The New Commuter gets a NEW BIKE!!!

Posted by Anthony Taylor Saturday, June 19, 2010

Adventures of a New Commuter documents the bike commuting travels of an overweight, over-enthusiastic and overly creative fellow. This journal isn’t always presented in chronological order, but should be entertaining and occasionally informative.

It’s been awhile, I know. BUT, I’ve been busy…RIDING MY BIKE!!! My NEW bike! Yeah, I’m fast forwarding a bit here, and I’ll get back to those early days of commuting next week, but today is a day to celebrate the beauty that is my new bike.

John and Vanessa at the Madera Bike Shop walked me through the process and after test riding about 5 two wheelers, I was surprised by my pick. I thought I wanted a cushy seat with a really upright posture and nice shocks. I was wrong. I ended up with a light aluminum thick-framed bike with no shocks and road tires. That’s right…the skinny ones.

I’ve been riding Joan (that’s her name, get over it) for almost a month now. She helped me shave 5-10 minutes off my commute time and I don’t arrive at work as sweaty as I used to. Cool right? I was really surprised and pleased to see how much easier my commute was with a really good bike. The fenders are great since it’s summer and overwatering lawns into the street tends to be the norm.  Not to mention, the smooth and fast ride make me want to start collecting more bikes.

I also had them hook me up with all the other perks. A headlight, taillight and a commuter repair kit bag that I hope I never have to use since I’m not that mechanically inclined.

It’s official…I’m becoming a bike nerd. I’m also losing weight. I haven’t weighed myself since I started, but I’m down a shirt size and a pant size too. So, if this tub of fun can do it…so can you. HAPPY RIDING!

This keeps the mud off my back

So I can see the bats on my night rides.

My super fancy Wahoo's water bottle. (I can haz free Wahoo's?)

There are tools in here...so I've been told.

I'm coming for you baby!