New Guy

This morning was incredible, it was cool and the moon was full. I really need to create a pouch so I can keep my camera close to capture images. I was actually a little cold at first. I am hoping to build up some layers to ride when the weather really starts to turn sour.

Once at the stop, the day began breaking. It was almost sad to see the moon slowly fade behind the lighting of the backdrop. I didn’t realize that there was so many street lights out in Carrollton until the sun started lighting things up.

I did meet a new bike commuter this morning. Tim, a recent graduate from UNT, is now working for the university. Free rides to Denton, rock on! I never found out what he does for UNT, we mostly talked about his bike and equipment tends that I have seen. I did get a little pride out of helping him load his bike.

After we hit Denton, Tim got off and started removing his bike; the bus driver forgot about the bus and started driving off. I forgot to tell Tim to remind the driver about what you put under and when you are getting it.

3rd week

Well I am rolling into the third week of the commute. I am a little disappointed that on Tuesdays I will have to drive because of observations in Denton. Well, at least I haven’t given up completely. I will keep pushing, the ride is getting easier now that we are getting below 100 degrees in the afternoon.

Today I actually wore pants, jeans to be exact, and carried the laptop. As I write this I am on the DCTA 101 to Denton. I am actually looking forward to the fall, seeing as I will be able to dress a little nicer and not be soaking with sweat when I get to my destination. I have decided to try and clock the distance from Selwyn Academy to the UNT bus stop tomorrow and see if I could do it by bike when the temperature allows.

Unfortunately I let the lazies get to me this weekend and did not do my 20 mile loop on Sunday. I did however get a lot done for school. As for the lost miles, I plan on making that up this week. No Payne….no gain!

As I got to the first bus stop at UNT there were several representatives from DCTA with gifts for those of us that ride the commuter. Man, that is too cool. I got a bottle with some goodies to snack on. After my stop I just had to ride over to get a photo of them.


The ride home was a quick one. I had rushed to clean up from print studio and bailed early to catch the next to the last bus. I made it and got the chance to talk to a perspective art ed candidate. I really enjoy meeting and talking to people when I am not catching some z’s or reading. I am thinking of making some cards to hand out. A little free press doesn’t hurt.

As I take off from the stop to the house I realize that I am not really hot. The temperature is changing, finally getting a little cooler. I get to wear some nicer clothes to school again. After all I do consider myself a bit of a fashion plate.

DCTA is OK part 2

Before I talk about the ride home I just wanted to say, excellent day of printing. I had the opportunity to almost complete the first edition of prints for my senior studio class.

Ok, so I was printing and realized that it is almost 5:15 pm. It is a little late and I need to get cleaned up. Good to go, and out the door. I really need to learn to relax when it comes to time, because I have plenty of time to wait for the bus. Well, at least I got the chance to catch up on my reading.

Well, the bus ride was swift and I got a lot of work done, Yay! DCTA!

About the ride home from the bus stop, where did that head wind come from? Every turn I made, it was there. Ok, so I am almost home and I am seriously getting blown over. I make a stop at Home Depot and get a few paint sticks for tomorrows screen class. I am tired! Well, I make it home and my legs aren’t all that tired, I just feel beat up from the wind. My wife, she is on the treadmill, smart woman.

DCTA is OK!

Up at 0600 and ready to get started. Not really, I was in the middle of a really great REM state. Well, I am up and ready to roam about the house. I really like having the extra time on Mondays and Wednesdays. I don’t have to be on campus until 1000. That gives me a little time at the house to make coffee and put the leftover dishes and really think about what I need to pack. Once I get into the usual swing of things I will have the necessary items packed the night before.

So, I am making the coffee and getting a little yogurt, I need a little something on these days because I will be getting back to Carrollton around 6:30-6:40 in the evening. It makes the day long when I am constantly hungry. Well, the weather outside is cooler and it really feels like rain. I am glad that I have rain gear, but it really doesn’t breathe well. I tried wearing it once during the summer and ended up sweating myself out. I was soaked from the sweat instead of the rain. Not a good smell for those around me. So I will pack the pants and wrap the books in a trash bag, still haven’t made the waterproof bag yet, and no I am ready to go.

The ride starts out dark, not too dark, but it is a foreshadowing to what the time change might have in store. Easy day and mostly green lights all the way. Ok, spoke too soon and I am now waiting. The time is ticking and I need to get to the stop. The time reaches 0730, the bus leaves at 0740, if I blow this light, I can make it. Ok nobody is coming and so I am going to take it. All good and reached the stop with 5 minutes to spare. No bus.

I change out of the gear and look around to see what is going on. There are a few other people waiting to catch a ride to UNT, and so I ask someone sitting in a car marked DCTA. The bus is running late. I guess I didn’t really have to push so hard after all. I do think that it is nice that there is a representative from DCTA to answer questions and give updates to the bus arrival. There is a new driver and she is having a little trouble getting the under storage to unlock, again the rep. from DCTA steps up. Big points for DCTA in my book.

The ride is good and I get a different driver to talk to. I really like sitting in the front and watching the traffic I don’t have to fight anymore.

First Day

Today is the beginning of the experiment. I was a little apprehensive at first, mainly because I over did it working in the lawn on Sunday. I also got a little burned. Well, no worries, it will be an easy day. Unfortunately I had the early morning truck delivery at Petco, so I was busy long before dawn.

Geared up and ready to go.

Around 6:30 am I am done and on the bike. Strange enough, the darkness is very calming, and refreshing after moving all of that stock. I get the feeling that I am running late, but end up getting to the stop with about 15 minutes to spare. I notice that there appear to be a lot of people going to Denton. I guess this gas crisis is hitting a lot of people.

The bus ride was just what I needed, I slept the entire time. There is a little bit of a drawback though. I get to school about two hours early. On Wednesday I will try to catch a later bus.

Looking around the campus I find a lot of single speed and fixed gear bikes. I even ran into an associate printmaker and cycling fan Michael. He has a new Pake. I have also seen quite a few Surly bike frames around the campus.

Michael's new ride

As for the ride home, it was a great time to catch up if not get ahead on my reading. I thought to myself on the spin home about making a few modifications to the bike. I will show the changes in the next posting.

Test Commute

Today is the day that I was going to try the commute. This will be the last chance to see if there are any problems or issues to fix.

The ride started out very nice, I had packed up everything the night before and slipped right out after a quick shower. When I used to drive I would sleep in and rush out the door panicked grasping for that quick smoke as I headed down the alley. This morning is a little chilly; I am a very warm natured person. I have been told my anger keeps me warm. No anger here this morning, just quietly spinning down the alley. There are an unusual amount of cars on the road this early. It is around 6:45am. The night before I tested the flip video attached to the front of the bike. I will post video later; the camera vibrates a lot on the bike.

I realize as I hit the first light, yes it had to be at the bottom of the hill I have to climb. Well, I know this is a long light and I will have time to power up. Even though this is a relatively short ride, I do miss having a water bottle handy. The light is green and I am off. Easy day, on my way.

Check out the Flip Video mounting on the front.

The bus stop is packed with busses and very few people. I got there with enough time to change out shoes and pack up the riding gear. The bus shows up and passes me. I coast over and met the driver. Way cool guy. He showed me how to put the bike under, and I jumped on.

Super cool driver. Actual bus with bike stored underneath.

The ride there was awesome! I sat in the front and talked to the driver and a gentleman that works for UNT. He said they have to pay for parking, but the bus is free. He lives very close to us. The ride left me very energized and rather early at school. Seeing as how it is not an actual school day the campus is rather empty. I love it! It is like the long rides my wife and I do on Sundays, no people and few cars.

Random single speeds.

Moving around campus I see a few single speed bikes and took a few snapshots. I did run into a very nice young lady posting flyers. Katy you are a lovely girl, but I am sorry to say, I noticed your bike first, I don’t see too many Surly bikes down here. I did want to push the rides they do in Denton.

Check out: http://www.myspace.com/tuesdaybikenight

The day was an easy one. I went to set up with the VA and then met up with my friend Becky for lunch. We hung out for a while until I had to catch the bus home. The hook up was easy. The bus pulled up, same driver as the morning, and loaded the bike. However, the ride back was unmemorable, because I fell asleep. That is yet another perk of the bus ride, I get a 20 or 30-minute nap every day.

Well, the ride back was a little on the hot side, but after getting home there is really nothing that I need to be cleaned up for, so, I mowed a little bit of the yard. Life is good.

Birthday Bash

Ok, so it is my birthday today. I am a year older and headed out to the PETCO. I work there, kind of. I mostly unload the truck and stock the store. It is a cool job, and I get discounts on food for my babies. Well, back to the ride.

In the studio getting ready for the ride.

I woke up at 0200 HRS, that is 2 am for normal people. I was ready to knock this day out. No classes after, nothing but sitting at the house and chilling out for the day. It is a perfect morning, cool, and quiet. Spinning there, I take my time. Robert won’t be there until 2 to open up, so I will take my time and try and coast most of the way. Goofing around practicing some track stands, I realize I should probably get there and change out shoes.

As I get close to the main turn off to Josey Lane, I remember that one little dog that always jumps out and scares the snot out of me. Waiting, looking, getting ready, yep there he is, and yes he scared me again.

Accident Kurt the Petco Master

As I turn the corner, I see in the distance a whole lot of commotion. Emergency lights, vehicles and Kurt sitting in the parking lot watching the whole thing. It looks as though someone has attempted to park his or her car on a light pole. As Kurt and I watch the scene, He snaps off a picture of me for nostalgic and training purposes. I wanted to see what I look like in the dark. Not good, after viewing the photo, I am virtually invisible. After work I will head to Joann Fabric and get some reflective material to put on the bag. Also I need to update the lighting system on the bike.

Can you see me?

Robert shows up and we head inside to work. About 3 hours into the shift I look outside and notice the ground is covered in rain. Another lesson learned, watch the weather and plan ahead for the next day.

Petco @ 0143 HRS

After work I head home feeling rather sleepy and ready to catch a few ZZZ’s before I move onto today’s work. The roads are slick and the braking system is slow to respond, will remedy this before the next ride. All of these are good lessons to learn now before the semester starts. This week I plan to perform the full commute process.

Stay tuned….

Night Rider

Well, guess what? I can’t sleep. My wife has to work late again, and I am eating dinner flipping through channels, ok I just got finished watching an episode of Hannah Montana, but that is a story for another night. Well, still flipping channels and my mind is racing. Work, school, Navy, teaching, I can tell I am not going to sleep.

What did I used to do in those early 90’s when I was at the Art Institute? I am off the couch getting the gear on. I am ready to spin! It is kinda weird that “New Jack City” is on one of the channels I stopped at. Well, I am ready to hit the road. Dropping a quick note to my wife with a departure time and off I go.

The night is cool, well cool for Dallas in early August. The tunes pumping, mostly 80’s new wave and nerd rock. I am really feeling free and rather crazy. The single speed beater is really holding together, Every now and then I feel a little grind. I have rigged the rear wheel to where only a mechanic from a third world country would not be disgusted. I am sure it will hold out for a while.

I mashed down to the dart bus stop where I met a really cool dart worker. Luccious (guessing at the spelling), he was cleaning the area up and we chatted for a bit and I decided that I would hit the booming downtown of Carrollton. Being on a bike really makes you interact with more people. You have that real approachable aspect that you don’t have when you are in a car.

Still spinning around and getting a few really bad photos with my idiot box, I have a strike of inspiration. My new series of prints will be on people movers. Bikes and mass transit. After all we have all of this construction for the new DART rail system that is finally going through Carrollton. Why not document this event with a twist, my twist that is.

I guess that is what makes the bike so special to me. It is a connection that lets me escape my thoughts, after all those are what is holding me down. It is really hard to worry about things when you are breathing heavy and straining to see in the dark.

DOWNTOWN CARROLLTON

A little history

Ok, So here is where the narrator starts telling the story of how and why I started this project.

I am a student, one of the older ones at UNT (University of North Texas). I have been going there for a little over two years now. I am getting ready to start my last semester in Denton. I live in Carrollton and commute by car and have put a lot of miles and gas behind me. Well, I found out that there is a commuter bus from Carrollton to Denton. I thought, no way, this has got to cost a lot or, is really difficult to catch. After all, why would I have not found out about this sooner?

Guess what? I am already paying for it, and have been the whole time. This is in the tuition. Well, as they say in the old GI Joe cartoons, "knowing is half the battle". So know that I am armed with this knowledge, I plan to act on it. So I will need to find out where to catch the buss, and how to get there.

The stop is only 5.85 miles from my house, easy day; I used to ride a bike much farther than that years ago. OK, I was smoking about a pack and a half a day. I was not in any shape to attempt this in the fall. So I quit, after all, it is around 5 bucks a pack now. I thought I would start slow and build up some mileage over the summer. I was even going to get in a little exercise in Guam; did I forget to mention I am a reservist? Well, I was doing my 2 weeks this year back in glorious Guam, I have some friends that I can work out with and get in a little better shape.

OMG!!! Day one is like a PT session from BUDs (Basic Underwater Demolition school). The Senior Chief is killing me, or perhaps I am just in really bad shape. Well, after several PT sessions before work, I was beginning to feel the groove. When I got back stateside, I was determined to put down the packs of smokes and get on the bike.

I started training and getting ready for the Summer II session at Brookhaven Community College. I was ready and determined to ride there and back every day of the session. It turned out to be around 17.6 miles round trip. I won’t lie to you, some days were exercises in humility. One day I even walked the bike up a hill as a little girl with training wheels was pulling her brother on a skateboard.

Well, the semester ended and I managed to make it every day on the bike. Looking at my Specialized TriCross, I begin to think if I really want to have this special machine go through the abuse of being loaded under a bus twice a day. So I began to think about the Commuter Machine. What I would need is a good all around heavy constructed single speed beater. Ok, I wanted something cheap, so I wouldn’t be too concerned about it getting a little torn up.