BikeBoy5's Page

"It has been just over a week since I saw anyone on my inbound commute...Webster/Elston/Milwaukee/Kinzie.  Even at 230AM I usually see someone.  Can't miss me at that hour...twin flashing lights, twin bags on the back and a conspicuity…"

"Yeah.  Nobody asked for my opinion about putting them in, but since they are there, I use them.  Eventually walkers and drivers and bikers will get used to the configuration and peace and harmony will prevail across the land. And monkeys…"

"I don't endorse this action everytime, but a Schrader valve stem wrench is lightweight and opposite side tires on opposite ends of a car really sucks.  Happened to me in a former life.  I deserved it. I'm better now. BikeBoy5"

"I ran into a woman on that stretch earlier in the summer around 3AM (on my way to work.)  She was totally dressed in black save a white coffee mug, which broke when I sideswiped her. Just didn't see her until I was four feet away...then…"

"Webster from Levitt to Elston...rough grooved surface...slow, no wake."

"Stagehand working the AM news downtown.  Leave Bucktown 230AMish, return 1130AMish.  In bed by 7PM.  Train Border Collies to herd sheep. BikeBoy5"

"--Blommer's Chocolate when the trucks are unloading.--Kinzie Street Bridge looking south at 3AM.--Elston Ave. by the People's Gas warehouse/yard and the old boat yard...I've seen bobcats, coyotes, fox, a herd of over 100 rabbits…"

"I "smalled up" the tires on my Kona hybrid after commuting for a season, went to a slick type tread as well, and noticed decrease in effort for my commute as well as an decrease in time from 30 minutes to 23 or 22. I also went from 80 psi…"

"Know and USE those Defensive Driving Techniques that we were taught in Driver's Training...or Google them!  They will save your life!  Always keep in mind that ANY accident in which you are involved is YOUR fault.  Defensive…"

"As has been said, front white light is more for being seen than for seeing with.  I use two LED Cats Eye lights on handlebars and set them to strobe.  I also wear a conspicutity vest with big reflective stripes and a flashing red light on…"

"I ride from Bucktown to Downtown early mornings (230AM-ish) and have seen a herd of over 100 rabbits, a bob cat, a couple of foxes, a couple of coyote and 6 real drunk guys on Elston, mostly between North and Division.  The rats don't show…"

"I try to use it when passing, which isn't often.  I'll sometimes slow down and ride in someone's wind shadow for a while, but will announce when I pass.  And if I pass, I make sure I keep riding faster than the bike I just…"

"I've not missed a day commuting to work due to weather or wind since the first Monday in March.  Just sometimes gets old until I'm into the second mile when the endorphines kick in and I remember that I really do like to ride to…"

"Or maybe the Powers That Be are giving me more opportunities for a better work out.? "