Bright idea...

So much is happening in the world of cycling and bike commuting...so many wonderful ideas! Nathan Wills has one of these great ideas. I hope you will join me in supporting him and his bright idea.



In the mean time ride safe and keep the bright ideas coming!

One of the things...

You may know, or not, that I work for the outdoor retailer REI. To be honest I never thought I would be in the same job for more than 5 years let alone a retailer.

The year I started Buzz Commuter I moved to Colorado to continue working at REI, and ended up bike commuting for an entire year. I've been back home for over 3 years now (still with REI) and that experience stays with me even when life changes make it more challenging to commute. I am pleased to say that the place I work keeps challenging me by supporting alternative commuting and the extraordinary experience that is cycling.

I digress, but here is a short video that says as much or more than I can offer...thanks, REI, for being such a great place to work and share my passion for cycling.

 
Until tomorrow...or later today...

It's been a long time comin' - Bike Month

May is Bike Month and in celebration I am working to bring Buzz Commuter back. Every day this month I will post at least once (if not more) as I get back in the saddle and on track.

First is a short film I really enjoyed and wish to share...the time has come!

Thank you, Abhishek, for such a great film.


The Convert from Abhishek Mukherjee on Vimeo.
This is a short film promoting Jacksonville's Bike Month in May. Please visit http://jacksonvillebikemonth.com for more information.

Starring (in order of appearance):
Jacquelyn Mills, Abhishek Mukherjee, Katie Smith, Chris Jackson and Corey Callahan

Original Music by Goliath Flores
Directed and Produced by Abhishek Mukherjee and Katie Smith
Cinematography and Editing by Abhishek Mukherjee
Audio Mastering by Eric Jenkins

Jacquelyn's Pashley bicycle provided by Koula Redmond
Chris's bicycle provided by ZenCog Bicycle Company

Shot on location in Jacksonville, FL.
Shot entirely with a Nikon D90, 18mm-105mm f/3.5-5.6, 50mm f/2.4

This video uses these sounds from freesound.org:
bicycle by Klankbleed ( http://www.freesound.org/people/klankbeeld/sounds/107776/ )
freewheel by Corsica_S ( http://www.freesound.org/people/Corsica_S/sounds/74792/ )
beeps by junggle ( http://www.freesound.org/people/junggle/sounds/26777/ )

On the road again...

It's been far too long and I have little to no excuse. As of this week, however, I am back on the bike! I can't express how great it is to bike commute again. I am looking forward to writing about another year of commuting and the different challenges of commuting in a different state and city.

Not much to write about in this post, except that I'm back on the buzz. Look for more to come and info about some of the new programs/shops going on here in Eastern Washington.

New Year Resolution

With a new year comes the thoughts of resolutions and new beginnings or at least continuation. I would love to resolve to ride my bike to work every day, but I want to set goals I know I can reach.

As the weather changes and the days get longer I will find it much easier to commute by bike and get back in the saddle for longer recreational ride as well. I am looking forward to getting back on the bike. I miss the satisfaction of moving myself and do not miss the frustration of driving.

I do want to make two resolution for 2010:

1. I resolve to learn more about bike maintenance. I can change a tube and some work, but I want to learn more,

2. I resolve to make some difference in the state of bicycling or bike commuting here in the Tri-Cities.

That's it. I am working to make these a little more specific and hope to find the time-line/plan soon. More to come and keep riding...I know I'll be out there soon!

Commuting in the snow

One of the most difficult times of the year to commute by bike is during the winter. I spent a relatively mild winter in Colorado bike commuting and used the public transit system when the roads became too icy to ride.

Equipment to ride in the winter is out there: warm clothes, lights and even studded tires to help on snow-covered or icy roads or trails. The greater caution is traffic.

Sharing the road with automobiles when you bicycle has it's challenges in the best of circumstances. When you add winter weather conditions sharing the road can be very dangerous. Ice is not only a danger for riding on two wheels, but can reduce the ability for automobiles to stop or correct if necessary.

I have had to explore alternate routes for commuting and use public transit, such as a bus that can carry a bike, to help commuting during the winter. Investing in brighter lights and a few more safety lights can also help with the shorter days of winter.

I find that I commute by bike less in the winter months, but I know a lot of people who continue to bike. Conditions change in winter for cyclists just like they do for motorists.

For those of you who bike during the winter...stay safe and see you on the road.

First Half - day 27

Just finished the Plyo Cardio Circuit and the first half of the Insanity program. Next week is a recovery week and I'm curious to go through the recovery workout.

Tomorrow I am running a 5k in the Cable Bridge Run. The ice is pretty much gone and it should be a lot of fun. My friend Dave will be running as well. I hope to have some pictures.

This will be the last post about my workouts on this blog. I have Fortunes Fare set up. I'll keep Buzz Commuter going while I bike and as the weather changes bike to work more often.

Hope some people follow me on Fortunes Fare too, but that's not the point...I guess...just having fun.