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....
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| 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.
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| 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!
5 comments:
Well done!
And the need for closure will never end, I fear. One of my profs who works with maltreatment and such said her dream job is to be a toll booth collector because there's so much closure. You just keep finishing and finishing and finishing. :)
hooray for bike racks! hooray for hauling stuff!
I also thing that there are some parts of the academic system that will give you a bit of closure, namely the ends of semesters. The semester ends and your classes are over. done. finished. I love that.
Good for you on all accounts! Biking.... Classes.... Exploring another new place.... You rock!
You've mastered the DC Potomac River, now Seattle hills?? Go Tine!
A bike rack! We should have thought of that about nine years ago.
Your bike is ready to do a triathlon with danny.
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