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.