Today was another lovely bike ride home. A little windy and chilly, but sunny and relaxing. Refreshing. I was grateful for the escape after a day at the office. Nothing helps me unwind and appreciate my place in life like time on the bike.
read moreSpring is such a beautiful time of year for riding a bike! Oma enjoyed very much spotting so many of her homeland's flowers during the ride home this evening. I put her flowered basket back on for now. I could feel a substantial weight difference with the front rack and basket today, versus strapping my bag to the rear rack, but the basket set-up is worth it for the convenience and aesthetics. The back street route I traveled was car-free for much of the time. Such a rarity in Chicago, which i...
read moreThe shining sun this morning lured me out to the Lakefront Trail, away from my usual route to work. Once I got onto the trail, I realized that there was an extremely strong headwind, the kind that slows me down by half. I started to feel grumpy (this was pre-coffee, people!) but I stopped myself and decided to focus on all the good. My path was clear, the sky had a subtle pink tint, and the spindly trees looked cool. I could turn my face up to the sun and feel the slight warmth on my skin. ...
read moreAs the mild weather continues, I've been dressing for spring and removing my light jacket during rides. This weather really feels like April. The warm weather also makes it a good time to ride with friends and take the long way home, instead of the usual winter feeling of "Get me home as soon as possible, Ms. Bike!" After work on Tuesday, I met up with my friend Sara downtown and we meandered home up the Lakefront Trail, riding side-by-side and chatting. But not before fueling up on cupcakes at Sprinkles. ...
read moreI consider winter to be more than half-way over around this time, late January/early February. February is usually brutal, but at least I know spring is around the corner. This year, November, December, and now January have passed with only a few super freezing days and two noteworthy snowfalls that melted quickly. I haven't even put studded tires on Oma yet. By enjoying this extremely mild winter, I feel like I've gotten away with something major, like a jewelry heist. I almost don't want to write this ...
read moreSix inches of snow fell on Chicago yesterday afternoon and evening. As I mentioned in my previous post, I had no intention of cycling in that mess. My plan was to take the L train, but a co-worker mentioned that she and a friend carpool along a route that passes by my L stop. She offered to pick me up anytime and I gladly accepted the offer. The car is already on the road anyway. In the morning, I walked a block to the L station and a couple of minutes later she pulled up. I sank into the heated passenge...
read moreHave I mentioned that winter's finally come to Chicago? And she is not messing around. This morning I biked to work in 15 F temps. My alley was an ice rink, but the streets and bike lanes were clear and dry. That's good, because I haven't put studded tires on Oma yet. I was totally comfortable throwing a puffy vest over a wool skirt suit and wool undershirt, plus cotton tights, snow boots, scarf, gloves, and earmuffs. I stuck heating packs in my mittens and boots, otherwise I wouldn't have made it. By...
read moreSunny blue skies, clear roads, mild temperatures - is it April already? I'm used to the occasional brief warm up during winter, but this year winter hasn't yet arrived at all. If the forecast is right, this will continue for at least the next five days. Yesterday was so warm (relatively) that I simply threw a long cashmere cardigan over my dress before heading out the door. By my evening commute, the temps had increased to 50 degrees F and I didn't even use my cardigan. And I'm thrilled to continue rid...
read moreThe mild winter weather continues to make me so happy! Sure, it's cold, but not freezing cold. Sun shining on my shoulders and clear roads are all I need to stay in high spirits. My bright red coat, instead of being my one source of winter color, is merely one of many bright colors on my commute. Look - not only is there a Carolina blue sky, there's also green grass! In case any driver fails to notice my bright red coat, I've taken to wearing a neon yellow slap bracelet around my ankle. This...
read moreYesterday was a special day for me, thanks to good luck. I won tickets to a taping of The Rosie Show where Tori Amos was the guest, by writing an essay about my love for her music. When I got there, they sat me front row center, the best seat in the house! Rosie tapes her show in Harpo Studios, where Oprah used to tape. Riding there from my office was a breeze, since I could take the Kinzie protected bike lane and side streets the whole way. Riding from there back home was a little crazed and stressful. I ...
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