Take the long way to work.

I took an alternate route to work this morning under cloudy skies. It's 2 miles more than my primary route to and from work. I really enjoy it more than the other ride because it's longer, for one. For two, it's just a heck of a lot more scenic. The only con is the higher speed limit and faster traffic, but there IS a huge shoulder to keep your distance. This route's not my first choice, but it's a nice change of pace.

Morning Ride

Things sure have changed for the morning commute over the past week. As you can see, it's now practically still nighttime (light-wise), the rain is gone and the moisture has taken the form of heavy morning fog. Visibility for my ride has lessened to 50 feet or less. Temperatures are in the thirties (generally around freezing) paired with a nice layer of frost over everything.

With that said, the morning ride has become a pristine jaunt that I am definitely enjoying way more than any other part of the day. It's a sad thing when I've arrived at work and it's over.

Trade-In Value

 This is the new bicycle I recently bought after I sold my car. I told myself I would directly invest (most) money from the sale into a quality commuter bicycle and I finally got around to taking some pics of my new 2011 Novara Mainline ETA, from REI. I've added a Topeak MTX Quick-Track rack, and a Topeak MTX Trunk Bag DXP w/ panniers. The trunk bag along with the snap-in-place on rack function (quick-track) is the best thing to happen to cycling since the freewheel. I now have the best of both worlds : pannier style bags that I can fold up and out of the way if needed, and a trunk bag which I've converted into a lunch cooler that can snap on or off with the (snap) of your fingers. I take it with me in my work vehicle all day, then back on the bike when it's quitting time.

 I also added Planet Bike Cascadia 45mm Hybrid/Touring fenders that really tie-in to the silver accents on the bike and offer superb protection from wet & muddy roads.

Steel chromoly frame, disc brakes, moustache handlebar w/ ergonomic cork grips, 27 speeds, 700c Vittoria Randonneur's & top quality Shimano components. All in all, I'm very happy with my new investment, even happier since I got it for clearance prices, and now I have good karma on my side because the sale of my car funded this green investment.

Heaven let your light shine down

On my way home from work yesterday I came upon this magnificent splendor. The day had been overcast & dreary, but this...this moment was perfect.

Occupational Hazard

Here in Missoula, supporters of the "Occupy Wall Street" movement have found an occupation against corporate greed.

Seems the only one up and moving around at 8:30am is this guy.

Conglomeration.

 

This sign seems to be standing up all by itself.

Trainspotting

Looking down at West Broadway...and a train.

1905 Bicycle Shop Advertisment

1905 advertisement from the digitized UM library archives.

For over a century Missoulians have enjoyed riding bicycles. Henry Rupert Kern owned one of the earliest bicycle shops in Missoula. He opened the Yankee Repair shop in 1885 at 125 East Main Street. Henry’s brother, Frank Kern, had arrived in Missoula a decade earlier and opened a blacksmith shop next to the Missoula Mercantile. Frank’s great grandson, Rick Kern, currently owns the Bicycle Hanger shop in Missoula.