Well, I've now ridden to work (and home) 16 times since I started this blog. While a few of my rides have been a bit longer, I have ridden about 420 miles (26.2 mile round trip per day). So, leaving from downtown Atlanta, that would put me in Henderson, NC.

Yep, it's only October 10th and I've already ridden to work 6 times!! Well, since the Bambi incident, we've only had 1 car. In fact, the car may not be ready until Friday. So, last week I rode in 4 times. This week, I've ridden in Monday and Tuesday. Took a little while to get the hind quarters over some soreness, but you build up the tolerance or something.

For somer reason, while riding I take special notice of the Toyota Prius cars that pass me.

Cute car - I guess. Gets 60mpg in the city. So, if I do some quick math, I find that my bike is INFINITELY more fuel efficient. HA!!

But seriously, I see one of these or more on almost every ride. It is becoming much more popular and I would love to see some more desireable cars come out with the same fuel efficiency. Prices will certainly come down as more manufacturers make them.

Just a few days ago, my wife and daughter were driving home from school and BOOM, Bambi jumps in front of the gas hoggin' Ford Expedition to meet its maker.

I know, that's insensitive. Believe me, we all feel horrible about it, but it happens from time to time and there's not much one can do. No one felt worse than my wife and daughter.

Anyway, it put one of our vehicles out of commission and thus my biking came in handy since my wife can use my car while I'm commuting to work. So, today is actually my second day in a row or riding to work and it's only October 3rd. I am considering riding every day this week and until our car is out of the shop, but I'm not sure my backside can handle it, so we'll see.

Ride #1: Yesterday, I actually drove our Expedition to the body shop with my bike in the back and then rode to work after dropping it off. That little trip gave me an extra 7 miles for a total of 20 miles just to get to work. It took about 1:10 which isn't too bad, although I was quite late to work.

Ride #2: This morning, my kids finally made me keep a promise to them to let them ride their bikes to school. It's probably a little over 2 miles, but unfortunately, it's not something many students do and there's not even any bike racks at the school. Well, we were bound and determined to try it anyway! It was fun, and except for my son complaining about his book bag, the kids enjoyed it. We'll see what they think after the ride home with my wife this afternoon. For me, it made my 13 miles ride about 15. No problemo.

More bike tips to come...

So I haven't posted in a while, but that doesn't mean I wasn't riding! I did end up with 10 rides in September and I'll take that. 10 rides is about 260 miles or in the range of about 10 gallons of gas.

Stick that in your Toyota Prius and smoke it!! Just kidding really. I have considered looking into hybrid vehicles, but until they get a little more fuel efficient and a little more appealing, no thanks. I'd rather ride the old aluminum horse a couple of extra times to save the gas!

Anyway, on to October...

Another beautiful day for a ride, although the weather forecast is for rain to start sometime this evening so my commute home could be wet - no problem just so long as there is not lightening!!

Ride Stats:

• 3 hellos
• 13.1 miles
• 47 minutes
• 1 accident (not me, I passed one)
• 1 honked horn (although I'm not sure if it was for me or not)

As a cyclist amongst cars, I worry about how my body language, tactics and hand signals might be taken by drivers. I try to be as courteous as possible, but I could understand how something I do might be taken the wrong way. This morning at a four-way stop - which are not a cyclist's friend - I arrived at a stop just slightly after someone had arrived from my left. From my perspective, I am going to obey the rules and I would prefer the car take their proper turn and go - just as if I was a car. Well, not unlike many other drivers, the young lady sort of waved me through - of course - just as I was waving her to go ahead. Losing my balance, I decided to go - at the same time she decided to go - oops. So, I went through and I placed my hand over heart as if to say "sorry, my bad" and then waved to her. She laughed, so I knew she was not upset about it.

All in all, a great morning ride!

Ride On!!