Loss and Gain...my Triathablog retrospective

My apologies for somehow completely missing my last day to blog! Things got pretty busy here and time slipped away.

There has been a sudden interest in my story of being a female bike commuter since Self Magazine named Birmingham as the unhealthiest commute with the lowest % of women bike commuters. Within 2 days, I was approached by a magazine, the local news station and The Birmingham News. Crazy, huh? I am just glad to be getting the word out.

On my last commute of 08, I spent most of the ride thinking about what Triathablog has done in my life. At that point, I assumed that I had lost, but I couldn’t feel less like a loser. My goal for Triathablog was to make cycling a part of my life, for fitness and community. In these 3 months, I have become comfortable commuting to work (in a dress!), riding with the boys, got the wheels moving to start a Non-Profit Bike Co-op and met tons of amazing people.

I have learned that riding your bike to work is more than a ride, it is a statement. I learned the politicians love the idea of bikes on the roads, but are reticent to actually make it a reality. I have learned the nearly all children want to ride bikes and think adults who do are cool. I have learned as well that adults who don’t ride live sedentary lives seem to really dislike my riding. I have learned the fixed gear bikes are more than just a hipster trend and am saving for one now!

Most of all I have learned that cyclists are a unique bunch, who will welcome a new rider with open arms, whether you are dressed in spandex or a skirt and boots.

I may have lost Triathablog, but I have gained a new community and a new way of life. And for that I am not ashamed.

Thanks to Carrie and Amanda for being supportive and just competitive enough to make me bust my ass for 3 months! You girls are awesome and I am excited about our next adventure (girl’s Fight Club anyone??). Thanks to Heath for being a kick ass mechanic who kept Mick in shape for all my triathadventures. Thanks to the Brocyclers for all the fun and for letting a girl into the club of Birmingham urban cyclists. Thanks to all our readers for your support and cheerleading, I truly couldn't have finished this only 1 point behind without you.


Keep up with me and my cycling adventures at my new blog: BikeSkirt. If you ever want to ride, give me a shout.
See you on the roads in 2009 and beyond.
-elisa

(special thanks to T.Scott Carlisle for the amazing photos. See them all here: www.t-photographic.com/tsc/elisa )

Who needs therapy with Triathablog?

Hello internets,
Christmas is winding down, the tree is at the curb, leftovers are running out and all is quiet. The few days after Christmas is always a bit of a downer, with the Christmas high crashing and the 'oh my goodness, I ate SO much and spent SO much this year' settling in! Normally for me this is also a time of reflection and rest, this year being no different in that aspect.

However, today was a little different for me. (Deep Breath). A year ago today, someone very close to me died. It was sudden and terrible. Needless to say, I have been dreading today for about 364 days...

I woke up and Anna (who is visiting family in the same small town where I am!) and I went on a lovely bike ride downtown for coffee and strolling. Scott and I talked often about getting bikes and riding, so that felt fitting. Something in rememberence of him that also symbolizes hope in my life. Whenever I get on my bike I feel hopeful and alive. I am not sure what causes this, but I love it. Whether is it cold and gray or sunny and warm makes no difference, riding makes me feel like a kid. A kid who has never felt loss or death and calls it a good day if a bike ride and a popsicle happen.

To sum up (because this has been all over the place!), riding my bike turned what could have been a bad day into a quiet day spent with the wind in my hair and my feet on the pedals. A respite on 2 wheels.

I have never been so grateful for my bike as I was today

The little cyclist who...could

We said that we were going to be honest on this blog. Well, honestly...I hate it right now. I don't want to ride and I hate that I have to. I know that I would feel better if I did ride, but the days keep passing and Mick stays in the garage. I now have to ride every day for the rest of the week to get my points in (I also hate to give up!).

What do you do when you just can't get motivated? Any pointers or words of wisdom? Anyone want to go on a ride (it is always more fun with friends)?

Sigh.

On another note, I have been having many heated discussions lately about Alabama's Bike Laws. If you want to know what they are, go here. For bike laws in other states, you can find them at Bikecommuters.com (about 1/2 down the page on the right is a drop down box)