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First bike commute in Austin
1740 sats \ 21 comments \ @k00b 6 Jul HealthAndFitness
We came back from California with our financial buffer pretty empty, so we're imposing some frugality measures on ourselves, which led to me finally taking my new-to-me bike out for its first commute. (I used to walk 40 minutes each way, but for the last few months I found myself wanting to save the time in the morning and ubering instead.)
My wife picked it up from Austin Yellow Bike, a non-profit community bike shop for $250. I'd been wanting an old Japanese steel frame for a long time, since before my last single speed road bike was stolen. There was a sticker on the bike when we bought it, which I wish I had taken a picture of. But the recent provenance appears to be a camp at Burning Man.
Overall the ride was decent. The brakes are little stiff and the pedals aren't meant for my fat feet, especially in sandals, but I can dial in and replace them respectively. I also hate all having all the gears I never intend to use. Oh and I need a rack so I can add my bike bucket.
The commute time is comparable to an Uber so I'll probably keep it up, assuming I can figure out how to alternate in walking commutes. In tangentially related fitness news, my hope is the bike will also make it easier to get back to yoga early in the mornings again.
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61 sats \ 1 reply \ @elvismercury 6 Jul
Welcome back. Maybe the change in circumstances, and the different encounters with reality that the bike rides afford, will make the day-to-day feel different, fresh.
Who knows how such a renewal might manifest in your life and work?
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27 sats \ 0 replies \ @k00b OP 6 Jul
Yes, that's my thought to. My routine felt kind of stale as I noticed myself thinking about things differently sitting in California. A little more blood flow and sun in the mornings never hurt anyone too.
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100 sats \ 0 replies \ @crrdlx 7 Jul
I've been bike commuting for years. It was odd, at first, it seemed like I really did something big by not going by car. It was kind of liberating in a way, knowing I can just get myself there. It takes about 40 minutes for the ride. I've grown to really enjoy it. I use the time to listen to podcasts or catch up on goings on. And the exercise and stress relief. Nothing is better, after a hard day at work, to just get on my bike and ride. On days when I have to drive or its raining, I miss it.
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100 sats \ 0 replies \ @unschooled 7 Jul
amazing ride. ive been a bike commuter for the last 5 or so years. any chance i can take to bike provided im not out super late and its not raining, i take it. my steel frame Raleigh has served me very well. enjoy your new ride and be careful!
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60 sats \ 2 replies \ @kruw 6 Jul
I have a particular distaste for bicycles:
  • Too slow for crowded roadways
  • Too unwieldy for crowded sidewalks
  • Can't transport passengers or cargo
  • Inefficient compared to other forms of exercise
  • Unsafe compared to other forms of transportation
  • Vulnerable to weather conditions
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100 sats \ 0 replies \ @BallLightning 7 Jul
How is it insufficient? You americans don't exercise at all. It is way more sufficient than the American default.
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100 sats \ 0 replies \ @k00b OP 6 Jul
Too slow for crowded roadways
Yes, but many cities have bike paths/lanes. Austin has fewer than I'd like but enough of them.
Can't transport passengers or cargo
You can hitch a trailer on them, and carry a toddler pretty easily, but yeah you're not going to do a big grocery run with a bike .. unless you have a trailer on it and are looking for a workout.
Unsafe compared to other forms of transportation
True.
Vulnerable to weather conditions
IME except for high wind and snow, or rain if your traveling on unpaved roads, you can bike in most conditions. But, I've only lived places where the weather was mild most of the year.
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50 sats \ 0 replies \ @Undisciplined 6 Jul
Cool! I've never been much of a bike commuter, but many times I've been able to walk to work, which is so much better than needing to drive.
I hope you find it to be a lifestyle improvement and that it affords you time to get enough sleep.
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21 sats \ 0 replies \ @gnilma 7 Jul
Saving time is always great! Not to mention it keeps the health benefits by keeping you active / moving. Nice looking road bike you got there too.
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21 sats \ 0 replies \ @BlokchainB 6 Jul
Cool looking bike
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10 sats \ 0 replies \ @BitcoinIsTheFuture 7 Jul
Commuting will keep you more fit and st peace! I love when I’ve commuted on my bike! Bonus sunlight and fresh air!
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10 sats \ 2 replies \ @Bell_curve 6 Jul
Yoga is too expensive
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61 sats \ 0 replies \ @crrdlx 7 Jul
I hear you on this. My wife has more yoga accessories than one can imagine. It's like getting a dog, at first you think it's free, but then...
(Not comparing dogs to yoga. I love love dogs. I actually do like yoga, despite the silliness of how the people often "pray" to...whatever it is they pray too, but the stretches and poses are fantastic. Really helped my wife healthwise too.)
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111 sats \ 0 replies \ @k00b OP 6 Jul
It can be. There's a cheap spot close enough that it's convenient. It's also worth $100/mo to not be stiff and immobile.
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10 sats \ 1 reply \ @Scoresby 6 Jul
Prediction: you will end up using most of the gears.
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142 sats \ 0 replies \ @k00b OP 6 Jul
Bold prediction sir. I got along on a single speed for years and most of Austin is flat.
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11 sats \ 0 replies \ @petertodd 7 Jul
Pre-Bitcoin I commuted to work and school via bicycle... I was a lot healthier back then...
I need an office again. 😂
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @realBitcoinDog 8 Jul
This sounds like a great thing!
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @Signal312 7 Jul
I had a bike commute for a few months. It was an easy decision - parking was too expensive, public transit would have taken twice as long.
The commute was about 20 beautiful minutes. There was a great bike path, with occasionally some pedestrians on it, and sometimes enough to make it kind of fun to dodge around them - kind of like a video game. One minor hill.
I wish I had a commute like that again!
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @guerratotal 7 Jul
When I lived in Cuba, the bicycle was my mode of transportation 99% of the time. Now in Brazil, working from home, my life has become much more sedentary... between the occasional trip to the market, the mall, or walks around the lake, and of course, the occasional Uber.
Although in Cuba I had another burden due to the economy and lack of freedom, I think I was physically stronger and didn't feel as tired. Although I weigh 75 kg (I've always been that weight), sitting all day working from home has sort of atrophied me a bit...!!
I've thought about buying a bike again several times, but I always end up giving up for one reason or another. Maybe it's time to challenge myself a little and get back into that habit. Not only to save money, but for my mental and physical health.
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @grayruby 7 Jul
You will be in great shape in no time.
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