Fast Bike

Was just in for its first big tune up since I got it in 2007. Now it is fast again! Since I'm putting over 100km a month on it just for commuting to work, fast is good.

Geared Up For Winter

Geared Up For Winter

I love puns. :)

Since I moved to PEI I've turned into one of those nutters who bikes all year round. It's certainly not the most enjoyable thing to do for the 5 or so months that the weather could be considered 'winter' here. However the benefits outweigh the really bad days I think.

Last year I put about 1500km on my car, and that includes a trip to Fredericton. I think my total number of tanks of gas I bought was around 6. I don't have to buy a parking pass at the university where I work. I save on vehicular wear and tear. I save on insurance. I get an extra bit of exercise per day that I wouldn't normally get. I get to be outdoors, see some wildlife (including a nice grey fox bounding across the Confederation Trail in front of me yesterday), and take some pictures.

Downsides include wear on the bikes (last year I spent $700 in repairs on my good mountain bike), having to bike in some pretty abysmal weather, and the danger of getting hit by the terrible Charlottetown drivers (which I've managed to avoid thus far). This year I'm going to try to ride all winter on my much cheaper hybrid, so even if it is a write off in the spring, it'll be cheaper to replace. The problem of course is all the salt that gets laid down, much of it unnecessary in my opinion (especially on the Confederation Trail)

So far January has been quite warm, only the last couple days dipping below -10 C, and there hasn't been a major snow (since I got back from my big trip anyway). I'm sure that will be coming soon enough.

Only a three or four more months until it's somewhat spring like!