately on the rights and wrongs of exercising while pregnant.

With regards to biking, my doctor says:

• Falling off is a bad (goodbye cyclocross season and going BMXing with Dave - thankfully they'll both be around next year)
  
• Getting out of breath/overheated is also bad
  
• If you feel off balance, bullet point #1 will be an issue
  
• Otherwise, go for it!
  

Most doctors -- including mine -- say that when it comes to healthy pregnancies, heart rate limits are very old school, especially since different pregnant women have different pre-established fitness levels.

Instead, the best way to see if you're going too far is to keep the "talk test" in mind. If you can take a ride and maintain a conversation without huffing and puffing, you're okay. Of course, there's no one to talk with during my commute, so I keep this in mind. As things progress, I'll probably start talking to myself while riding -- ooh flattering!

I have stopped racing but have read of some women who have raced while pregnant. I'm guessing most doctors would advise against this for the malpractice worries alone! And, what's the point of getting pregnant if you're going to jeopardize your health and your future child's health?

I'm still bike commuting with no problem and won't stop until there's a reason to: I start showing, things start getting uncomfortable physically or mentally, or I start feeling off balance - whichever comes first. My family is interested in my stopping NOW but hasn't been forceful about it - just little comments here and there. I do have an almost 1-mile UPHILL on my commute home. It's not a slope or a slight grade, it's a HILL, but so far I'm not out of breath at all, so I don't think I'm pushing it.

Take it easy...
My daily bike commute covers some fairly busy roads so it usually makes more sense to be worried about the other drivers. What's been surprising is that I'm having to remind *myself* to stay extra cautious. I'd say that off-bike, I'm more aggressive as a pregnant lady than I am usually - though I'm no wuss usually.

For now, I have to curb my appetite for:

Going around stopped cars

Riding through yellow traffic lights

Pushing myself to go faster when I get bored

Racing other bike riders I spot on the road. No full-out blowing past their sorry asses (for another 9 months or so)!

This was especially annoying last week. I was leaving work and a lady in full team kit was riding on the road beside me, obviously headed for some evening group ride. I could totally take her - even in my current state - but I had to hold back. I could smell her vibe: "Come on - you have a pretty nice bike. Let's race!" I played the "I don't see you game" instead...

Commute report

Miles when I got to work: 2631.4

Last night's dream: I was in a beautiful, futuristic multi-use facility with a friend (having coffee, I think) when I spotted TWO iPods on benches, just sitting there. I took one, not because I like iPods but because I wanted the music in it. Odd.

Commute report

Miles when we got to work: 2621.8

Of interest: We're in an October warm snap. That's just swell!!