Bike Commuting

As I mentioned, I have been commuting to school every day by bike. It has been fabulous. I have been very lucky and haven't had to ride through any real rain. I think that will change, but for now I'm going to enjoy it. 

I live 3.8 miles from school. This is a really doable distance on a bike. I am surprised, however, by how hilly Seattle is. So. Hilly. Although I don't really encounter too many steep hills in my commute, there are several long grades that absolutely destroy my legs. I'm hoping it will get easier with time....

Before intervention.

I rode my bike a fair amount in DC, but only for fun or for exercise. So I never really carried a load. Now I carry my books, school stuff, and a change of clothes (3.8 miles + hills = just sweaty enough to want to change clothes).  So I decided I needed to add a bike rack.
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During intervention.

Clearly the grad school budget for bike racks = do your own installation. That aside, I was actually really excited to install my own rack. As I've increased my riding I've really wanted to learn more about bike maintenance in general. Additionally, although I haven't even started classes yet, orientation has provided plenty of information and discussion (and fear) regarding the next six (or seven) years, including but not limited to the dreaded dissertation. Given that, I really, really enjoyed this time limited project with clear and tangible outcomes. I think they will be few and far between in the next years.

Success!

So with far more effort than was probably required, I successfully installed my bike rack. I think it's a little less than level, but will hopefully get the job done.


Next step: panniers!

Seattle Livin'

My Seattle apartment (for now).

My apartment is in a house that has been converted into three apartments. I have parking behind the house. Coming from DC, I consider this one of the biggest luxuries ever.

Living room:

Kitchen:

 

The bathroom has a couple of quirks but overall the place is super cute and great for my first few months here. It's about 4 miles from the university, and so far I've been able to bike every day to school, which is really nice.  

My subletter has been great, and even offered to let me borrow the guitar pictured in living room shots. As generous as that is, I have not taken her up on that offer. 

Tour de Beast

Running from September 4th to September 10th, the first (and hopefully last) Tour de Beast was composed of 4 stages and covered a total distance of 2,933 miles. Beginning on U Street NW in Washington, D.C., the tour stretched between two cities on opposite coasts, and ended in Seattle, WA. The tour earned it's name from my a fore mentioned nickname and the fact that driving 2,933 miles in 4 days is a beast.  The stages included two flat stages and two mountain stages.

Stage 1 (mountain stage...kinda):

This Stage began in Washington, D.C., and ended in the majestic Dayton suburb of Huber Heights, Ohio. Having moved to D.C. from Colorado, I had  always minimized the rolling hills found in Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania as anything but mountains. My over-burdened, 4-cylinder car made a strong argument against that position, however. As such, my car earned zero points toward the polka dot jersey during this stage. This stage was long and otherwise un-noteworthy.

States crossed: D.C., Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia (I went through it twice!), Ohio

Stage 2:

Leaving Huber Heights and ending in lovely Nebraska, my car and I were never so happy to see our first cornfield. This stage ended with three days of relaxing (kinda) on the farm. This was a very welcome break.

States crossed: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska

Rest days:

During my time in Nebraska I filled up on the two things I can't get anywhere but here: the company of some of my favorite people and some of my favorite foods. My mom and I went biking a couple of times, something new we've done but was really enjoyable. I'm seriously impressed by Beatrice and it's new bike path. This was the only biking accomplished during the Tour de Beast.

Stage 3:

This Stage took off from Nebraska and ended in Burley, Idaho. It was supposed to end sooner, but I got lost in the wasteland between Utah and Idaho where no hotels exist, forcing me on.

But before I reached that wilderness, I passed under the Great Platte River Road Archway (with both hands on the wheel of course). A very common view from my road trip, a semi was also included.

I have entered the west!

States crossed: Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho

Stage 4:

Departing from Burley, this stage ended in Seattle! Woo-hoo! Tour de Beast accomplished. This stage did traverse some very nice wine country in southern Washington, which I hope to visit when I have more time.  The best thing to be said about this stage is that it's over, and there is no more serious driving to do for some time.

States crossed: Idaho, Oregon, Washington

I am so glad to be done!