Category — Random Thoughts

I can ride in warm rain but not cold rain like today…ughhh. Looking forward to the May flowers. Week two bike commute will commence after this rain delay.

Tom Pellicane – Publisher, canvas Magazine

Today is the final day of my first week of commuting via bicycle. I’m happy to say today’s weather is very conducive to riding. It’s the first day this week I didn’t walk into the office with a shiver and feel like I needed to being wearing gloves.

It’s also been an interesting week and I learned a few things such as:

– Mulch is a predominant morning smell this time of year

– Even a 5 to 10 min bike ride can help clear your head and decompress you

– Most drivers don’t think twice about cyclists

– My hard seat hurts my butt

– I need to shed pounds so the lack of shock absorption isn’t so dramatic

– I’ve enjoyed my rides

– I’m looking forward to next week

Give it a shot if you can, you may find as I have you’ll start looking forward to the ride.

Tom Pellicane – Publisher, canvas Magazine

Note: If there are any cycle shops that would like to sponsor my trek or this blog contact me LOL

I’m still pedaling to work four days into week one. I find my wind is starting to come back, yea. Seeing the sunshine this morning was a great thing, although deceptive.

As I headed out on my bike I wondered where the warm weather is? The wind chill on the bike makes it a few degrees colder and I certainly didn’t feel like we’re half way through April. I’m looking forward to the warmer, not hot, rides.

I had an appointment this morning in Huntington and my wife, Adele, asked if I’d be biking to it. My answer was no, for two reasons. The first was that the appointment was a lengthier ride up hill, which I don’t think my wind is ready for yet. This lack of wind head visions of Steve Carrell, in the 40 year old virgin, flying through the side of a truck bouncing around in my head. As Jake would say that would be “not so good.”

Proudly I didn’t abandon my ride, after i finished my appointment, I picked up my bike and headed into the office. Pedal, pedal, pedal.

Tom Pellicane – Publisher, canvas Magazine

Last night on my bike commute home I had the wonderful experience of following a garbage truck on their evening curbside pickup. It was an interesting experience to follow along for a few minutes to see how they work.

First kudos to the guys on the back of the truck, even from a distance it was a pungent odor. Second they move fast working as a team to collect the garbage and get it in the truck as quickly as possible. Lastly they are brave as people were trying to pass them and rush home.

Sadly though as they threw the garbage in the truck they inadvertently would miss some loose pieces. I would have expected them to pick them up before leaving the area. They did not. There were a few plastic bottles, wrappers and other items strewn around the street in their wake.

Where does this go? I’m guessing these scraps are ending up down a storm drain an into the harbor. I hope not, however from my perspective gone are the days when the shop keepers clean the side walks and curbs outside their stores. Wow, do I sound old. But having worked in fast food and a gas station as a kid, I can tell you I did my fair share of parking lot, curb and walk way sweeping.

I look forward to continued rides and seeing the next garbage crew picking up the scraps they drop.

Tom Pellicane, Publisher – canvas Magazine

Today’s weather report said showers. Again I found myself, as I did yesterday – conflicted, should I ride to work or drive? In the end I chose to ride. Score one for the environment and my need to increase my physical activity.

As I rode along the northern stretch of New York Ave, headed south toward the office, I was amazed at how punishing the ride was. The punishment was from cracks in the cement road, pot holes, sand and debris along roadside. New York Ave is supposed to be rebuilt at some point in the future, but I know I have a number of bike rides between now and then. Regardless I enjoyed the ride, the brisk air hitting my face, the ability to exert myself before heading into the office.

The ride experience had me wonder about the need on Long Island for a concerted effort to accommodate commuting beyond driving and minimal mass transit. I know the punishing experience of my short commute can not be an isolating experience. How many others have tried, or are considering some from of pedal power to work only to be discouraged by the fears of traveling our roadways.

Sure we can argue the winter has just passed and all roads need some repair. However if we want the masses to consider alternate modes of transportation I think it’s incumbent upon the government to foster an environment, beyond slogans, to encourage this. I’m curious to know what efforts your town is put forth to encourage those that can to travel via pedal power.

Tom Pellicane – Publisher, canvas Magazine