Thursday, March 08, 2012

Thank you!

Many, many thanks to Rootchopper of A Few Spokes Shy of a Wheel for the donation to my fundraising effort for the American Diabetes Association. You've helped put me at 18% of my goal. THANK YOU!

In other news, today's commute was another glorious one. There was a light, warm breeze for most of the trip and birdsong filled the air. I even stopped to listen to a robin perched on the branch of a bare tree. At first I though he was a cardinal because I could see only bright red, but then he turned and I saw the definitive robin profile and brown wings. A couple of commuters smiled at my floral basket (or maybe my bare knees when my skirt hiked up a bit).

Speaking of the skirt, I noticed absolutely no Mary Poppins effect on Smith Switch and Waxpool. In fact, I got more crowded and squished against the curb than usual with vehicles accelerating and passing aggressively. I get more space in jeans and a windbreaker! Hmph. And I am NOT going helmetless to see if that "helps".

I've decided to rename the Ariel as "Lily". I find it rolls off the tongue more easily, and I'm pretty fond of lilies. I'll refrain from renaming her "Tulip" or "Hydrangea" in the future. Maybe.

5 comments:

  1. Your welcome, but you didn't have to rename you bike after my daughter.

    I meet your robin and raise you one bald eagle. (There was one at the Belle Haven nest along the MVT this morning).

    For the full Mary Poppins effect, I think you need an umbrella...

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    1. There are no lengths I wouldn't go to in the expression of my gratitude. I found out last night that my other bike is apparently named after a friend's cat.

      I'm envious of your eagle. Mostly it's geese, vultures, and crows out here. Heh, that almost makes it sound like I'm riding through a horror movie backdrop.

      I don't suppose a Katana umbrella would add to the effect, huh? Although, it might make cars give me a wider berth.

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  2. Huh, interesting. I read a post once about a commuter in California who said the very best way to have EVERYONE steer clear is have a child's trailer on the bike. Granted he had a child in it, he picked them up from day care after work on his bike (seriously how cool is that?). But he said he was shocked at how considerate people got with a trailer. It totally makes sense. I know I would! I hope others would too.

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    1. That's cool. My sister-in-law has offered up her kiddie trailer to the hubs so we can make bigger shopping trips. It'll be interesting to see if we get a wide berth when it's loaded down with groceries and kitty litter. ;)

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    2. This kind of makes sense to me. I think *most* people are more aware of children and allow more space, so maybe it translates into even carrying them behind a bike? So, maybe it will work even if no children are actually being carried... will be interesting to hear about. I'm also interested to read about the kiddy trailer (brand, weight capability, etc), as we've discussed getting a used one recently to be able to carry heavier items. I'm torn about what to get though, so hopefully you'll post about it when you've had some time with it.

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