Thursday, June 19, 2008

Bike Commute Day 2 (Take 2)

So far, so good. Everything is going very smoothly. At first, I was very tempted to jump in the truck. Would be sooo easy. Afterall, I already biked! I woke up early and went for a nice recovery ride with my new friend from next door. Plus, I got to ride Pandora with race wheels--she's all prepped and ready for next weekend's big race (San Diego International Tri).
By the time I got home, I didn't want to have to change to Strider (he's nice and all, no offense--but he's no Pandora) and ride up Torrey Pines to work. Plus, I knew I needed to stop by the BoA ATM, which was at least a mile in the wrong direction...uphill. Where is that whining coming from? I bungee-corded my light bike bag to the bike and hopped on Strider (tires already pumped and ready to go) in my lightly used bike clothes. No activation energy required. It doesn't get much easier than that. I just started pedaling. The whining, oddly enough, immediately disappeared.
I cruised through the ATM, weaving in-and-out of traffic hazards in the shopping center parking lot. I had no idea riding through a parking lot could be so dangerous! Way worse than riding on the road! I was hungry so I stopped by Jamba Juice for a smoothie. I nestled the cup in my bottle cage and sipped on ice cold Razmatazz with a whey protein boost on my ride in. It doesn't get much better than that.
southbound on 101 out of Del Mar. Ocean on the right, Torrey Pines straight ahead.
As I rode west through Del Mar and hit the coast, I smiled. How many people get to appreciate an ocean view on their daily commute? I was very glad I had ignored the whining voice in my head. Not only do I get to save gas $ and get some exercise, I get to relax and enjoy a little ocean therapy. Not a bad deal.
ocean view on my daily commute. Can we say I'm spoiled?

13 comments:

Fizzgig said...

that would definately make getting up to go to work worth it. What a beautiful view!

Sarah said...

Wow, that IS nice!! Much better than my view on the way to work.

Who is Pandora? And how many bikes do you have? Did you ever hear back about your stolen bike?

Leah said...

Ooh, sounds nice! How about some pictures of Pandora with race wheels? :)

Benson said...

wow, that is beautiful.
if you don't want to ride to work, could you swim? yikes. kidding.
Oh wait, what about surfing to work?

Marcy said...

You don't even know what I'd give to breath in that ocean air too. Instead I'm surrounded by the smell of moth balls and old peeps. We live around a bunch of seniors :P

Unknown said...

Your commute scenery is nicer than mine. And I imagine it's cooler too (at least it was much cooler in SanDiego when I was there at the end of May).

Okay...I admit to some bike commute envy. ;)

Unknown said...

oh - and I was going to comment that I've noticed the same thing about parking lots myself. ScArY!

Wes said...

You deserve to be spoiled.... Stay out of the parking lots!!

Rainmaker said...

Dang, incredible commute. You're soooooo lucky!

Unknown said...

I wouldn't mind having that commute on a bike any day!

Paul said...

Hey Rachel,

It was good to see you at the Aquathon last night. Also good to see your commuting is going well! Enjoy the heat this weekend. :)

Unknown said...

Those ocean views are pretty much the only thing I really miss about living in Cali. Georgia's got it's own good stuff, but there's nothing like those Pacific views.

Congrats the ignoring the whine and getting the biking on!

triguyjt said...

those are not just nice views..those are gorgeous...

glad you are back at the commuting... i am living my commuting life through you and I vow ..within the next week, i will do at least one day.

you are inspiring me...
thanks rachel