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Happy Earth Day!
Happy Earth Day!
Today is the 38th annual celebration of the planet we call home, and a day to step back and think about things we can do to preserve and restore our natural resources…
So that’s the official line on Earth Day, but I want to know: what do YOU think about Earth Day?
Is it a time to reflect on accomplishments?
A time to call for more action?
Or something in-between?
Send a post, let us know, then go outside and do something good for the planet.
Home > Blogs > Living Green > Archives > 2008 > May > 16 > Entry
Get your bike on, part II
Day one of my three-day car abstinence has been really enjoyable. I didn’t hold back - today required a bit more running around than I do on most weekdays, so it was a good test of bike commuting’s usefulness in my journalistic work.
The day started with a three-mile ride to a meeting at Voice of America Park, the one event I was worried about. Would I sweat too much? Would I be late? Would the spray from my rear tire leave me sporting an embarrassing stain up my backside?
Thankfully, none of those came to pass. I made it there on time, and even earned a compliment on my fortitude from one of the attendees who passed me on the way in. The weather helped, too, keeping me from overheating.
By the time I got to the office, I had less than an hour to turn a short story. Here was where the bike really came into its own. Since I started my day with six total miles of not-too-hard riding, my brain was wide awake - I churned out the story in no time flat, and was back on the road in time to make a 12:30 appointment off Cincinnati-Dayton Road.
Those of you who know West Chester Twp. probably understand why that location is no small thing. Cin-Day is darn busy all day, not a place for a wobbly novice to ride. Thankfully, much of the road has enough shoulder space to allow bikes and cars to coexist; if you’re alert to what’s going on around you, it’s not that bad.
On the way home, I passed a gas station and noticed the price of regular unleaded: $3.77 a gallon today - a deal compared to other prices I saw around the township, but a rather exorbitant cost, it seemed to me, as I pedaled by, enjoying the breeze.
I have one more appointment this evening, and several tomorrow. Usually I dread working on Saturday, but tomorrow should be fun - more of an adventure by bike than actual work.
So did you ride to work today? Has the cost of gas pushed you out of the car and onto two wheels yet? How much would gas prices have to rise for you to make significant changes in how you get around?
On a side note, take a look at the West Chester news and issues blog for some info and photos from tomorrow’s West Chester Farmer’s Market, scheduled for 9 to 1 off Centre Pointe Drive.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: car-free commuting
Comments
By iHero
May 16, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
Can you or how do I advocate for a Wright-Patt connector? — which will connect Eastwood lake Metropark & Dayton with the Fairborn path - which ends at Huffman DamBy SwissMiss
May 16, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
I’d love to bike to work, but I work second shift and usually don’t go home until 1:30 or 2:00 a.m. Not just that, but if I were to ride to and from work I would have to contend with the big big big hill on SR 48 through Oakwood. Going down? Fine. Going up? Not so much. Suggestions?