More on bike commuting...

Here are a few more things I've learned while bike commuting...

9.  The dark stump at 3.5 km is not a bear.
10.  Never look directly at the puddle you wish to avoid.
11.  Ma and Pa Goose do not want me to stop to admire their babies.
12.  Joggers wearing earbuds should check over their shoulder now and then.
13.  In the face of sharp corners and large rocks, your bike will take care of you, you just have to trust it.

Helmet Hair

Did you know that when the bike helmet law came into effect in BC, female ridership fell by 30%?  Isn't that crazy?  We're just worried about helmet-head.  It is nasty, I won't argue that.  But that should have opened up some doors to invention instead of sending us scurrying for our cars again.  For instance, there should be a helmet with pin-curl options inside, so that you arrive at work, pull off your helmet and voila! Your hair is coiffed with beautiful waves.  It's a million dollar idea, I tell ya.  For now, I've succumbed to my stylist's constant request to cut my hair into layers and, gulp, bangs.  Must admit, though, a good shake-out after the helmet, some spray n' scrunch and I look pretty darn good.  Girls, helmet-head can be overcome.

Biking to Work

It's been nearly two weeks that I've been commuting to work by bicycle every day.  It's invigorating going all downhill through Upper Raven then Lower Raven, then onto the foreshore trail.  4km of almost flat, absolutely beautiful wilderness, birds singing and diving.  This might be something I do all summer instead of just during the "Pedal Power" exhibition.  About bike commuting in Salmon Arm, here are some things I've learned so far:
1.  Leave at 8:15am instead of 8:45am, less traffic downtown.
2.  A gel seat cover is an excellent Mother's Day gift.
3.  Instead of gearing down as you go up a hill, speed up before the hill.
4.  Don't wear earrings shaped like fishing lures.
5.  Don't change out of one's bicycle clothes in the office when 13 other people have a key to said office.
6.  Potholes hurt.
7.  Mondays are gruelling no matter what form of transportation you choose.
8.  No one really cares what my hair looks like.

I look forward to the next two weeks, and hope to see more people out using their pedal power.