Confessions of a Novice Cyclist

blue, originally uploaded by Ensie.

Title's a hat tip to a great blog that I used to read more regularly. But it's been on my mind a lot lately as I learn by trying and failing and trying again on my blue bike.

Things I've learned:
1.) How to change out a pedal using a crescent wrench and brute strength after finding that a friends' pedal wrench was the wrong size, that two local bike shops weren't that helpful, and that the Bike Oven appeared closed to me this evening. But hey, I don't have to ride around on a little pedal stub anymore. And I was so happy I could have done a dance (side note: tomorrow I go to dance class).

2.) Best front light solution I've found: a mini-mag that came with an anti-roll thing that I black electrical tape-d to my handle bars. The mag comes with me when I lock my bike up. I no longer have to worry about breaking expensive "bike" lights--the inexpensive mag's a tough'un.

3.) Group bike rides are fun. Especially at night. Even when it's really cold. Even when it's so cold that cursing real loud doesn't help--okay, but only mildly.

4.) It's a little scary when you're in the left hand turn lane, now in the middle of the intersection, and you have to stop completely because siren blaring police cars have to whip around you with gusts of wind that seem to want to knock you over and the sirens sound so loud it hurts, and it's fricking bitter cold.

5.) Stop and take a pic. It's easy. Of a mural, or two, or that cool sign. Or of your bike. Or of yourself on your bike. Also stop referring to yourself in the second person. Well, maybe.

6.) Steel grates, avoid them. Cause it hurts to stop like that. And while luck saved my tire, I doubt I'll be so lucky next time. And thanks to the Nacimiento ride's L.A. Bike Coalition guy for making sure I was okay.

7.) It feels good to put air in another person's tire, and silly when you've left the metal valve at home.

8.) Local biking is faster than local bus taking.

9.) You can't assume a heckle is negative. But even when it is, it's best just to smile inside.

10.) I have got to take myself less seriously--or--I mean that cycling gives me time to ponder the meaning of life, thanks.

And plenty more I've learned, but I need to go to bed.