I’ve gone from “my first time” to a “seasoned pro!” and that “skinny flash of light” from my last blog (1st biking post) might be starting as I lose more weight and gain even more confidence!
So as summer is here and in full force I’ve been biking as much as I can, this Florida born and raised chick actually loves those super hot days when you start sweating before you even leave the building – it’s disgusting and amazing all at the same time! However, HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE is the name of the game.
So something I would like to share with the group that I recently experienced....
“The Marty McFly”
Hopefully we all remember the famous Back to the Future Trilogy?? – as my 80’s childhood is comes out. A few days ago I wanted to pull what I have coined a “Marty McFly” – which is like a free ride behind a vehicle. Let me explain; I believe in all 3 movies Marty (Michael J. Fox) grabs onto a car, so that it pulls him on his skateboard/hoverboard through the town square.
Well, that pesky “Calvert Hill” on Wisconsin Ave. was killing me on one of those brutally hot days during which I had only eaten lunch the entire day. When all of a sudden what stops next to me but a Nissan Sentra-esque car with a rope about 3 feet long tied to its spoiler!! It was everything I could do to not to grab the rope and hitch a free ride. Disclaimer: I am not advocating for this kind of behavior nor recommend it due to the consequences of an asphalt dinner as a result. However, the thought did enter my mind and therefore probably someone else’s too. Besides, what was that rope doing there anyway?!?! I think they were just taunting me. GREAT pick on the sweaty chick struggling up a hill, giving it her all – you are sooooo funny!! Ha.
Morals of the story:
- Wouldn’t it be cool if there were some sort of bike infrastructure that could just pull bikers up steep hills when they need it? Like a tow rope on the bunny hill at ski resorts? Arlington/DC let’s make this happen.
- Crazy ideas pop in your head when you’re hot and tired; keep hydrated, nourished, and take a break when needed.
- Must rent Back to the Future OnDemand this weekend...
Again, I hope this gave everyone a chuckle as I have more and more experiences out on the roads but also helps to motivate and get more people out there biking to work! That’s it for now, HAPPY COMMUTING!!!
Cheryl O'Connor works for Arlington Transportation Partners, she is the Program Manager for the Residential, Visitor, and Site Plan Development Services. If you have any questions about the above information or mirror her love of the Back to the Future movies, please contact her at (703) 247-9295 or shoot her an email at Cheryl.oconnor@transpartners.com.
Thank you Tim Kelley of BikeArlington for passing this video along...our area needs some of these! Although, I might feel like im cheating on the most physical aspect of my commute. It's like a small little triumph everyday that I make it up that stupid hill!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j1PgmMbug8&
Posted by: Cheryl | July 18, 2011 at 04:51 PM