After not riding my bike on Sunday or Monday (Ashley drove me everywhere) I felt that it was necessary to ride my bike to work on my final day of the blogrimage. It has been an incredible journey and after not riding my bike for a few days in a row I actually feel sore. I started this journey with cold weather and it looks like I ended it with cold weather. I am looking forward to driving my car again, but I am still unsure of what the future holds for me this summer. I know I will ride to work again, but how often? People at work will probably be happy with me if I never ride it again (mainly due to the sweat). I do feel more fit and healthy since I started and I have been able to eat a ton of food and not gain weight. One thing my wife is concerned about it what I will do for exercise now. In my opinion it was a cool lifestyle that I chose for the last thirty days because I was able to get to work and back as well as exercise for close to two hours everyday!
I started this 30 day blogrimage mainly as a challenge for myself. I did finish it today (minus one day on Saturday) and I will see how I feel returning to normal life. What started as something I just wanted to complete ended up being more thought provoking. I had no idea I would be thinking about gas money, the environmental impact of not driving, or what life was like outside of my Lexus cage. It is strange what happens when you focus so much energy and attention to one thing. I want to spend more time reflecting on the entire event and I will save that for another post.
I will make sure to post before and after calve muscle pictures for everyone. Thanks for joining me on this journey. Ride Strong!
Friday was a good day for riding and I made it home in 40 minutes. That has not happened since the first week of starting this journey mainly because the wind has always been right in my face. This time it was with me and there was a huge difference. Now, the only disadvantage about being as fast as lightning is that I had a greater chance of falling or even getting hit by a car. I almost got hit by a girl on a cellphone and another incident almost occurred with a woman not seeing me while trying to make an early right on red. I yelled at both of them and they looked scared. In fact, the first girl was in a blue Toyota and I ended up staying with her car for three miles! This is how fast I was going and how slow traffic was on Friday.
I guess I was trying to rush home because Ashley was sick and went home from work early that day. It gave me a bad attitude the whole time and I was not going to put up with any cars. Since I started this journey I sometimes feel like there are just machines zooming by me with robots driving them. I forget that there are human beings in there (all I see if cell phones, make up, and stress). Bicycles and walkers have the right of way, but we have lost this privilege in the car dominated society we live in. I have been reading this book called "No Impact Man" (which I discussed earlier) that has made some good points about cars and Americans.
1. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 percent of the average American's income goes toward the costs of owning and running a car.
2. Every ten minutes we spend commuting, means 10 percent less connection with our friends and communities (unless you carpool)
3. Even if you don't own a car, research shows that the more vehicular traffic there is on the street where we live, the fewer friends we have, because the traffic causes us to spend less time hanging out in our neighborhood.
It talks more about the effect that cars have on pollution and greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, but I am not here to talk about those things. All I can say is the only thing cars really have on bicycles and walking is when they are needed for long trips. When needing to get to work, the store, the movies or anywhere around town a bicycle is perfect. You don't need to worry about going to the gym, just kill two birds with one stone (go where you need to go and lose weight at the same time). From spending time in Asia, everyone uses there feet or bikes to get from A to B and they are healthier and more energetic.
Saturday has been an interesting day and there is something that I must admit to everyone. I still feel shame from what I did but it was for a good reason. Next weekend I will be traveling to Norman, OK to see the Dirty Projectors play at the Norman Music Festival. Not only will I get to see an awesome show I will get to spend some great time with Blayze himself. In order to get to Norman I will need my car. I definitely considered riding my bike there, but since it is past the 30 days and since it is over 90 miles away I decided to drive. I went out to look at m car the other day and see if it was ready to make the journey since it has not been driven in a couple weeks. It looked great except for my back tire...it was completely flat. I called AAA today to com and air it up so Ashley could take me to Goodyear and get it fixed. Well, since Ashley was super sick today she told me no! I could not believe it at first because earlier this morning she had found the courage to drive us to the Tulsa Farmer's Market on Cherry Street! But, now the moment that I needed her she was in bed! I am sure all of you think I am jerk for saying these things, but I did not want to give up after so many days. I had gone three weeks without driving a car and now I was at the last weekend! I tossed it around and decided what needed to be done. I got in my car and went to Goodyear to get the tire fixed.
I know that people reading this blog might be shocked, but I want to respect my wife while she is trying to recover from being sick. I decided that I needed to make up for all this driving by going a couple of miles on my wife's bike for groceries, but it did not stop raining all day. So, I did not get out on the bike once. Today was a great day to have a car. The picture of the bicycle was actually my set up for grocery shopping. The gas I used getting around town and then putting two new tires on the car cost a whole lot of dough. I am not saying that I am going to divorce my car forever but you can not doubt the high costs of maintaining a car.
I am going to continue to go without a car for the next few days because it is only day 28 tomorrow. Although I drove today, I do not feel wrong for doing it. My life would be much worse if I had tried to force my sick wife out of bed and into my car. I know I made the best decision for my well being and hers.
I am glad that I now have some time in my day to tell you all what has been going on since Monday. My week had the potential to start off terribly because I left the house at around 7:20am. I normally try to leave the house at 7am at the latest so 20 minutes behind schedule meant that I would be late to work. At about a mile into the ride I heard a familiar voice say, "Hey do you need a ride!" As I turned around I spotted an SUV with Carl (a guy from work) driving and his daughter was in the front seat. He pulled into the nearest parking lot and we put my bike in the back. After he dropped his daughter off at school we talked about life and other things. It was the first time I had been on the highway before 8am in more than 20 days. It was a rude awakening to the madness of drivers getting to work. I found out that Carl has moved many places in his life and he was actually living overseas in Germany when the Berlin Wall came down. That is pretty epic.
The second story of the day was a simple act of kindness from Gerad (another co-worker). I was leaving work and needed to make it home before 6pm because of the marriage group Ashley and I go to every Monday. As I started to make my first turn he told me to throw my bike in the back of his truck. He gave me a ride halfway home and it saved me a whole lot of time. It was awesome and I can't believe I got two rides in one day!
Yesterday I was riding home and I saw a trail below a bridge on 21st street (I will make sure to photograph it tomorrow). It is the Mingo Trail here in Tulsa and it goes from 11th to 41st street along Mingo. It is pretty sweet, but unfortunately it does not go as far as I live and it is actually faster to just go straight down Garnett. I hate having to deal with cars, but it takes much longer getting to the trail for it to be a better decision.
The other night I was given free tickets to go see Mutemath play at the Brady Theater here in Tulsa. It was a sick show and I was able to get a ride to and from the show. The tickets actually came from Blayze. It is his birthday today and so what you should all do is write on his wall and tell him happy birthday because he is awesome.
I decided to bring back a picture from my time in China last year. My old bike that lasted me a few months (I ended up wearing it out beyond repair) is seen in the photo. Enjoy.
I am still riding to work on a daily basis, but it has been somewhat easier this week. Once again I wish I could stay and tell you all about the week, but I am drained. Work has been tough and then riding home does not help after getting off at 6pm tonight. It is 8:54pm and I am going to sleep. It is pathetic, but I pray that I will be able to blog like never before tomorrow.
I have been making it home rather late the last couple of nights and so I have been unable to reflect on my days through blogging. I have continued to ride my bike and have not driven for what feels like forever. I have some amazing stories of love that I have experienced in my life the last couple of days and I will share those in my post tomorrow.
I have also been reading about a man who tried to live an entire year without making any impact on the environment. That is one epic task and the book has been very interesting and inspiring in many places. I will make sure to also tell you about the impact cars make on the environment in another post (I am sure most of you know it is not a good impact).
That is all I can muster tonight because I just got back from a Mutemath show. It was amazing and the drummer looks like Gob Bluth.
I rode my bike to the grocery store for the first time since I have done this blogrimage and I will definitely be doing it again. It is a good way to get some exercise and I was actually able to bring eggs back with me! I was able to quickly edit the Biker Fox PSA for your viewing pleasure so without further a due here is my Biker Fox moment.
I left the house at around 3:15pm after doing some spring cleaning to go look for Biker Fox. I felt that my chances were very high that I would find him on Riverside. I started my journey going down the Creek Turnpike and did not hit Riverside until around 4pm. As I passed by the Jenks bridge I spotted him! I could not believe it at first and I am almost kept going in the other direction. But, I made a u turn and rode directly behind Biker Fox. He was wearing a helmet and blue spandex shorts and whistling as he passed people on the left side to get their attention. I got close enough to where I felt comfortable shouting out "Biker Fox!" There was no response, but then I saw him stopping for water.
As I approached him I hopped off my bike and started telling him about the journey I was on. We talked about his business, his world record, and urban biking. I told him that I was riding to work everyday and he made sure that I was wearing my helmet. The first thing he actually asked me after we met was, "Where is your helmet, brother?" He told me not to ride on the streets and that he has been given many tickets by the police for doing this. After the conversation I asked him for a picture and a video. He was really cool about it and he has some advice for people out there. I will make sure to post the entire Biker Fox PSA tomorrow, but for now here is the picture and a short preview. Enjoy...
This is apparently who the people at work think that I have become. I guess it is no longer cool to ride your bike to work with a purple shirt and crew cut socks.
I am super pumped about tomorrow. I need to prepare myself for the moment when I will meet Biker Fox. I will have the camera ready and let everyone know how it goes.
Happy Birthday to Lauren my sister! Today she is turning 22, so if you don't know her you should find her on facebook, become friends with her, and then write "happy bday" on her wall. Something amazing happened at work today. One of the cats (that is what we call people here) that sits next to me at work named Gerad found a number for Biker Fox. It was actually on his website because he owns a company called Billions and Trillions Inc which he claims is a multi million dollar company. So, I decided to call the number listed at the top and this is what happened:
Mystery Voice: "Billions and Trillions, can I help you?" Taylor: "Yes, is Biker Fox there?" Mystery Voice: "This is Biker Fox, whats up brother?" Taylor: (moment of silence because my heart is racing) "Are you going to be riding this weekend?" Biker Fox: "Yeah, I will be riding, whats up?" Taylor: "I just wanted to see if you were because I wanted to get a picture with you and ride alongside." Biker Fox: "I will be riding on Riverside, Peoria, and Lewis this weekend." Taylor: "Thanks I will definitely be there."
I can't believe that he actually answered the phone! I felt like I was talking to Michael Jordon it was strange and awesome all at the same time. I am not sure exactly where he said he would be riding but I know I heard those three places.
So there you have it you know where I will be on Saturday from 2-5pm. I will meet the legend himself get some photos, hopefully a video, and of course go for a ride with him. Thank you to Gerad because he is helping make a dream come true.
So I rode my bike to work and back. Just the same old stuff. It is crazy how it is becoming just a normal part of my life. I am beginning to ask myself how long I can keep doing this. It could become a summer thing and I know my co-workers will truly love me if I decide on that. I am still the only one on the sidewalks in the morning besides kids walking to school or people catching a bus. I am hoping that one day another biker will join me. Kind of like a Forrest Gump moment.
The weather was colder than normal today (51F in the morning and afternoon) but not anything too difficult to overcome. At one point I was riding along and I saw a small girl walking to school with her friends. She was walking along and then all of her papers fell on the sidewalk and she neglected to pick them up. She tried to grab as many as she could, but missed a couple. So instead of riding my bike over the pages I scooped them up and called her name as I passed by (Julie was written at the top of each page). She reached out and we missed each other so I decided to get off my bike and hand them to her. When she took them from me she ran off with her friends toward school and I was not really sure what to say. So I shouted, "Have a good day at school." I wonder if people passing by thought I was her father or brother...still not too sure why I shouted that at her. I am super strange now because of this.
I did not get off of work until around 5:45pm tonight and did not get back home until 7pm. I did stop at T-Mobile to pay our phone bill and this is why it took me a little longer. While I was there I tried to prop my bike up on the side of the store (it lacks a kick stand) and as I handed my check over to pay the bill, my bike fell over! This was the first time that my bike has fallen over since it was given to me and I was devastated. It still works, but it was sad to see my main form of transportation slamming into the concrete. It made me think of a song that I listened to in high school. Here are the lyrics so enjoy:
Ghoti Hook-"My Bike"
There's just one thing that I love more than anything. I hold it so near to my heart. It has just one gear and a pair of blue training wheels, A headlight to see in the dark.
I like my bike, It's not like other bikes.
It has pinwheels and a purple banana seat, Loud cards in the spokes as they bend. It has a big horn that I honk when you're in my way, So I don't run over my friends.
I like my bike, It's not like other bikes.
I ride my bike to the girl that I like, And she looks at me and my bike. A tear fills her eye as she's filled with great pride, When I ask her to take a ride.
Me and my girl, we ride all over town on it. My guide is the street and the sun. We stop for a shake--I pretend we'll share all of it, When I hit the eject button.
The weather has been warm and the wind has been light the last couple of days. This has made for some great riding. Monday was not a very adventurous day, but rather a hectic one. If there was any day that I wish I had my car it would be on Mondays. Ashley and I attend a young married couples group at our church and it starts at 6:30pm every week. I have been able to lead worship the last few weeks and so I like getting there early and warming up. The only problem with getting there early is that it takes me an hour to get home because of the wind coming right at me. I did say the wind is getting better, but it is still intense enough to push my ride back 20 minutes! So, after getting home at 6pm on Monday I skipped dinner and tried my best to clean up so I would not stink during the service. Ashley does not get off till 6 so we left the house at 6:20pm. We made it by around 6:35pm and I was able to warm up and everything was still awesome. It was still a close call though.
A verse we went over at the group was John 12:24-25.
"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in the world will keep it for eternal life."
The question that has been burning in my mind from this was, how are you planting your life into other people? After searching myself I realized that I have not been doing this at all. I am not depressed after realizing this, I am joyous! I love it when I am living my life the way I think I should be and God shakes me up. I know that each time I turn aside from my busy life and spend time with him that I need to do something with that. It is not only for me to know, but for those around me. There really is no pressure to say or do the perfect thing, but rather just to remember that I am called to plant life into others.
I am happy to hear that different friends of mine are stepping out because of this Blogrimage and starting their own journeys. I know this time has showed me a whole lot about myself and what I can be thankful for, so I hope it does the same for others as well.
Today was an interesting day that was supposed to end with some amazing fast food. I am talking about Jack in the Box! Now, I have never had In and Out burgers and many people will tell me it is the best, but Jack in the Box would have to be up there as well. The Ultimate Cheeseburger is truly a thing of glory and I was hoping to get my first one in a few years. This is the first Jack in the Box in the Tulsa area since the 1970s. I enjoyed it while living in Texas and have missed it a whole lot. As I arrived at around 6pm the line was going out the door! The place just opened yesterday and so I decided to pass on it for tonight and get some Sonic instead. Still a great choice but I had to eat my burger alone, while I knew there were people eating Ultimate Cheeseburgers across the street.
I did end up biking 4 more miles on top of the usual ride home and I made some bad decisions along the way. I do not like riding on the road because people in cars scare me, but I was forced to do this a couple of times. I had to take a different route home to get there and so many times the sidewalk would just vanish. It would reappear magically about a mile later and during that time I had to either go off road (which is super slow) or ride on the street (which is super dangerous). When I was about a block from Jack in the Box I was on the road and I could almost feel the side mirrors grazing my arm. Scary stuff...sorry about that mom. I am alive and I should make sure to call all my fellow co-workers tonight and tell them I will once again not be on the local news reports.
Got back to Tulsa from our Easter weekend adventure. I did not drive once the entire journey and I feel great. We will see how things go this week with temperatures reaching 80 F. Bring it on weather!
There was a time when bicycles and pedestrians had the right of way. Well, times have changed and cars now rule supreme. As I have mentioned many times before, riding my bike to work confuses and angers many motorists. I do not ride on the road so it must be the pedestrian crosswalks that frustrate people the most. I guess cars have forgotten the purpose of these due to the lack of non-motorists using them. From all of my riding I have only shared the crosswalk with one other person! Maybe driving instructors are to blame for this lack of respect for pedestrians, but it probably has more to do with our sedentary lifestyles in America. Ashley has always been an advocate of reclaiming the roads from motorists and will bravely walk out when I sometimes hesitate. I have decided to hop on the bandwagon and start stepping out with confidence. One by one we must reclaim the roads for pedestrians!
Today has been a great day with perfect weather here in Kansas. We spent some time in downtown Overland Park where we were within walking distance. If you live within one or two miles from a downtown area it is a whole lot of fun to just walk there. You do not have to worry about parking and you can enjoy the surrounding areas. One of the biggest things I have been surprised with is how much more you take notice of life outside of a car. It is hard to enjoy what is happening around you moving at 30-45mph.
While, I am enjoying my time in Kansas, I miss my bike. I decided to run a few miles to stay active, but was struck with jealousy every time I passed a biker (they actually passed me). Following my run I showered and weighed in for my first time since starting this blogrimage.
Weight: 198 Body Fat: any suggestions on how to measure this? Let me know...
It looks like after a couple of weeks of biking and walking I have lost a couple of pounds. I am still eating the same amount of food (if not more), so I expect to lose more weight as I continue on.
No word from Biker Fox, I will have to find him when I return to Tulsa!
Did not ride today. My wife and I are now in Kansas for Easter and I am looking forward to a fun weekend. I will be running tomorrow for some exercise and then I will have my first weigh in. I am not so sure that I have lost any weight with all the extra food I have been eating, but hopefully I have stayed about the same.
While Ashley was driving I got a chance to read some of the "Divorce Your Car" book. I am starting to realize that riding my bike everyday and only using one car could save a whole lot of money and frustration. My car actually has a tire that is leaking air, so that will need to get fixed before I start driving again in 18 days. There is also the high price of gas as well as oil changes a few times a year. I will be posting more information that the book talks about tomorrow, but it is close to 11pm and Ashley and I are sharing a computer tonight.
Two crazy things that happened today in Kansas before I go. The first was that we passed by a huge fire and actually drove through the smoke that was covering a large section of the road. It seemed like it was a controlled fire and we kept debating whether or not to turn around and take a picture. It would have been perfect but we kept going. The second thing that happened was that Kansas City experienced some intense wind today. We missed all of it, but upon arrival we saw that the wind was so powerful that it tipped a semi truck over! I thought I was dealing with some intense wind in Tulsa, but I can't imagine riding my bike into that. If I went with the wind maybe I could have flown...
I finally broke the 40 minute barrier! All of the riding for the past couple of weeks is paying off. The only issue now is that I am super early to work.
Afternoon start time: 5:15pm Arrival time:6:20pm Weather Conditions: Wind at 25-35mph, big surprise
I can't believe I am saying this but I am starting to despise my ride home from work. It is always windy and the drivers want to kill me. It usually only takes me 1 mile before I wish that I had my car. I know I will make it home eventually but as I am riding all I am thinking about is my car. Maybe this is just the two week hump that I am getting over before I will never need a car again!
Today was in fact my closest to getting hit by a car. It happened while I was nearing the end of my ride and was crossing the street. I was nearing the opposite sidewalk when a guy zooms by to take a right turn on red. I was doing the right thing on my part, but he was obviously only looking one way and did not see the person approaching! He did stop and I went around him, but man the look on his face was one of extreme sorrow. I believe he honestly felt bad, which is a step up from drivers pulling out so I have to go around them and staring me down.
This week has been a super busy one and it will only get busier this weekend. Ashley and I will be making our annual Easter trip to Kansas (where she is from). I am excited about getting to see some fun people but it also means we will be packing tonight. This week has just been one thing after the next.
I tried to convince Ashley to let me ride to the OK-KS border but she kindly told me no. Not really the safest idea and we are not leaving until after work so it would be too late in the day. While I have only been riding for the past 11 days it has been hard learning to put all my trust in other drivers. I am so used to being in control every single day and when I ride along I just have to sit back and let things happen.
Not sure how much I will blog this weekend, but I will make sure not to drive at all. Also if you enjoy eating healthy or want to start doing so then check out my wife's blog. I cooked the meal that is featured tonight!
No word from Biker Fox yet and I will make sure to post weigh in results for the week on Saturday.
It has been a while since I have rode my bike to work and then come right back home. I decided to make today that day mainly because Ashley and I have many things to do tonight. I can't believe how exhausted I felt yesterday. It makes since when I put everything together.
1 hour morning bike ride + 8 hours of work + two hour bike ride in afternoon + a tornado hitting me in the face = Exhaustion
See the formula just makes sense.
I prayed for energy before I passed out last night and for the first time in a long time I felt refreshed. I rode t.o work, riding with the wind and making good time (45 minutes). By around 11 am my eyes usually start closing, but today it was not like this at all! It was amazing so PTL (praise the Lord). I wish I could say that the afternoon ride was easy breezy, but once again things did not go as planned. I am not sure if it is tornado season but I am confident the wind is trying to kill me. There were also other things that contributed to my adventure...
3pm: Everyone at work is celebrating because we are doing a great job 3:01pm: My boss screams, "Happy Hour on me, get your drink orders!" 3:10pm: Drink orders have been placed... I ordered a large Blue Coconut Slush 3:30pm: No one has left to get the drinks and happy hour ends at 4pm (we are getting worried) 4pm: The drinks arrive as promised and I dive into the blue sugary goodness 4:45pm: Stomach angry with Taylor 5:10pm: Leave work on my bike 5:15pm: Realize the wind is not with me (35mph against me) 5:30pm: Blue substance begins running down my leg
OK that last part was made up, but still drinking a slush of any kind is not recommended before going on a bike ride. I am starting to get the idea that food right before cycling is a bad idea, but as a man I cannot turn down free.
I swallowed a bug today. Did not taste like anything and went down with no issues. Tried coughing him up, but that thing was gone. I wonder what he thinks about his new home.
People at work have told me I am trimming down. I am still eating the same, but maybe having no vehicle is helping with that.
As I fell asleep last night around 11:30pm I had a bad feeling about the next day. As I opened my eyes at 6 am I felt like crap. My throat was killing me and my nose was stuffed to the rafters. I got up, blew my nose and decided to go back to bed. I do not want to blame the cycling for this sickness, but everyone at work believes this is the reason for my stuffiness. I called one of my co-workers and then fell back asleep.
I had a whole lot of things I needed to get done at work today so I was hoping that I would feel better by around noon. And as I rested for a couple more hours I felt great. PTL! Ashley came back home during lunch to pick me up and take me to work. The only problem with this plan is that she was running late and needed to be on time. So, the only solution in both of our minds was for her to drop me off at 21st and Lewis(where she works) and I would walk the rest of the way. It was only 4 miles and I knew that the fresh air would be good for me. Little did I know the adventure I would have during my walk.
I was about 3 miles into it, listening to Journey on Pandora, when a familiar face rode up beside me on a bike of his own. I know what you are all thinking, was it Biker Fox or maybe even the Nintendo 64 kid, no it was the Jord himself! I am not sure if everyone knows who the Jord is, but he is also a living legend of Tulsa, in my mind. I was just talking with a friend about how much I hoped to run into him on this journey. Within two days this dream became a reality. We spoke about life outside ORU and then he told me he had to go turn in an application for a job. I told him where I worked and then he asked me my name (I guess I am not as popular as I thought). I told him to apply for a job at Link America and he actually did! He put me as a reference, not sure if I can help him get the job. I did not see him come to the office and he never actually said goodbye. He is mysterious like that.
I am stoked about getting back on the bike tomorrow. Supposed to be a day that actually feels like Spring! I have sent an email to Biker Fox in hopes of a meeting between the two of us, but I have yet to hear back. I am sure that it will happen, but I believe it will be random. Everyone should know that fox attacks happen when you least except them. I will keep everyone posted on my fox hunting.
Today I will not be doing any biking (and of course not driving) because it is my day of rest. My wife and I believe that once a week we should rest and do absolutely nothing. It is awesome to be able to have this once either on a Saturday or a Sunday and I encourage everyone to try this.
On my last post I was challenged by Pradeepan to begin recording my weight and body fat statistics to see what not driving is doing for my health. I have not seen much change since I have started and I blame most of that to overeating. Usually when I get home from a bike ride I just want to eat tons of food. I am not gaining any weight but I am also not losing any. My goal of this journey was not to lose weight, but if I am exercising this much everyday I should be, right? I will meet this challenge and start recording my weight each week and my body fat (as best as I know how). I was actually trying to figure out calories burned from my workout the other day and stumbled upon this calories calculator. They go into extreme detail by including calories burned brushing your teeth, playing cards, and writing! Maybe even blogging burns a few calories...
The second challenge was that I document a day with Biker Fox. I actually had the thought to do this after seeing the Kabio video. Like I mentioned in my first post Biker Fox is a living legend in Tulsa. He invented the first front flip on a bicycle (Fox Flip) and holds the Guinness Record for this. I have only spotted him twice since I have been here in Tulsa, but I am going to dedicate my spare time to finding him and then riding alongside him. I am fully confident that I can make this happen. He has an email and I am sure that as the weather starts warming up the fox will be out.
My body statistics: Weight: 205 lbs Body Fat: Will find out at the end of this week
Temperature: 40-50 F Music: Blayze LP, Mewithoutyou, Flobots
I have officially completed a week without my car. It feels incredible and I know that I am making progress with each ride to where my future rides will be easier. Although I am not driving my car, my wife has been enjoying it on a daily basis. Here is the conversation we had about an hour ago:
Me: Are you enjoying my car? Wife: Yeah, but your left back tire is a little low. Me: Oh yeah I meant to air that up, but it was snowing last week. Wife: Can you do it now since it is not snowing today? Me: Yeah sure, if you drive me to the gas station. Wife: (pause) Oh yeah the bike thing.
And that is how you get out of filling your tires (unfortunately this will not work in about 24 days.
Since it was Saturday I thought I would rest for most of the morning. I could have read the book, but instead I watched Hulu for a couple hours. Then I had to go into work. Once every couple of months someone is chosen to do this. I was the chosen one this time. If there was any day that I truly wanted my vehicle it would be today. The weather did not look promising with the possibility of rain and strong winds (from all directions). I just rode in the rain a couple of days ago and I knew I could do it again, but was really hoping for a miracle.
I finally got ready at about 10:30 and headed out. No rain and the wind was with me the whole way! Take that Chief Meteorologist Frank Mitchell! I had a great ride with the exception of many drivers who I talked to even with their windows rolled up. The whole conversation pretty much went,
Taylor: Do you see me? Car: No response Taylor: Here I come! Car: Head turned towards me and a grimace
I do ride on the sidewalk just so everyone is aware of this. I will never ride in the street due to danger and the fact that I hate bikers that do that too. One funny moment at work was that there was a huge meeting with tons of people there (truckers!) and they all gave me the strangest looks. One actually asked me if I live close and I said yeah only about 9 miles away. His face was priceless.
I finished work at around 1pm and decided to take the long way home. After watching an episode of the Biggest Loser the other night I was inspired to bike for over 20 miles at one time. The people on this show weigh twice as much as I do and they did 26 miles on a stationary bicycle! So, following their lead and made my way from 21st and Memorial to Riverside. From Riverside I made it to the Creek Turnpike trail and from there I went home. This trip was much harder then I realized and totaled 24 miles and took 2 hours to complete. The wind was not with me and was very intense on riverside. Right now as I type this my butt is killing me and strangely enough so is my right arm.
I am looking forward to having a day of rest this Sunday and getting a ride from my lovely wife who has just informed me that she will be taking me to the gas station to fill up the tires.
Morning Temperature: 33 F Weather Conditions: Windy Music: John Mark McMillan
Afternoon Temperature: 63 F Weather Conditions: Windier than this morning (25 mph) No music, wind too loud
As I rode to work this morning, it felt good to know that the week was over. I am very tired today and left after 7am and all I wanted to do was lay in bed. The worst part about today was that it seemed like the wind was everywhere. Usually I will get wind either going to work or coming home, but today I got hit twice. In the morning the cold air stung and left my hands and legs frozen.
I made a side trip on the bike just a couple of miles during lunch to go pick up a book from the library. I now have in my possession a book called "Divorce Your Car!" Have not started it yet, but look forward to cracking it open tonight. One review featured on the book says, "For all of us who want to depend on the car less but find it easy to rationalize the status quo, this book is an inspiration." Here is to leaving the status quo!
Once again I witnessed more disrespect for the one biker on the sidewalks. Mainly in the form of cars blocking sidewalks (I am guilty of this when I drive) and once with a construction worker almost knocking me off my bike with a crane filled with dirt. Don't worry I gave the worker a dirty look...
Riding home today sucked. Plain and simple it was the hardest test I have had since starting this journey. I probably thought about my car every mile going home and it all had to do with the wind punching me in the face. I did not stop riding hard and so I gained the victory. I took so long getting home that I did get a call from the wife. I promise everyone that I will not die on this journey I will make sure to watch for all cars (this is for you mom).
Taylor 1 Wind 0
Inspirational award of the week will be going to my wife's Uncle Karl. Anytime I feel cold when riding my bike in the spring of Tulsa, I think of Karl because of what he rides in. He lives in Moorehead, MN (just east of Fargo). If any of you have seen the movie or know where Fargo is on a map of the U.S. you know it is cold. I mean frostbite on your entire body cold. This biker stud rode in -28 degrees this year where he made sure he did not leave the house without his studded snow tires! So if you still don't think you can ride when it is cold outside just remember Karl.
Lesson learned: People do not know what to do when they see a biker on the sidewalk next to them. Do they turn first, should they become angry with them? I would like to believe drivers like me...I have seen no evidence of this yet...
Random moment at work today is that my boss went to Hooters last night for all you can eat wings and ended up eating 101 wings. I wish I could have witnessed that...
I am trying to be out before 6:30am and the weather conditions are not going to stop me. Here is what is happening in Tulsa right now... Temperature 48 F Winds at 10mph Rain Showers
Better get out the poncho because here comes another victory for Biker Wolf
Made it to work..soaking wet (rained more than I expected it to). Need to get back to work, but pictures coming later tonight of the aftermath. Golden Corral for lunch today on the boss. This will be my first time going there ever in my life! I am stoked.
Taylor 2 Rain 0
Afternoon Temperature: 57 F No rain, clothes dry Music: Fleet Foxes, EP and LP
The weather leaving work this afternoon was so perfect that I had to take my time getting home. The wind was with me and it was amazing. Golden Corral did not hold me back despite being the best and worst experience I have had with food. Four plates of food seemed amazing initially but once back at work this food that brought so much pleasure resulted in headaches and stomach pains. It also made me ridiculously tired for the last three hours of work.
Biking to and from work has become something that I crave. Everyday I sit at my desk and recruit truck drivers. Not the most exciting job in the world. I enjoy what I do but it can also be an extremely frustrating job. Wish I could describe more of why it is like that, but just trust me when I say my afternoon bike ride is not a bad thing...it something I look forward to.
Today was an interesting day with the people at work. It seems like riding your bike in the rain is unheard of to most and so I got positive reactions from people and what seemed like negative ones from others. I believe that many of them think I am going to get hit by a car and that I am insane. Something that I am loving from this journey is that my co-workers are talking about doing something to better their lives. Although I might miss the convenience of a car, I am enjoying the introspection that living life without it brings.
Lesson learned: People might have the right away, but drivers in Tulsa do not know this.
2nd lesson learned: Golden Corral is epic, might need six months of rest before going again.
I woke up this morning and immediately had a longing to stay in bed. A baby cries in the distance for his mother. Our dog greets me with a wet tongue in my face. Now, it is time to get up. As I left on my bike this morning one drop of rain hit my forehead and I knew it was going to be a good day. I kicked it into high gear even though my body was telling me not to. The wind was with me and the rain was behind me. As I approached the office the rain started falling.
Taylor 1 Rain 0
Afternoon Temperature: 70 F Start Time: 5:10pm Arrival Time:5:35pm Miles: 4 No music, slight drizzle
Today after work I did not go home, but instead I met my beautiful wife at her work. She brought the bike rack with her and so I was able to put my bike on that and get a ride with her. The reason for the change was because we were going to Mcnellie's where we enjoyed $3 burger night. The place was packed but we got a table within ten minutes, ate some burgers and went home.
Now, I know what a few of you might be thinking and no I did not drive. The main purpose of this blog is to see what life is like without a car. The good thing is that the person I live with does! So every now and then (mainly when going downtown) I will get a ride with her. I do have plans though to do a loop of the city of Tulsa. Not sure when that will take place but I will keep everyone posted.
If I were to update everyone on my progress I would say that I feel more then able to complete the entire thirty days, but I am exhausted right now. I never thought I would be ready to go to sleep at 8:40pm, but my eyes are shutting right now.
Lesson learned: biking in the rain is a great way to cool off and I actually enjoyed it.
Stay tuned for stories that are inspiring me to continue to push it to the next limit.
So, I left much earlier this morning due to the fact that I was late the other day. It was still dark outside, but the sidewalk conditions were much better then yesterday. Ice was completely gone (with a few patches here and there) and the temperature felt warmer then yesterday. This morning I decided to turn on pandora and listen to Dirty Projectors radio...mmmm good choice. I felt strange walking in today because I came from the front and had to walk by everyone in the office with my helmet, sweat, and my bike. My bike is filthy right now after hitting some mud yesterday. My female co-workers were pleased to see that I brought a towel and deodorant today. I do not have helmet hair because my hair is short right now, but I did have a red helmet line across my head. I will have to document this with a picture tomorrow.
I feel stronger then yesterday and actually have a good amount of energy to work hard today. Went to bed at 10pm last night, that could have something to do with it.
Ok so I made it back home on my second day of this adventure and I am exhausted. It seems like every mile that I went in the afternoon my throat was dry and each time I tried to swallow it felt like cracking. I had water with me so I was not dying by any means but I am not sure how else to describe it. I would have probably enjoyed this ride more if it had not been so windy. The video below will show you what I mean.
I am learning that I enjoy the morning time much better mainly due to the lack of wind going to work and it seems like there is much less traffic before 7am then there is after 5pm. I might try to leave even earlier tomorrow and see what that is like. It is strange though that I look forward to riding my bike in the afternoon even though I know it will be more difficult after riding in the morning.
It was great riding down the street today because the spring temperature brought people out. Spotted three other bikers, many walkers, one boy playing with nunchucks, and a dude in a statue of liberty outfit. If I see either of the last two tomorrow I will take a picture with them to show you all their awesomeness.
A comment was made on my previous post mentioning a book called Divorce Your Car! Well, I have found that book at the Tulsa Library and I hope to include some insight from this book in the coming blogs.
Morning Temperature: 31 F Start Time: 7:10am Arrival Time: 8:02am Sidewalk conditions: icy with snow patches Weapon of choice: Bicycle Music: Anathallo, Canopy Glow Miles: 9
Well, I am off to a good start...I made it to work! I am supposed to be there at 7:55 so I was a little late. This made for a grand entrance when I came rollin in during the morning meeting. More info about the ride coming soon, must get back to work...
Afternoon Tempature: 56 F Start Time: 5:02pm Arrival Time: 5:50pm Sidewalk conditions: Melted and wet Weapon of choice: Bicycle Music: Anathallo, Floating World Miles: 9 Total Miles for the day: 20 (I attempted going to something else after work)
I made it back from my first day of riding my bike to work and I am completely exhausted. I truly underestimated the elements when riding today. I cut my leg on some ice along the way and my back was completely covered in mud, sweat, and pride. Luckily I packed my work clothes in my pack so I could change for work. The entire day was filled with many co-workers asking about why I was doing this. Some of the best quotes of the day were:
"You rode your bike how far? Why would you want to do that?"
"You are just riding your bike everywhere for one whole month...you are going to lose a whole lot of weight."
Some other good moments were when the guy sitting next to me just started laughing around lunchtime and I asked why and he just said, "You are crazy man!" One woman wants to know what I am going to do about cleaning up after I get to work. Today she saw me take off my helmet and though the sweat on my head was disgusting. I hope she lasts the entire thirty days working with me!
Oklahoma wind sucks and it made my bike ride much longer then I wanted it to be. I also missed out on the young married group that Ashley and I attend because I was so tired from the two rides of the day. I look forward to the challenge of tomorrow and now that the ice melted it should be much smoother. Not sure if I am going to continue with the bike but as of right now it makes the most sense.
Lesson Learned for the day is to never go to sleep at midnight when waking up the next day without a car. I fell asleep at my desk during lunch...
Ok so I know this sounds pathetic that I have chosen this idea. There are so many places around the world where people rely on public transportation, bicycles, or even simply there legs to get from point A to Point B. Here in America there are some places where the public transportation system is not the easiest to work with. If you own a car or know somebody that has one it is much easier to get around town then to have to take the bus.
Living overseas last year in China for 10 months taught me that I really do not need a car to survive, but simply a bike, my legs, and a bag to carry everything in. All I know is that since I have been back in America I have used my car every single day. I have gotten spoiled to say the least.
I love driving mainly because I can get to work in 15 minutes (minus traffic) and I can have some alone time to just listen to music and relax. I could honestly care less about driving fast, but I know the main thing I will miss is the convenience of it. I have given up bottled water so I know I can live for 30 days without my car.
Here is the plan: Starting on Monday, March 22 I will park my car for 30 days. I will also not drive my wife's car during this time. The only way I can get to work each day is by public transportation, by bicycle, or by walking. Regardless of the weather (it snowed today) I will accomplish the goal I am setting for myself. My blogrimage will end on April 20. Thank you to Pradeepan, Bibeau, and Joe for the inspiration to try something outside of my comfort zone.
I hope that this journey will help me to appreciate the car I have been blessed with, as well as appreciate those I see without cars every single day. I also sit at a desk for 8 hours a day, so this will help me stay active. I also want to make sure everyone is aware that I am not competing with Biker Fox since I live in Tulsa. This man is a living legend and will never have any competition from someone as lowly as myself. I will keep everyone posted on a daily basis on my progress and I am excited to dive in starting tomorrow. I am taking my final drive with my car today as I return from an amazing trip to Norman where I enjoyed watching some basketball and hangin with Blayze.
