Public Transportation and Smart Growth

Rode 2 miles each way to the Sounder Train Station in Sumner, WA where I locked up my bike in a locker--$50 a year rental. Then I rode the train to Seattle. I was 41, now I'm 44, so perhaps I have an age advantage.

When I was considering going back onto a bike, I pulled my '86 Schwinn World out of the garage, pumped up the tires, and took it for a spin around the cul-de-sac. A road bike and I didn't feel like an ideal fit anymore. I bought a Kona Dew, commuter bike. Upright, comfy ride position, thumb shifters so my hands stay on the handlebars, and I'm very happy with it.

After 7 months unemployed, I'm back to work, but driving 30+ miles each way. Once we move, hopefully in January, I'll go back to bike commuting.

First year, I rode from June to late October/early November.

Second year I resumed in late March/early April, and my car was totaled that June. Couldn't afford to replace the car, so I resolved to ride year round. Pulled a fleece ski mask and gloves out of the closet, and I was comfy. Hands and face were the things I had to protect to enjoy the ride.

Third year, I bought some rainpants and the rain no longer deterred me from riding. Other than a few days when there was snow and ice on the ground, I was a year round rider. My plan is to pick up a Craigslist free mountain bike and put studded tires on it for the snow and ice.

If you're interested in biking, there is a forum here. However, bikeforums.net is awesome. Commuter bikes can be a lot easier on older bodies. Recumbent bikes and trikes are much easier on the body, but they are pricier.