Monday, June 25, 2012

Like buttah

Loaded down for this morning's commute.
There's something about the loop frame that makes me appreciate the world around me more than I ever did on the hybrid. I haven't decided if it's the upright posture, the lady-like step-through mounting, or something entirely different. And aside from a short bout of Cat 6 racing -- there were commuters riding in the same direction as me: I was morally obligated! (And I won.) -- I kept my ride at an relaxed pace and arrived at my destination barely glowing from the exertion.

Aaahhh.

Scott asked me, just before her maiden voyage, if I was going to get a cycling computer for the C8. No, I don't think so. He said that he was mostly kidding. I replied that I'd given serious thought to it and eventually decided that I wouldn't because, to me, it would ruin the experience of such a lovely ride. I don't need to be so analytical and goal-oriented on my commutes and leisure rides.

We'll see how long this zen attitude lasts.
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11 comments:

  1. G.E.June 25, 2012 at 10:17 AM

    I agree with having a non-cycle computer bike - and this is a perfect choice (by the way, I see you've been busy adding to her loveliness - she looks great!). I think it could become more frustrating to have a computer on this type of bike because it isn't really one to get going at warp speeds, and as you said, being able to slow down and just enjoy the ride is important sometimes.

    Of course, I do know people who can't live without that knowledge, so if it comes to that, I can completely understand the thought process as well.

    Personally, I've never been horribly interested in the stats, which I think is what prevents me from joining more long distance groups - if I see something I want to stop and look at, even on a faster road bike ride, I must stop and others seem to object vehemently to this behavior. I have found it better to ride on my own for this very reason... that way, no one is disappointed. :O)

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    1. Melanie SuzanneJune 25, 2012 at 10:54 AM

      Heh, I hear you on the stopping and looking at stuff while touring. Maybe we need to create "Stop and Smell the Roses" group rides in our respective locales. :)

      I had to swap over the sunflowers so the other commuters would know it's me. :) Plus, I banged up the basket on Lily so badly that it's unusable. I'm making her a trail bike at this point and will keep a trunk bag on the rack for porting gear.

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  2. JessJune 25, 2012 at 10:56 AM

    I didn't put a commuter on my commuter bike, but I do use an app to track my miles (just miles, not power or calories or anything). That way I can add it to my yearly log and know how many miles it is for the year. Not to be analytical. I just like to keep track.

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    1. Melanie SuzanneJune 25, 2012 at 10:59 AM

      That's my plan. I've been tracking mileage for the Ariel and Dolce on MapMyRide.com and, since I know the mileage of my commute I'll be able to add those rides by rote. It pains me to leave the time entries blank, but I'll eventually adjust. Maybe. :)

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  3. TrevorW�� June 25, 2012 at 12:48 PM

    Nice looking bike and I can understand what you mean about not putting a bike computer on her.....It would really alter the feel of the ride. That bike is intended to be ridden at a steady and gracious pace I would think.
    I'm too obsessive to ride without a computer...I need to know all the stats at all times....sad really..LOL

    -Trevor

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    1. Melanie SuzanneJune 25, 2012 at 9:05 PM

      I hear you, Trevor. Like I said, we'll see how long I can be zen about not tracking my mileage/time/speed on a regular basis. :)

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  4. MarshaJune 25, 2012 at 2:02 PM

    The basket decor is cute. It brings out the pattern of the panniers so nicely.

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    1. Melanie SuzanneJune 25, 2012 at 9:07 PM

      Thanks, Marsha. I didn't realize how well the sunflowers matched my bag until I took the photo.

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    2. John Romeo AlphaJune 26, 2012 at 8:30 AM

      I also really like the basket flowers. They look appropriate on a bicycle. On a car they would be out of place. On a bike basket, they belong.

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    3. Melanie SuzanneJune 26, 2012 at 8:45 AM

      Thanks, and agreed. My truck's grill is decorated with birds and small mammals rather than flowers. (I kid, I kid.)

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  5. AnonymousAugust 31, 2013 at 1:38 AM

    I've gradually removed cycle computers from my many bicycles. Or did I just accumulate new bikes and never put cycle computers on them? Hard to tell. At any rate, I think the only two bikes with them are my road and touring bikes. I think.

    Even if you're a data hound, it's good to have a bike where you just ride and don't worry about data. A PUBLIC step-through is the perfect choice for that style of riding.

    And I love the sunflowers on the wire front basket and Po Campo bag on top the rear rack. I have the exact same model and I love the print.

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