Bloggernacle Challenge: Commute by Bike
since i’m lazy and can’t possibly improve on dan ellsworth’s work, i submit to you this post: Mormon Bikers Unite
we have joined forces to get every reader of fMh/MM (and bloggernacle) to ride their bike or use a combination of public transit and bike to get to work/school/grandmas at least one day a week.
We are hoping that you will feel great, save money and enjoy it so much, that you tell a friend/neighbor/relation how great the experience has been and give them the same challenge.
if you have any questions for the female of the species, safety, how to get around excuses, sweaty armpits, bikes, you can post them here or at Mormon Mentality.
Operators are standing by…
I’m in…
Comment by mpb — June 3, 2008 @ 9:44 am
I am, of course, in as well. BTW, nice boots/leggings.
Comment by Observer — June 3, 2008 @ 9:45 am
to add, this is a timely challenge for me. after all the discussion yesterday, the fact that i “used” to commute is no excuse. i know i can at least do one day a week.
…checking on the shower/locker situation in my new building at work.
Comment by mpb — June 3, 2008 @ 9:52 am
This is made sooooo much easier by $4.00/gal. gas vs. 75$ bus pass. (One fill-up) I bought the pass this month.
Comment by djinn — June 3, 2008 @ 10:04 am
If showers are available, that’s great. I don’t have access to one, so I don’t shower after my ride. I take about 20-30 minutes in my cycling clothes to cool down, then go change in the restroom. I usually don’t even need to wipe myself down, but I bring deodorant and sometimes use cologne to make sure I smell alright. I read somewhere that a good rule of thumb for bike commuters is the 5-mile rule: you can get away with riding to work in work clothes (maybe not high heels, though) if you live less than 5 miles from work. Any more than that, and you’ll probably want to bring a change of clothes with you; some use panniers on their bikes, but I use a backpack, and it works just fine. Other people who don’t commute every day sometimes bring a change of clothes with them on a day they drive into work, and leave it at the office for the day they ride in. Then, the next time they come in the car, they take their used clothes back home with them.
One other thing: if you begin to commute regularly by bike, you’ll notice that your hunger levels will change from your normal appetite. I now eat small amounts throughout the work day instead of a large lunch at noon or 1. You’ll want to bring healthy (read fresh fruit, veggies, and whole grain snacks like granola) snacks to keep you going through the day. This is great news for the family budget, because you’ll spend less on these good foods than you would on fast food or other quick meal options for lunch, and you’ll be healthier to boot!
I made a commitment to bike to work last year in April. I weighed about 205 lbs. Now I weigh 155 lbs., and crave the time I get on my bike.
Comment by Observer — June 3, 2008 @ 10:04 am
April 2007, that is.
Comment by Observer — June 3, 2008 @ 10:18 am
Good thoughts, Observer. I experienced many of the same thoughts and feelings as you did when I committed to commute 2-3 days a week, also last April. I lasted until about December, when I got a new title at work and began working later hours. I never could get myself feeling very safe in the dark (my commute is 16 miles (one way) along a limited access state highway or a no-to-narrow shoulder industrial road), and further the calculus changed for me when I removed the element of evening traffic.
I am in Houston–after that much biking in this humidity, it’s really hard to stop sweating and smelling without a shower. So I feel lucky we have them where I work. But I know of many commuters, here and other places, that manage without it. Your rule of thumb is a good one.
Comment by mpb — June 3, 2008 @ 10:18 am
my husband rides his bike to work almost every day. and i walk my son to school almost every day. mostly because we are a one car family, but i enjoy the walks. it really saves us on gas. and we aren’t polluting.
Comment by Terina — June 3, 2008 @ 10:19 am
Thanks for the link!
This is such a great goal! Moving from driving every day to biking at least once a week is the first big step. And all the good things mentioned above (health, money, etc) will surely follow.
Comment by Tim Grahl — June 3, 2008 @ 10:22 am
I’ve been contemplating making this change for a whil. I am three months pregnant, but I think I could still do this for the next few months (until I’m really huge). I’m in. I’ll do it on Fridays, casual day at work.
Comment by Racheldmc — June 3, 2008 @ 10:24 am
Tim, thanks for stopping by. when you checked your incoming links, a name like ours deserves prompt attention, no?
stick around for a while and help us answer questions.
mfranti
Comment by mfranti — June 3, 2008 @ 10:26 am
awesome post and impetus. we haven’t had a car for about six months and we won’t be getting one, and it’s only now that i’m getting on our rickety old bike to see how far it REALLY is to get to the grocery store, the library, etc. (actually, no etc. - those are pretty much the only places we go - though i’m looking at you, m! gonna come see your chickens this week!!) i’m surprised at how much strength and stamina i actually have. and also how enjoyable it is, for someone who hasn’t hardly gotten off her ass in four years. it’s become a form of meditation for me. i get to talk to people on the street, notice little shops i’ve never seen, pick out which houses i like, admire gardens, feel the breeze on my sweaty armpits :), and enjoy the world in a way i never have before.
Comment by chandelle — June 3, 2008 @ 10:36 am
Racheldmc–I’ve walked the 1.5 miles to work just about every day and I’m just about 33 weeks now. I’ve known several women who keep walking ’till the last month, or even the last week before giving birth. Hoping to be one of them myself!
I wish I could join in on the biking challenge, though I would hope walking would count. Maybe this deserves to be on this post, but I’ve heard you’re not supposed to bike in the last trimester especially because your center of gravity is changing and it’s too easy to fall off your bike. Otherwise, I’d be there!
Just this last week I realized I’d only driven about 4000 miles in the last year, largely because I live so close to work and walk so my car only sees use when I run errands or go to church (which is too far away to walk). It’s amazing how much better I feel about filling up the car when I know it’s going to last me a month.
Comment by kristine N — June 3, 2008 @ 10:37 am
i also wanted to mention something i observed recently. monthly train passes here in SLC are about $60. i’ve always griped about that cost and just paid each time i use the train (which is less since using the bike). but a few days ago my FIL, who has a very small and efficient ford focus, mentioned that he spends $40 a WEEK to fill his tank. looking at it that way, $60 is an awesome deal. plus, you get to read on your way to work. what’s better than that?
Comment by chandelle — June 3, 2008 @ 10:39 am
I’ve been bike commuting for three years now. Winter months excepted; I know several people who bike in January, and I admire them, but I’m too big a klutz to take a chance on icy roads.
My wife, who feels uncomfortable with the weight she feels she’s gained over the past few years, has taken it up as well, and loves it. The only problem is that she works for the Church, and their (rather @nal, if you ask us) dress code necessitates that she bring a change of clothes so she doesn’t have to bike in a dress. Otherwise, she says it feels great. And we both enjoy the fact that we can go over a month on a tank of gas! Now we just need to pick up a bike trailer so we can do our shopping and errands on bike. We’ve already had fun biking to the Living Traditions festival and another free concert, and can’t wait to go biking to the farmers market. It should be a very fun summer.
Wow, Observer, your story is very impressive! It will be rather inspirational for my wife. I think we’d have much fewer health problems in our society if people would be willing to pull out the bike or hoof it for at least those short trips. If I might be so bold, may I ask how long your commute is?
Comment by Derek — June 3, 2008 @ 10:46 am
btw, Mfranti, that isn’t a photo of you, is it?
Comment by Derek — June 3, 2008 @ 10:49 am
hear ye, hear ye,
any alternative form of transport counts. walking, longboarding, razor scooters. you get the idea.
kristine,
anyone know if the danes stop riding during late pregnancy? my guess is no based on some pictures i’ve seen,
by the way, if you really want to get in love w/cycling take a lesson from the danes and view the site i linked.
Comment by mfranti — June 3, 2008 @ 10:49 am
derek, not unless i turned 100% caucasion since i saw you.
i wish i had that kind of style! but alas, i’m to chicken to wear a skirt while riding. i thought that picture did a good job respresenting what we are going for, fun(she’s smiling) , style (look at those boots!) and saftey (even with all her style, she’s wearing a brain bucket)
Comment by mfranti — June 3, 2008 @ 10:51 am
I just like to point out that this bike commute challenge will not save me money on gas since I don’t drive to work already.
Comment by Kim Siever — June 3, 2008 @ 10:54 am
kim, no need to be a stick in the mud.
btw, are you going to post the challenge on your blog for us?
pretty please?
Comment by mfranti — June 3, 2008 @ 10:56 am
mfranti, I don’t think he’s saying the Church requires she bring a change of clothes. I am sure the policy is she has to wear a dress, but she prefers not to bike in it.
Comment by Kim Siever — June 3, 2008 @ 10:57 am
Already had, mfranti. It’s in the sidebar.
Comment by Kim Siever — June 3, 2008 @ 10:57 am
derek, your wife thinks she’s overweight??? i thought she looked great.
biking to the market is an awesome idea! we’ve been wondering how to get there. we thought we’d do the train/bus but it would be kind of a hassle to get stuff home, especially with the kids. but with the kids in a trailer and the stuff in baskets or backbacks, biking should be great! (though ridiculously hot and gross in the afternoon when it ends…)
Comment by chandelle — June 3, 2008 @ 10:58 am
speaking of which, does anyone know anything about a trailer you can attach to your bike to carry home stuff that a small basket won’t fit? preferably one that doesn’t cost a bajillion dollars? there’s a homeless guy downtown who has one. it looks homemade, which is radically cool. maybe i should ask him.
Comment by chandelle — June 3, 2008 @ 11:00 am
mfranti: Yes, I have to say when I saw it pop up I definitely had to click over to see what this is all about
In reading some of the comments on walking, it reminded me of this site:
http://www.walkscore.com/
You put in your address and it shows you all the places that you might need to go and how close they are to you. Most people will be surprised how many things they need are very close to their house… very walkable (bikeable)!
Comment by Tim Grahl — June 3, 2008 @ 11:01 am
chandelle, did you click on the link in #17.
that site is eye candy for the american commuter.
Comment by mfranti — June 3, 2008 @ 11:02 am
Check out these guys, chandelle.
http://www.tonystrailers.com/
Comment by Kim Siever — June 3, 2008 @ 11:04 am
[…] to widen even further, and we take up the gauntlet of a Bike Commuting Challenge (thanks to mfranti and dan ellsworth). Here’s the gist: ride your bike or use a combination of public transit and […]
Pingback by By Common Consent » Biking to work: BCC CRUSHES ALL — June 3, 2008 @ 11:05 am
I always walk to the store with Muffin and use the stoller basket for the purchases, but I don’t want to try public transit without a carseat. How do you manage transporting kids who still need them on the bus? I can rarely find a seatbelt for myself on the bus and have never seen any with built-in car seats (though in Utah, it would make a lot of sense). We’re looking at getting me a touring bike (fused c-spine friendly) and a bike trailor but then I worry about how the little trailor is practically invisible to cars even with the little flag on top.
Tips? Suggestions? What I have been doing since Muffin was born is staying mostly within walking distance. Certainly we fill the “once a week” rule since we can walk to library, store, and park. I’d love to do better–I lived for years without a car. But how without compromising kiddo safety?
Comment by Janet — June 3, 2008 @ 11:10 am
Okay, I should rephrase that: the @nal Church dress code, which requires dress (longer than the one in the photo) and nylons, is not one in which my wife is comfortable biking, therefore necessitating the change of clothes.
I didn’t think the photo was of you, but since I’ve only met you “live” once, I couldn’t be certain…
BTW, any in SLC who want information and/or training on safe biking habits should check out the Bicycle Collective.
Comment by Derek — June 3, 2008 @ 11:13 am
thanks kim! also, look what i found!
how to build a bike trailer
bamboo bicycle trailer
Comment by chandelle — June 3, 2008 @ 11:13 am
I’m in - I’ll do Fridays. I also really want to try no car for a week. Speaking of which, am I allowed to ride my bike to Church? I don’t know why it seems so weird - I guess it just seems too fun for a Sunday.
Comment by tesseract — June 3, 2008 @ 11:20 am
Derek: I commute 8 miles each way. I like riding so much that I often take longer routes just to get a few more minutes on the bike. Last summer I strove to ride at least 100 miles each week, and usually was successful. I used http://www.mapmyride.com/ to keep track of my rides, plan new routes, monitor weight and calorie expenditure, etc. It also helped that my wife was doing weight watchers at the time, so meals at home weren’t high-calorie foods that would destroy any exercise benefit I gained by biking to work. I also found that my appetite shrank considerably, and I found myself naturally gravitating away from fatty foods (donuts, bacon, etc.) and more toward fresh produce. Aside: here’s a tasty snack: baby carrots dipped in no-sugar-added Mott’s applesauce. One other thing: cycling and Atkins-style low-carb diets really don’t mix. Carbohydrates are necessary for cycling fitness.
When it got colder and wetter, I rode the bus into work and worked out at the gym on campus. In addition to using the stationary bikes, I started running on the treadmill to cross train, and found that the cardiovascular fitness I gained by riding my bike helped me be able to run much further and faster than I ever had before in my life.
One thing about my story that my be different than many commuters: I didn’t buy a hybrid or commuter bike for my commute. Rather, I bought a road bike. I like going fast, and I like pushing myself. My commute has become somewhat of a mini time trial, where I try to beat my best time each day. I had to start off slowly, but I’ve been able to work up to my current level of activity over time. I enjoy the workout, and it makes it so I don’t have to find time for the gym each day.
Comment by Observer — June 3, 2008 @ 11:20 am
Yeah, Chandelle, I’m a bit mystified about my wife’s weight concerns. I think its a family thing.
We just use a child trailer, since we don’t have kids. But I’ve seen some cargo trailers which would work fine. Thanks for the Tony’s link, Kim!
Comment by Derek — June 3, 2008 @ 11:20 am
Rachelmdc (10),
I would recommend talking to your doctor if you’re pregnant; my wife was told to avoid some strenuous activities during that time.
I love seeing the responses to this- those of you who are trying this out or returning to biking, welcome to a better quality of life!
Comment by Dan Ellsworth — June 3, 2008 @ 11:21 am
the bicycle collective is right down the road from us. we should make a trip there.
janet, maybe i’m negligent but i’ve always taken my kids on the bus and train without a carseat. you could just use one of those bucket car seats and keep him strapped in, but they’re awfully heavy to carry. buses are so enormous that if they get into an accident, they do more damage than they receive. which is not to say it’s not a potentially very serious issue. the lack of seatbelts and carseats in buses has always seemed strange to me, also, but we’ve done it anyway.
we used a bike trailer for a while with our kids. i didn’t feel that it was very safe. i’d rather use a seat attached behind me because then at least i’d be very aware of how they were doing, but those are supposed to be even worse; if you fall or are hit, a trailer stays upright, but the seat goes with you. it’s a hard one.
Comment by chandelle — June 3, 2008 @ 11:22 am
Tesseract: where would you park the bike? My chapel doesn’t have much to tether my bike to. Handicap signs, maybe? I would totally ride my bike to church on Sunday if I had a way to safely get my 5-year-old twins there in dresses.
Comment by Observer — June 3, 2008 @ 11:25 am
Chandelle:
You should check out http://www.xtracycle.com/. These are all the rage on many of the bike blogs I visit.
Comment by Observer — June 3, 2008 @ 11:25 am
question: can anyone give a run-down of different kinds of bikes, i.e. what are the differences, benefits and drawbacks to each kind, what kind is best for what rider, etc.?
Comment by chandelle — June 3, 2008 @ 11:28 am
chandelle, i’ve done both. i had my daughter in the bike seat at 10 months. she’s three now, and prefers the trailer. there are pros and cons to each, but i always feel like i have less control over the trailer than i did with the seat. i guess the point is to never let your guard down regardless.
Comment by mpb — June 3, 2008 @ 11:28 am
observer, thanks so much for that link; that looks just perfect.
Comment by chandelle — June 3, 2008 @ 11:31 am
ooh, the question about types of bikes is a great one. i’ll just mention mine. after a couple different things, i finally settled on a road style commuter. it is basically a road bike with a slightly more upright geometry for better visibility, steel frame for toughness, and lots of braze-ons for racks and other accessories. i really like it because of the distance i have to commute and because it doesn’t throw me off for my long rides on the weekends. and it is really tough.
also, if you are going to commute, invest in specialized armadillos or a similar tire–they provide superb flat protection and last forever.
Comment by mpb — June 3, 2008 @ 11:34 am
and for those of you in utah and idaho here’s a link for more resources. (oh hell, i could put up a thousand links on this)
Comment by mfranti — June 3, 2008 @ 11:35 am
Yeah, I don’t think we have bike racks either, but WE SHOULD! If I bring my bike into the building enough because theres nowhere to secure it, maybe they’ll consider getting racks.
And sister missionaries ride bikes in dresses all the time, right? It would be training for them.
Comment by tesseract — June 3, 2008 @ 11:37 am
What about those bikes that have a little motor attached to help with hills (or mommy exhaustion, since I’ll soon be carting two babies and I’m out of shape from years of fertility drugs and surgeries)? Are they horrifically inefficient? We live on a steep hill, and riding to church or downtown would be great until the return journey (SLC Aves: not unlike Seattle grade-wise).
Anybody know anything about those? Or would you all die laughing at me?
Comment by Janet — June 3, 2008 @ 11:42 am
This just came up on my Google Reader:
http://www.bikecommuters.com/2008/06/03/want-to-start-riding-your-bike-to-work-we-have-tips-for-ya/
Comment by Observer — June 3, 2008 @ 11:44 am
mpb, I second the recommendation on Armadillos. For those of you new to this stuff, Armadillos are tires that are reinforced against flats. I have Armadillos and plastic liners; the liners are like a roll of tough plastic tape that goes in between the tire and the tube, and they provide more protection against glass, thorns, etc.
Comment by Dan Ellsworth — June 3, 2008 @ 12:03 pm
Janet, motorized/electric bikes are very efficient in regards to fuel economy. They do require energy (some gas or electricity), so they aren’t as “green” as regular bikes. But they are still a whole lot better than cars, motorcycles, or motorscooters. And I doubt anyone here is such a purist as to mock you for needing help in your particular situation (frankly, I don’t think I’m in the sort of shape to bike the Aves a lot, especially with a trailer).
mpb, that bike looks great. I really like the upright position; I have a cheap mountain bike because all the road bikes I could find have the seat higher than the handlebars. I hate feeling like I’m sloping downward–my butt should never be higher than my head! Besides, it hurts my back. I wish I had the money to get a really nice recumbent. Someday…
Comment by Derek — June 3, 2008 @ 12:22 pm
wow! thats cool! THAT’S VERY true, saving money, conserving the energy and being kind to mother nature, freeing from carbon and sulfur and other pollution emitted. But us here in Saudi Arabia, we unfortunately can’t do that biking…the heat and temperature is from 46-51 degrees celcius, and the road is full of crazy native drivers. Oh, and by the way, we would like to thank the great women of FMH, and the readers who also visited our site. We put a link to the FMH in our site. We are truly grateful!
Comment by Shiela — June 3, 2008 @ 12:50 pm
tesseract,
If I rode to church, that would cut down my gas consumption (since I don’t have to drive back to pick up my family). Maybe I could qualify for the commute that way.
Comment by Kim Siever — June 3, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
This is all very nice for people who live close to work, but unfortunately, not an option for many of us (and no, living closer to work is not an option, as housing prices are several times what they are where we live). My husband’s probably going to start riding the Front Runner, though. Actually, there’s no question he will, I think, it’s just a question of when. According to his calculations, it isn’t cost efficient until gas hits $4.18/gallon, but I’m questioning those calculations given how many gallons of gas he puts in the car each week. I think he needs to watch the actual mileage on the car rather than relying on Google Maps to tell him the distance.
Comment by Firebyrd — June 3, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
I’ve been commuting by bicycle for years. Our daughter who is finishing her junior year of high school went to school the first two years in a bicycle trailer. When our grandchildren were born, one gift to each family was a nice jogging stroller/bicycle trailer that seats two.
The big thing for me, though, in terms of commuting to work is that fortunately I live uphill 4.5 miles from where I am employed, so that I’m not sweaty when I get there, only on the way home.
Also, I sew my own split skirts, although gaucho pants have been “in style” again the past few years. I think that finding a cycling wardrobe or having time/place to change is a barrier for most folks.
Comment by Naismith — June 3, 2008 @ 2:12 pm
firebyrd,
is it possible for him to use a combination of bike/scooter/train?
when i lived in farmington and worked in ogden/salt lake, i did and it was fabulous.
where do you live? i’m pretty good at problem solving.
Comment by mfranti — June 3, 2008 @ 2:19 pm
bathrooms are great for changing in. like i told pdoe, keep a duffel bag at work to use as a foot locker, along with clothes and shoes, a hairdryer, makeup and a toiletries and you should be in good shape.
i’ve been doing this stuff for years, even when i worked at the top of a really big hill and wore suits to work. i would be the broker with the bright red face looking not so cute but dang! i felt great.
Comment by mfranti — June 3, 2008 @ 2:23 pm
One more question and I’ll stop: what is the best bike for those of us who can’t stoop over but are also, err, wimpy? The recumbants look as though they’d require a lot of extra leg strength since you can’t use your weight quite the same way, but I can’t ride my husband’s road bike because the metal in my spine requires I keep it upright. I’ve noticed old-fashioned ones with high handlebars and low seats in places like Prince Edward Island or NC’s Outer Banks where tourists leasuirely bike, but don’t know if they’re practical for towing kids or riding more than am mile. I’m a complete neophyte at this stuff, but back when I was younger and free of health issues, I LOVED riding my bike. DH loves to ride. I was hoping we’d work something out so that at the very least we could have weekend bike trips with the kids, and maybe some campground-to-campground biking vacations when they’re a little older.
Comment by Janet — June 3, 2008 @ 2:32 pm
My wife rides this bike and loves it:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/lifestyle/1268/29329/
It has an upright position, shocks to cushion the ride, and large wheels that can roll more quickly than others. It is on the heavy side (about 35 lbs., just guessing).
this one looks fun, too:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/women/589/29314/
this one is similar to my wife’s, but with more style:
http://www.trekbikes.com/women/wsd_products/bikes/2008/bike_path/7300wsd/
here’s a commuter bike for women:
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=34068
There’s lots more out there, too. Just don’t go to Target or Wal-Mart to buy a bike!
Comment by Observer — June 3, 2008 @ 2:50 pm
Janet,
Here’s what you need:
http://www.co-motion.com/tandem_bikes/periscope_tridentconv.html
or:
http://www.co-motion.com/tandem_bikes/tandem_multi_bikes.html
or something a little more bling:
http://www.co-motion.com/tandem_bikes/macchiato.html
Comment by Carlton — June 3, 2008 @ 3:03 pm
does this post take first place for the most links ?
Comment by mfranti — June 3, 2008 @ 3:13 pm
Janet (55),
Talk to a doctor before you do anything. If your spine is being held together with metal, then you need to be extra careful about the stress you put on your back, and biking can stress your back. I use my inversion table to help keep my back in good shape with my biking.
Comment by Dan Ellsworth — June 3, 2008 @ 3:20 pm
Firebyrd, don’t take this the wrong way. But of course this challenge isn’t for everyone. Neither is general diet advice for everyone (food allergies, etc). If the specific challenge isn’t for you, it becomes an issue of trying to adapt it to your situation. You can always move closer (maybe you find a smaller home closer to work, one that needs work; there are ways to live in “the city” despite high housing prices if you are willing to settle for something less than a McMansion). Or maybe you bike despite the distance (Observer has noted his commute is eight miles each way). You can, as Mfranti pointed out, use a combination of biking and public transportation (Frontrunner will make that more of an option for all sorts of people along the Wasatch Front). If you decide biking simply isn’t an option, find another way to adopt the spirit of the challenge: resolve to bike to church, for groceries, to take the kids to school, to go visiting teaching, to take the kids to the park, whatever. Take what steps you can if you see the inherent value of the issue being raised.
Comment by Derek — June 3, 2008 @ 3:25 pm
Racheldmc and other pregnant cyclists, I asked my midwife, last pregnancy around, if I could bike, and she said I could do anything I was used to doing, as long as it wasn’t high impact or would spike my heart rate (she forbade me from going over 140 bpm). She didn’t give me any timetable for getting off the bike and I remember riding until at least 6 mo.
However, she did say not to take up any new sports while pregnant or until I’d recovered from having the baby. fwiw
Comment by Artemis — June 3, 2008 @ 3:30 pm
I need a bike with a minivan attached to the back of it.
Comment by Shelah — June 3, 2008 @ 3:41 pm
Artemis–
From what I read last time I was pg, ACOG abandoned the 140 bpm rule several years ago. I ran throughout my last pregnancy with my ob-gyn’s blessing. The new rule of thumb, from what I understand, is the very scientific, “if you feel good, it’s ok”
Comment by Shelah — June 3, 2008 @ 3:45 pm
You know, I think I ran across that somewhere and was a little confused by the inconsistency. But then, my midwife probably didn’t keep up on every little ACOG rule.
Comment by Artemis — June 3, 2008 @ 3:52 pm
I agree with Artemis. I have had 4 pregnancies. I am not very athletic. You should not start anything new and should not push yourself very hard.
For my fourth pregnancy I had been going to the gym for a year, so I could still go and I managed to continue doing the same weight exercises (except one) and cardio, but I kept my heartrate pretty low. I went until 6 months.
Watch out for premature labor if you are pushing it later it pregnancy.
As long as you are keeping it at a level that is not strenuous to you, you can maintain the exercise your body is used to. If you haven’t been exercising, you should only start easy stuff.
Also, remember that you only have so much energy in the day!
Also, my doctor told me that being dehydrated can cause more Braxton Hicks contrations, so make sure you are drinking.
Comment by jks — June 3, 2008 @ 3:57 pm
here are a couple of links (sorry for the threadjack, mfranti):
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise-during-pregnancy/AN01560
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0CYD/is_2_37/ai_82393730
Comment by Shelah — June 3, 2008 @ 3:57 pm
are you kidding,shelah?
you provide solutions for people. it’s rooooood.
Comment by mfranti — June 3, 2008 @ 3:59 pm
Artemis,
don’t you live that picture? for some reason, i thought it would be appealing to you.
Comment by mfranti — June 3, 2008 @ 4:00 pm
mfranti, not sure what you mean. I did like the pictures of pregnant Danish women cycling everywhere. In fact, this post has inspired me to take my gift from mfranti heaven commuter bike to the SL bike collective again and trade it in for one with a larger frame, get myself a cool Euro-style front basket for baguettes ‘n stuff, and start toodling to the market more. Or at least to Chandelle’s house.
Shelah, thanks for the links.
Comment by Artemis — June 3, 2008 @ 4:11 pm
I don’t have a bike right now and live on my own with my 3 kids during the week (but only for 6 more weeks - yay!) so biking just isn’t something I feel I can do right now. This post has inspired me though to use my car once a day less - I’ll walk my daughter to preschool. It’s something little, but every little bit helps right?!
Comment by Rebecca — June 3, 2008 @ 4:23 pm
140bpm?!!
Holy crap! That’s my target aerobic heart rate. I’m getting too old.
Comment by Kim Siever — June 3, 2008 @ 4:31 pm
yes. every little bit helps.
Comment by chandelle — June 3, 2008 @ 4:33 pm
i’m with you. and i love this part:
Comment by mfranti — June 3, 2008 @ 4:47 pm
That’s the spirit, Rebecca! If you can’t do the ideal, do what you can. Lengthen your stride (in this case, literally) and see what opportunities open up down the road.
Comment by Derek — June 3, 2008 @ 4:50 pm
we don’t have bikes. at least ones that function. well, my 8 year old does, but where we live he can’t go anywhere but around our little cul-de-sac because of the 6 lanes of traffic in front of our place. i just mentioned yesterday to DH that we need bikes. funny timing mfranti!
Comment by Blue — June 3, 2008 @ 4:53 pm
but that said, my DH takes the bus to school every day that it’s possible. my kids take the school bus too (for 2 more days this year…but who’s counting?) We don’t drive the minivan unless we’re hauling enough people to justify it. And we avoid making unnecessary trips.
I wish I had a push lawn mower. I did growing up (and hated that one. but i don’t think we EVER sharpened the blades), but we have an electric one now. I’ve mowed over and chopped the big orange extension cord 3 times in the past 3 years, and because of this factor, I can’t have my kids mow. Wah! Any of you have push mowers? DO they even make them still?
Comment by Blue — June 3, 2008 @ 5:00 pm
Janet, here’s a solution that might keep kids more visible:
http://www.dutchbikes.us/cargobikes/
I’ve never seen them before, but they look awesome! ♥
Comment by Blue — June 3, 2008 @ 5:08 pm
blue, they ( the push mowers) are so popular you can pick them up almost anywhere.
try the locally owned ace hardware.
Comment by mfranti — June 3, 2008 @ 5:10 pm
Better yet, check this page out. Notice the woman in white is pregnant! http://www.dutchbikes.us/sortejernhest/tstandard/
Of course for many people the price tag would be prohibitive (!)
Comment by Blue — June 3, 2008 @ 5:11 pm
Okay, tangential rant: Why is it we in the U.S. spend so much money on labor-saving devices (like power mowers), then spend more money on exercise equipment or gym memberships to overcome the sedentary lifestyles our labor-saving devices permit us?
My mind boggles…
Good for you, Blue. We plan on using a push mower (when we have a yard). I was surprised to find new one’s were so expensive (at least $75). I wonder if you can find used ones cheaper in second-hand stores or Ebay/Craig’s list?
Comment by Derek — June 3, 2008 @ 5:37 pm
Janet, please be careful with your back! If the doctors REALLY say its okay to bike, maybe you can get some kind of cruiser hybrid bike where your back is more upright.
Like a Townie
http://www.bluestarbrewing.com/bikes/electra-townies1.html
or one of these Giants
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/women/1271/29324/
I’m sure theres similar cheaper versions elsewhere too.
Comment by tesseract — June 3, 2008 @ 5:53 pm
yeah, baby! That’s the minivan bike I need. But for $4500, I could buy a real minivan! I’ve been putting off transitioning from marathons to triathlons because I haven’t been able to justify the expense of a good road bike, so I don’t think I’m going to be able to get a $5,000 people-moving bike any time soon. That is, of course, unless it could magically transform itself into a road bike and get me through triathlons too.
Comment by Shelah — June 3, 2008 @ 6:10 pm
I’m diggin this post. those kids riding in the front cargo-carrier of those Dutch add-ons look like they are having a blast!
my dh puts 40miles on his roadie per day on average. me? i enjoy when we ride bikes together and we’re justing enjoying the breeze. this bike is what i ride and my bum and back (sans metal) have been comfortable.
it’s been a great day today - thanks to everyone who has posted and to the lurkers who have not (you know who you are!)
Comment by Mary Magdalene — June 3, 2008 @ 6:14 pm
i caught my egregious errors ( you-who saw them- know what i’m talking about- and thank you for not calling me on it) i don’t know what i was or wasn’t thinking. i’m sorry and i repent.
Comment by mfranti — June 3, 2008 @ 6:27 pm
not JUST a road bike but a time trial bike. and we both know that if you into triathlons, you’ll be doing ironmans within a year.
Comment by mfranti — June 3, 2008 @ 6:33 pm
who, me? It’s not like I’m competitive or anything
Comment by Shelah — June 3, 2008 @ 6:35 pm
We have a push mower and a gas-powered mower. We use both, but when it’s 100 degrees outside and I don’t feel like being in the sun for an hour mowing, I always go for the gas-powered one. I like the idea of the push mower, but I get lazy and I get really sweaty!
My husband bought a really nice, pricey bike off of Craigslist awhile back, and he totes our almost 2-year-old around in a bike trailer a few times a week. The kid loves it. I’ve been itching to get one myself for awhile, but I honestly have no idea where to start when trying to buy one and my budget just can’t take a $500 blow right now (renovating an old house up in the city- trying to get closer to everything, and as a bonus, hubby will bike to work when we move in a couple of months.) I did some online research, and even after looking at some of these links, I’m still clueless. Help! What do I look for? What’s most important in the long run? If I were to buy one used (preferred,) how would I know if it’s the right fit?
(FWIW, I do use public transport at least once a week- we have limited rapid transit in Atlanta.)
Comment by VirtualM — June 3, 2008 @ 7:30 pm
I LOVE walking and/or riding everywhere. I am blessed to live in a location where nearly everywhere I need to go is within walking distance (the library is the farthest at 1 mile away). My husband also commutes to work by bike, 12 miles each way. It saves a ton on gas - we went from January to March this year on one tank of gas.
my biggest problem riding while pregnant (and big) was that my knees kept hitting my belly. Maybe if I had a different bike, it wouldn’t have been a problem.
Now, with a 4 month old (along with two other children), the challenge is how to safely transport him on a bike. He can’t sit up, he can’t wear a helmet. Our solution so far has been to walk instead of ride. It takes a little longer, but it’s worth it!
Chandelle, check out nashbar.com, they have a utility trailer for $99. Here is another link to the Bakfietz (dutch cargo bike). Here is an article about a family in Orem that uses one.
Comment by TV Free — June 3, 2008 @ 9:10 pm
No doubt, this has gotta take the award for most links per comment–not to mention coolest links.
Comment by Derek — June 3, 2008 @ 9:34 pm
As we were just now discussing this post, my wife posed a question which I’d like to pass on to the biking mother experts here, if the comments haven’t peetered out: Are there safe ways to take newborns biking? Things seem to have changed in our personal situation, and we’re beginning to hope that we will finally be able to get pregnant. My wife doesn’t want to be tethered to the car for the first few months after giving birth (knock on wood), but doesn’t see any way to put a safety seat in the Burley trailer we currently have.
Any thoughts?
Comment by Derek — June 3, 2008 @ 9:42 pm
Woo-Hoo, great idea!!! Count me in!!!
I haven’t had a car in my household for more than seven years, and I’m loving it! I think decreasing reliance on individual car transportation is the wave of the future (for many reasons), so I’m happy to see others getting on the bandwagon, so to speak.
See Living downtown and car-free and Le Metro.
Comment by C. L. Hanson — June 4, 2008 @ 2:18 am
oh wow… it’s gonna take me hours just perusing all these great links… THANK YOU! I love it!
Comment by G — June 4, 2008 @ 2:46 am
I use a reel mower. It takes me just as long to mow my lawn (well, maybe a couple of extra lengths since it’s narrower), but it’s quieter and safer. It did cost me about $75, but I don’t pay for electricity or gas to use it and it takes up less room in my shed.
Comment by Kim Siever — June 4, 2008 @ 5:50 am
Hi. Please join the Bicycle to Work! LinkedIn networking group. Members pledge that they will try to ride their bicycle to work or on an errand at least once a week. Although the benefits should be obvious, let me outline them here.
Right now people in the industrialized world are facing two very grave problems: obesity and a growing scarcity of oil. Compounding this problem is the new food shortage brought about, in part, by the conversion of food cropland to bio-fuel crop production. Most people feel powerless to help, but there is one thing that we can do. Ride our bicycles to work.
If everyone would agree to ride their bikes to work one day per week we could cut oil consumption by as much as 10-15%. No one would argue that riding a bike burns more calories than driving the car. Although popular politically right now, most bio-fuels consume more energy than they produce. We would be much better to eat those bio-crops then use our own energy to transport us around.
So spread the word. Make it a movement! Bicycle to work one day a week and do your part to cut back obesity and the overuse of oil and precious cropland.
Just go to my profile at http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreylstevenson and you can click on the group to be included. While you are there, don’t forget to ask to link to my network of more than 9,000,000 like-minded professionals. I accept all invitations and look forward to meeting you.
Jeff
Comment by Jeff — June 4, 2008 @ 7:13 am
mfranti-We’re in Ogden, my husband’s main job is in North Salt Lake, 26 miles away, confirmed by the odometer. Maybe I’ll redo his calculations anyway, because it costing more to ride FrontRunner until gas hits $4.18/gallon still just seems insane. The big problem we’re wrestling with is how to get him between the station and work, because there are no buses and given his weird working hours (4 pm-12 am for now, will be switching to 3:30 pm-11:30 pm when he starts riding the train), we’ve got to be sure he can finish his tasks on time and not miss the train home, which is the last one that runs. Pushing his schedule back another half-hour is probably not possible due to what his job involves with other people’s schedules and the fact that he works another one in the mornings/early afternoons.
Derek, don’t take this this wrong way. I think it would help if you actually read what you were responding to. First off, mfranti in the OP said, “we have joined forces to get every reader of fMh/MM (and bloggernacle) to ride their bike or use a combination of public transit and bike to get to work/school/grandmas at least one day a week.” Sounds to me as if this challenge does actually apply to me as a reader (and even my husband, who doesn’t read here, but does M*). Secondly, no, someone can’t always move closer. As I already stated, the area he works in is far more expensive than the one we live in, and I’m not talking McMansions. I’m talking about monthly rent in an apartment costing more per month than the (small) house we’re buying this month, let alone any sort of house. I’ve checked numerous times before. I also noted that my husband is going to be riding FrontRunner in the near future. Did you even read my post?
Maybe you didn’t intend it, but you came across as incredibly snotty when you completely ignored what I said.
Comment by Firebyrd — June 4, 2008 @ 10:25 pm
Firebyrd, I apologize for offending you. Your post, which I did read carefully, sounded very much like the words of many I’ve heard over the years who like to rain on the parade of positive ideas for lifestyle change simply because they don’t want to be inconvenienced. They tend to say they can’t afford a different housing arrangement because they are completely wedded to the idea of suburban living. They don’t even bother investigating alternatives. I shouldn’t have jumped to the conclusion that you were one of those people.
I realize Mfranti put up the hopeful goal of every reader biking to work, but I’m sure she and the rest of us would be thrilled to hear what other ideas readers for whom that isn’t an option came up with to meet the spirit of the challenge.
Comment by Derek — June 5, 2008 @ 7:58 am
firebyrd,
when i lived in Farmington and worked in Ogden, i used the bus. i was fortunate the 70 or (that other one that goes to Weber State) was right outside my door but i still had to walk/bike to my office and the same for school. i lived in Farmington and went to school/work in salt lake and i was able to take the 70 (btw, they’ve changed the numbers but not the routes) and walk/ride/*skateboard the rest of the way.
i know the front runner is expensive and i don’t know if i would use it if i was in your situation but the bus-and i know it seems scary if you are not familiar with it-is actually a nice ride into ogden. let’s see, i could nap, crotchet, read, and listen to music.
and most of the folks who use that particular bus are commuters and students and lots work for the LDS church.
if you’d like to explore options, drop me a line fmhmfrant at gmail dot com
i’d be happy to see if you can cut your fuel costs and stress level a bit.
ps, i work in north salt lake and there are a few buses that come this way but should they not, that’s where the bike comes in handy. also, many people in ogden/provo, drive to park-n-rides and then catch their bus or train and then pick it up on the way back. yeah, i never said it was quicker but there are more benefits to it than sitting in a hot tin can fighting the traffic on the 15nb
Comment by mfranti — June 5, 2008 @ 9:56 am
If any readers are moving soon to a new locale and want to use alternatives to automobile transportation to get to work (bike, bus, light rail), I recommend you concentrate your housing searches along bus/train routes. One of the key components to our one-car-family lifestyle and my 8-mile-each-way commute is that we live on a bus line that I can use on days when rain/snow/cold weather would otherwise prevent me from riding. Of course, looking for housing with public transportation in mind cuts out a lot of neighborhoods, takes longer, and requires some familiarity with the geography and traffic flow of the community in which you are looking, but its *totally* worth it. You’ll also want to know when buses arrive at the stop nearest the home/apartment/condo/townhome you’re looking at, and how often buses pass by. Gas prices are never going back down, so look at the time spent as an investment in huge savings for you and the environment. Cheers.
Comment by Observer — June 5, 2008 @ 12:27 pm
Derek-I accept your apology. You definitely misunderstood our situation. We actually live in inner-city Ogden, and given where my husband works, he basically commutes from the city to the suburbs, not vice versa. Based on current real estate listings from utahrealestate.com, there is exactly one house listing in all of Davis County that is under 100k. The location isn’t tons closer to his work, and given the huge price difference compared to all other properties in the area, you /know/ there’s something majorly wrong with it.
mfranti-Unfortunately, there is no bus line anywhere near enough to his work that we can even /find/ any routes, and very few lines run at midnight. Additionally, time has to be a factor for us because of juggling two jobs. I don’t want to sound like I’m totally discounting what you have to say, because it is valuable, but these are solutions we’ve investigated before and found that unfortunately they do not work for our situation. We desperately want to reduce our gasoline usage (he for economic reasons, me for economic and environmental reasons), but the ideal solution just doesn’t seem to exist at this point. I think we’re just going to have to resolve to use the train once it makes sense economically. He’ll most likely bike from home to the station up here in Ogden at least at that point, though we may leave a vehicle down at the other station so as to not risk having him miss the last train of the day.
Comment by Firebyrd — June 5, 2008 @ 2:17 pm
Since my oldest’s school is a 9-mile round-trip, and that route (the shortest) is not bike-accessible (it involves a freeway over a very high bridge), and I’m also hauling a toddler and an infant, I won’t be taking on the bike challenge. However, we are a one-car family and my husband has ridden his bike, either all the way or to the MAX station, every day for about eight years, rain or shine. It’s eight miles one-way, and includes a 900-ft climb to get over the hills that surround downtown. Portland is ranked as one of the most if not the most bike-friendly large city in the US, and a lot of his commute is on a dedicated bike path that runs along the westbound freeway.
So, do we get a pass on this one?
Comment by janeannechovy — June 5, 2008 @ 3:19 pm
I would like to second the vote for the Electra Townie. It is a great bike and really comfortable to ride. My wife just bought one last month.
http://applechapel.blogspot.com/2008/05/spending-stimulus.html
I do my daily commute on a Surly Long Haul Trucker. It is more of a touring bike, so it is great for my 10 plus miles a day, but I could also load it up and ride across the country.
http://applechapel.blogspot.com/2008/04/cost-of-living.html
But if you are handy and want to ride in real style and comfort, then you have to get a couch bike.
http://www.bikeforest.com/cb/
But if you are like most LDS families and need the “minivan” of bikes to get you and the small pack of kids to church, then you are looking at a Conference Bike.
http://www.conferencebike.com/index.html
Comment by TStevens — June 5, 2008 @ 3:21 pm
Be careful out there ya’ll- DH just had a bad bike wreck on his way home from work last week. Yes, it’s a 6 mile trek through rush hour Atlanta traffic but it was a fluke thing that probably could have happened anywhere.
Comment by claire — June 6, 2008 @ 11:25 am
mfranti,
I have been thinking lots about bringing biking into our lives even before this gang of biking posts, even requesting tips on my personal blog and posting about bikes I like.
unfortunately, when you google cycling + my neighborhood, you find ” the Neighborhood Name death ride” which explains what I already knew- leaving my house to go absolutely anywhere we need to go involves a 600 foot drop that ranges from 13-25% grade all the way down. it’s so steep I used to be scared to go up and down even in the car! given that steep hill, plus my two toddlers… sigh… not unless we move.
In good news, behind us is a regional park, so the hiking / trail biking for fun side of things is very good. and besides, I work at home, so driving is very minimized.
Comment by cchrissyy — June 6, 2008 @ 3:34 pm
cchrissy, are you in salt lake? east bench?
Comment by mfranti — February 25, 2009 @ 2:15 am