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Oh, the power of a green lane. Without road markings a cyclist is something to be tolerated, or not, by drivers. A green lane is visual reminder/educator that bikes belong. They also “narrow” the street and that brings speed down. It’s also an enticement, a reminder, an idea that there is another way to get around town. Oh, and paint is cheap.

ann

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There are some great photos.
One in particular shows Great Falls except there’s an enormous Bike Arlington jersey obscuring the view.
ann

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I believe this forum has a quorum of participants capable of pissing off others.
It looks like this project would increase the safety of cyclists. If the perceived level of safety goes up, more people standing on the sidelines will join.
If one area gets this project, it’s likely that surrounding communities will feel pressured to keep up.
What are you proposing?

FYI: Related – http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/06/giving-city-streets-built-in-safety-features/

ann

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Silly man. This is the “before” shot. I’ve been busy adding more bling to the helmet and pimping out my ride to a whole new level of tasteless obnoxiousness.
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Subjectively, three weeks into my new fun bike to work hobby, it is still a slog.
Objectively, I was distracted by the chance to gawk at a group of firefighters while climbing one of those horrid hills, forgot to shift into my smallest ring, but didn’t particularly notice. I think that means I’m becoming more proficient with hills. Or perhaps the firefighters were really hawt. Hard to sort.

Back to bling,
ann

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Oooh, a chance to wear a costume too.
I’m in.
But only because it’s for the children…

ann

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So, please set it up. It’s been awhile since we got together and there are new folks we’d like to meet. I’d be happy to handle valet services (still looking for a carbon fiber bike to add to the stable
Ann

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Bravo!!!!!

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Welcome! You have come to the right place ro ask. Many other members here know far more than i do about mountain bikes. Last summer was my first experience on one. So i can answer from a novice’s perspective.

I can handle 90% of Wakefield Park without whimpering, balking, or invoking the name of a higher power.

Ann

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Why conform? Rhinestones go well with black Lycra. On the other hand, it’s hard to resist dressing up to look like a living, breathing NASCAR. Wear what gets the job done. I can easily ride around the beach in a bathing suit, around here– not so much. If I’m riding in the rain I wear an attractive neon green puke colored jacket because I want to give drivers a solid target. If I’m making a liquor store, I mean grocery store run, I wear jeans. The one thing I won’t wear again were mountain bike shorts because they wouldn’t stay up.

Ann

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What I Wear Because I’m Lazy
1. Whatever is in the dryer. Because it’s clean.
2. Matching is optional.
3. Without the slightest trace of shame, some high-tech fabric that’s tight enough to violate the codes of decency in Utah and Ohio. (Because it keeps me warm.)
4. If it’s cold enough, I wear the ever fashionable hiking boots with ski socks.
(Now I’m beginning to look like clown, but it’s not as bad as you envision.)
5. I splurged on the outer layer, a very fine Gore jacket. I froze my giblets off last year “making do” — this jacket is muy beuno.

I tried Dirt’s approach to climbing and it is making the ride ever so slightly more tolerable. But I live of fear of having to whip out a chain tool and pretend to know how to use it. Seems slightly more sensible to carry a Foster’s and merely push and sip my way to safety and an LBS.

Cheers,
Ann

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What a great story! You bought a bike and fundamentally changed your life. I’m so happy for you. Congratulations and best wishes for another good month.

Ann

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Dearest Dismal Scientist,
I have a deep and twisted relationship with Spartacus, I can’t bear to put a rack on him, it would be like reassigning his gender. I sacrificed the mountain bike after he dragged me through gravel over Thanksgiving at Wakefield.

Spinning class…There is a remarkable young man who teaches spinning classes. I’ve named his quads “Shock” and “Awe.” But spinning is probably the third reason I went to that class. If the weather turns horrible I’ll go find Mr. Shock-Awe, but I do better on the street. Last winter spin class helped me understand cadence.

ann

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Yes, ding-ding, it is the Mason statue staring off into the distance at the parking garage. And that is Spartacus next to him chuckling at the parking garage.

Today I did not ride to work but threw my bike in the back of my car because arriving at GMU after 11:00 means you park in the next county. It was terrific to jump on my bike and get around campus quickly and my messenger bag only tried to strangle me twice.

ann

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Tim Kelley, you are such a cheater.

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1. @ Dirt: The only time grace is associated with my name is when I say it before dinner. And yes, I adore it when you bellow, “There’s only one hill, just for you Ann.” It makes me feel such very special thoughts about you.

2. CC Crew: Thank you. I never thought about it before but the words “Mr. Blacknell” and “FEMA Disaster Center” go together like peanut butter and chocolate.

3. Ah yes, the Foo Fighters. Great music video applicable to anyone who hates to sit in traffic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PkcfQtibmU

4. I need to find a Starbucks. Alas, the only bit of civilization I see when I emerge from the residential area near GMU is Hooters. Dear God…

ann

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