A Commuter Cycles On Their Stomach

Hi all,

A few days ago a friend, taken aback by the kilometres in the commute, inquired as to what it was that I eat for lunch sustain myself over these distances while trucking with Silver Wing.  I must say that my diet (rather lack thereof) does get some attention in the office from time to time.

Recall, that Seat Co-worker is a very serious cyclist with a strict regimen of both training and nutrition.  She frequently shakes her head in heavy disapproval (all in fun, I think) of the meals I consume for lunch.  I'm told that my salads from Soul Food take-away of hot lightly (?) buttered yet crunchy vegetables and  lean (?) soulfully seasoned meats (potent jerk chicken, peppered beef sportly dressed with gravy, or spicy battered fish) are not salads.  Visitors from other offices apparently, for some unknown reason, share her view when the subject is broached.

"Salads must have green vegetables", they say.
"Look, there are vegetables", I respond.
"Well, they must not have meat", they pronounce.
"What of chef and niçoise salads", I inquire.
"It has gravy, and salads don't have gravy", they gleam.
"They certainly do.  It's called salad dressing", I redress.
"No matter, they must have some leafy greens", they proclaim.
"But potato and  pasta salads don't have leafy greens", I recall.
"Those are exceptions", they instruct.
"Then your definition is flawed.  A rule with exceptions is not a rule.  It is a suggestion", I close.

Taking into account the flawed and prevalent salad suggestion, I decided to build my own approach to sustaining my commute.  I've dubbed this system Robinson's Dianetics.  It is a lifestyle system that encourages a healthy balance of both cardio and resistance training coupled with delicious fuels in reasonable proportions.  In spite of its detractors Robinson's Dianetics works as I am proof positive of its success.  Even now I am still maintaining my steady burn of around 1kg per month and its been 15 months.  I'm developing it as I go along but one day I'll compile my extensive research and field experience into a free ebook for all to benefit.  It will be my gift to commuters and serious cyclist everywhere; I'll give Seat Co-worker a bound hardback archive-paper autographed limited edition copy.  Yes ... it brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it. (I promised myself I wouldn't cry.)

In reality, I'm not much of a salad fan  and so only have one about once a fortnight or thereabouts.  My latest craving has been for yummy sandwiches; which brings us to the catalyst of today's post.  I decided that I could make a better, fresher, less expensive, and more tastier sandwiches than those found at nearby eateries.  Therefore, I set about to collect the finest ingredients and proportion them in just the right ratios.

From my years of field experience with sandwiches and sandwich building I selected the following combination as optimal:

• Lightly toasted whole wheat bread
• ⅛ pound each of two types of deli meat
• Cheese
• Tomato
• Sweet pepper
• Hot pepper
• Leafy greens
• A trio of condiments

Last week this recipe was realised with smoked turkey and sun-dried Italian ham, Swiss cheese, plum tomato, orange bell pepper, jalapeño pepper, and arugula. 

These are the makings of a beautiful sandwich. 

From these humble elements the masterpiece that is A Bicycle Commuter's Lunch is created; four times weekly (Thursday's I order Indian).

Say hello to my little friend.

And there you have it; my commuter lunch.  It takes me about 15 minutes to prep and construct this magnificent treat but it is worth every millisecond.  There have been some cursory calorie calculations applied that suggest that this little gem approaches 650 cal.  However, this is of little consequence in the Robinson's Dianetics scheme of things as it is jammed packed full of quality proteins, essential fats, vitamins, minerals, dietary fibres, and complex carbohydrates.  Yes, it is a high cadence road to fitness but every now and again you get to coast a little.


Thanks for reading,

Edmund

Any Bags To Check, Sir?

Hi all,

When I spec'd the accessories for Silver Wing I included a pair of panniers.  They arrived a month or so after I began commuting. This actually turned out be a experience as I am now able to compare commuting with daysack versus commuting with panniers. Similarly, commuting flag arrived a couple of weeks after I began and I am able to compare my experience with and without as well.

No checked bags; carry-on only

Before the Bontrager Interchange Waterproof Panniers arrived was forced to haul the requisite accoutrements in a daysack.  For this I used the wife's Timberland pack.  It has easily performed a decade or more of service.  In fact, I believe she first  purchased it for casual cycling.  Since then it has severed us well employed as vacation pack to diaper-bag and everything in between.  The shoulder straps and back are wide and cushioned and it has a waist belt as well.  I fashioned my reflective vest about it so I could be visible from the rear and fit it securely.  I guesstimate that the contents where about 8 to 10 pounds, consisting of shoes, clothing, tier repair, and wet weather gear.  It was reasonably comfortable with a noticeable lingering presence along the clavicle. Later, after I switched to the panniers, I noticed that additional pressure was put on the buttocks and legs from carrying the weight on the shoulders.

Enter the Bontrager Interchange Waterproof Panniers.  These little beauties were selected due to their high visibility, built in waterproofing, ease of access, carrying capacity, and simplicity of installation and removal.

Bontrager Interchange Waterproof Panniers with 1.5L bottle

On the yellow front of the bags there are two vertical reflective white stripes that run the height.  Both sides of the bags also sport a reflective square pattern of 16 white dots; well, 15 and a Bontrager logo.  The yellow front with stripes provides good notice of your road presence along a wide arc on both sides.  Rear angles are given to the reflective dot pattern.  They have the added bonus of widening the bike which will encourage motorists to provide you an additional inch or four when overtaking.

Standing on its side with 1.5L water bottle

The material is nylon coated with TPU for waterproofing. The opening is rolled down about an attached ridged plastic guide. A female clip ends are sewn onto the top ends of both sides and they remain available throughout the roll. These join with their male counterparts attached just above the dot pattern.  The rolling method provides superior protection against water ingress through the opening.  It also affords the benefit of having no zipper to fail.  Also, the male clip strap's length is adjustable <giggles> so there is little need for much pressure to be exerted on the clips.

Plastic folding guide with 1.5L water bottle inside

The bags provide 39,329 cubic centimetres (24,000 cubic inches) of cargo space. This includes a grey internal horizontally zippered flat pouch and an external vertically zippered flat pouch for smaller items.  They are very spacious, leaving good room to search within without removing items.  This is key when performing tasks on the side of the road.

Attaching and removing is a cinch.  There is a hook located centre on the back of each bag that is horizontally adjustable.  You'll notice from the photos above that a double clasp runs along the top of the bag.  This is actuated buy the bag's rubberised handle.  Up releasing the clasp and down engages them. The hook fits about the rack's centre pole and the clasp captures the top bar of the rack.  Easy on and easy off.

Pannier clips to rack

Pannier view to other traffic

I've been using these for about a year with three to four round trips of three days per week on average.  Overall I am very happy with my choice.  I would like a shallow bowl footprint insert for each one, though. As it currently ships the bottom of the pannier is of the same material and strength as the remainder of it.  However, this portion will be stressed more then any other.  Something to resist punctures and evenly spread the load over the bottom surface would have been much appreciated.  Also, there is some wear along the folding crease where you open and close them but this appears to be cosmetic.

That being said, I've not had any issues with the panniers structural integrity.  They both are functioning well after considerable use over a year. Unfortunately, they don't appear to be on offer any longer on Bontrager's site.

Thanks for reading,

Edmund

Eyes On The Prize

Hi all,

I live!  Although it has been a somewhat quiet existence; at least as far as blogging is concerned. The riding has continued and I have seen some notable markers of success over the past four months. Also, due to my exceptional niceness over the year Santa delivered a Samsung Galaxy Nexus just in time for Christmas. With its GPS and bank of bike computer applications I've been able to collect some interesting visualisations of commuting on the island.

Silver Wing's latest look

You may recall from earlier posts (Sounds Like A Good Idea and Water, Water, Everywhere) that my initial goals were to discard 30 pounds and achieve a commute time of about 40 minutes.  Since then I've upped the ante another 10 pounds to target a total loss of 40 pounds.  Over the last four months I've been reasonably consistent, completing three to four round-trips each week (90 to 120 km per week) in varying weather conditions. 

One might be curious as to the total loss thus far.  Twelve pounds; post holiday festivities.  Not exactly meeting the goal of a pound per week but reasonably close to it considering there was an abundance of meat and sweets whom I refused to refrain from entertaining. If I batten down the hatches for the next few months by reviving conscientious eating habits I may be able to get back on track.  However, the belt pin has moved down two spaces and am comfortably wearing trousers two inches narrower at the waist from four months prior. I'd say that performance is slightly south of satisfactory given the starting requirements.

Commuting time as experienced much better performance.  I endured a commute of 59 minutes and 22 seconds on the maiden voyage just four months ago with an average speed of 16km/h.  These days the 15km is completed around 40 minutes with average speeds ranging from 20km/h up to 22km/h.  I'd like to get the speed higher and am investing in additional kit to assist this aim.

I have some maps and bits obtained with the assistance of the Android Market My Tracks app.  I'll chat about these in another post.  I'm cutting down on post length in the hopes that it will be easier to post more often.  It is quite an undertaking to maintain post of previous lengths on a frequent.

Thanks for reading,

Edmund 

I Christen Thee, Silver Wing

Hi all,

And so it came to past that on the thirtieth day of August in the year two thousand eleven on the tiny mid-Atlantic Bermuda Isles in the even tinier City of Hamilton that Greg of Winner's Edge did complete the build of the mightiest 2012 Trek 7.5 FX Disc he and his team had ever dared attempt.  The awe and power of the masterpiece being so great that he dare not call another from the forge to this very day.  Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am now one with the Trek.

2012 Trek 7.5 FX Disc at Pleasant Point Park, Hamilton, Bermuda

The Pick Up

After a bit of a false start on Monday, seat co-worker received a text about 9:30AM stating that my mechanical stallion was champing at the bit for its rider. Elation. It just so happened that I would be in a series of meetings starting then and following through to 11.  Agony.  Since the leasing of my skills and services for these meetings and their subsequent happenings had empowered me to commission the build I thought it in my best interest to compose myself and soldier on as dutifully and professionally as possible.  After all, I might need additional accessories in the near future and would have slim chance of acquiring them without continued empowerment. 

Meetings concluded, I confirmed  a split lunch hour with our great leader (who happens to have an excellent recipe for liver and fava beans) and made way for Winner's Edge.  It was overcast and drizzling but that did not register.  I tabbed forward, loaded with my daydreamings of swift transits along Middle Road keeping pace with the traffic and casual meanderings along the paved portions of Railway Trail with the boy and his 2009 Trek Jet 12.  Soon I stood in the entrance of Winner's Edge.  It seemed different.  More industrious.  Like great finely tuned machines were made there.  

"Edmund", Greg exclaims with a sagacious grin on his face.

"Greg", I beam back expectantly.

He knows what is about to transpire.  He's seen it many times before and, no doubt, will see it many times to come.  Perhaps not long after I swoon and  depart.  A new love affair is moments from affirmation and he relishes in the presence of its birth.   

"I have something for you", he casually mentions.  All the while attempting to maintain a nonchalant grin.  I'm tingling.  He's feeding off of me.  Siphoning the immense energy of my anticipation.  

He is standing behind the upper counter at the back of the shop in the build area.  I begin the walk.  A row of new builds (evidenced by their build and option receipts wrapped about the handle bar)  line the bike rack.  My gait is urgent yet steady. I don't want to rush as one of these is my Trek and I don't want to pass it by.

Wrong colour.

Too big.

No disc brakes.

End.

"Cruel beast, where is it!", I scream inside.

"Its up here", he responds.  

What manner of magic is this?  He has been watching me study each bike as I walked the line.  Reading my mind.  Waiting for the confused tell-tale to morph my brow.  I ascend and approach. Nothing reminiscent of my Trek lies before me. 

"Its over there", he gestures behind me.

I turn and there, not a few feet away, in all its silver glittery glory, is my Trek.  I take a few steps toward it, extend my hand, and lay it upon the top bar.  The cool alloy releases the expectant anxiety.  I'm giddy.  This will be my commuter, my torturer, and the gateway to a healthier me.

Greg talks.  I hear him but only half listen.  My focus is on my Trek.  I run my hands over it.  Pull on the Shimano hydraulic levers. Examine theShimano M446 hydraulic disc brakes.  Press my palm in the Botrager inForm H2 saddle. Give the Topeak MTX Explorer Disc rack a sturdy shake.  It is wonderfully made and Winner's Edge has done an excellent job in assembling it.  Greg mentions that this is the only 2012 Trek 7.5 FX Disc on the Island and speaks highly of the Shimano hydraulic disc brakes (they use mineral oil for the hydraulic fluid).

After a check of seat height and an exchange of gold he sets me on my way.  I have a bag of manuals, the helmet, and a few accessories to carry so I don't get to ride.  My Bontrager Interchange Waterproof Panniers have not arrived as yet.  I've no place to store these items in order to ride my Trek.  It trots along side me as we roll the few city blocks back to the office.

It is real.  I have the Trek, the cycling gear, and the routes laid out. All that remains are a few hours between now and game time.

The Maiden Voyage

View Larger Map

The hours pass quickly enough.  I'm dressed and the wife and boy have come to Point Pleasant Park in the City to see me off.

On your marks.  Get Set. Go!

Well, almost: Par-La-Ville Road turning onto Front Street

Lights at Hamilton Ferry Terminal, Front Street, Hamilton, Bermuda

This is a learning experience.  Eighteen gears to choose from.  I know the theory but the practice, well, it requires practice.  I pick too low a gear on the limited flats; spinning the pedals but going nowhere.  I pick to high a gear going up hill; sapping my strength and stressing my stamina. The gear I think I am in bears no resemblance to the gear I am actually in. I cross stretch the chain, lose contact with pedals, swerve, sweat, and swear.  In spite of the padded pants, my buttocks is sore.  I stop for a minute or so about 5km and 10km for water.  I'm not confident enough to reach down, grab the bottle, slurp, and return the bottle while in motion.

Middle Road, Southampton approaching Church Road

Just past Barnes Corner Park, Southampton

I find the sweet spot of the seat near the end of the journey.  Too late.  The damage as already been done.  It subsides quickly enough.

Hi, Papa. ... Bye, Papa.

Fast as fast can be.  You'll never catch me.

Just past Port Royal Fire Station, Southampton, Bermuda

Welcome to Sandys Parish

Fighting finish

The Bontrager Trip 5W recorded a distance of 15.8km with a time of 59 minutes and 22 seconds for an average speed of 16.0km/h and a max speed of 41.7km/h.  It wasn't easy but I was handsomely rewarded.

The boy: "Papa, you're awesome."

Silver Wing

Immediately post maiden voyage

After a breather and some examining of the Trek's condition its name came to me.

I christen thee, Silver Wing

With all the fanfare the boy wanted in on the action.  He brought out is 2009 Trek Jet 12 to join the party.

Papa's and the boy's stallions

This image represents a defining moment for me.  When this scene lay before me I realised that I'd completely missed the plot.  Sure, it was nice researching Treks and visualising how svelte and toned I'd become with daily commuting and continued weight training.  I imagine getting a few extra winks and nods from the wife would be no small dividend as well.  However, what really matters above all else is this little boy.  How long would I be around for the little terror if I didn't improve my fitness?  What number of years would I be stealing from him?  I needed to get fit to stay in the picture.  At least long enough to witness him receive similar behaviour from his own.  I've been riding and will continue to do so.  I'd like to be available for him for as long as possible.

Thanks for reading,

Edmund

Water, Water, Everywhere

Hi all,

On Thursday I took some time to document my current morning commute.  I'm fortunate enough to be able to utilise public transit for my entire journey.  It short, it consist of a short walk to a bus shelter, a ride on a shuttle, a fast ferry through Little and Great Sounds and Hamilton Harbour, and then a short walk to the office.

View Larger Map

A Short Walk and a Quick Shuttle

The Bermuda day begins with a north-westerly view overlooking the neighbourhood flanked by Hog Bay Park with shimmering glimpses of the mid-Atlantic blue peeking through the tree-line.

Good Morning

From here it is a quick five minute walk to the bus shelter on Middle Road (point A).  Most shelters are built of limestone block and are very sturdy since they must (and do) withstand hurricanes. I did not make it to the bus shelter on Thursday as I was running a bit late from sourcing the camera.  The shuttle picked me up along the way.

All aboard

Cosy, yet spacious

The shuttle service is operated on a Bermuda Government contract with there being no direct cost for its use. This may change as a month or so past there was a civil servant conducting a survey inquiring if and how much commuters would pay to use the shuttle and if having to pay would effect their use of the ferry service.

Typical limestone bus shelter

After a quick five minute drive we arrive at the Rockaway Ferry Stop (Point B).

Cruising The Sounds

Welcome to Rockaway Ferry

Here we queue and await the ferry.  Notice that ferry shelters are of similar sturdy construction to that of bus shelters.  Since they are of more recent construction they use reinforced and filled concrete block instead of limestone  They are also prettied up a bit with a coat of pink paint.

Queueing in pink

Their are three classes of fast ferry but I've been unsuccessful in finding any detail on the Bermuda Government website.  For now, let's just call them Small, Medium and Large.  There are two of each class and they are all catamarans (I believe aluminium alloy) using water-jet propulsion.  On Thursday, the L. J. Cecil Smith (Large class) arrived to ferry us to Hamilton.

To dock at Rockaway the fast ferries wedge their bow into a bumpered catch that has a centred raised gangplank.  Once firmly nestled in position the gangplank's winch is remotely activated to lower it onto the deck.  The mass of commuters then herd aboard while flashing their passes or depositing their tokens.

Ferry docked at Rockaway

One month pass

I generally make my way to the upper deck to enjoy the fresh mid-Atlantic air.  Here, I spend the commute reading the morning paper on my Notion Ink Adam Android tablet. This, I will miss most. I have a PressDisplay monthly (31 issues) subscription and use their PressReader Android app to download the International Herald Tribute each morning.  I used to get the Wall Street Journal: Europe but they have disabled their newspaper for mobile download. 

Top of stairs looking forward

Amidships looking aft

Notion Ink Adam with PressReader app

The route takes us past Morgan's Point (a former US Naval Annex), out to the marker on Pearl Island (Point C), down through Lefroy and Agar's Islands (Point D), and on to the Hamilton Ferry Terminal (Point E).

Below are some some pictures along the route.  I don't remember exactly which of the Great Sound islands I photographed and the images are not geotagged.  They are displayed in chronological order inbound from the Rockaway Ferry stop.  

An aside: My Nexus One Android phone's screen cracked a while back and I attempted an at home repair.  The results were catastrophic.  I'm waiting on the Nexus 3 (or is it Nexus Prime?) before I purchase another smartphone.  Until then all the pictures and video are supplied via the wife's green Olympus Stylus 1030 SW.  It is a very good camera that is about 4 or so years old; shock resistant and waterproof.  In any case, there wont be any geotagging until I obtain the Nexus 3.

Gibb's Hill Lighthouse in the distance

The Fairmont Southampton Resort

Bits of Warwick and Southampton parishes from Great Sound

A stretch of Harbour Road

One of the Great Sound islands

A bit of Paget parish from Hamilton Harbour

Hamilton Harbour and Ferry Terminal

Into the harbour we pass by the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Resort, the Newstead Belmont Hills Resort (on the far side of the harbour), Barr's Park, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, Point Pleasant Park, and finally, the Hamilton Ferry Terminal.

 The Fairmont Hamilton Princess Resort

 The Newstead Belmont Hills Resort

Barr's Park and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club

Point Pleasant Park and rounding to the Hamilton Ferry Terminal

The fast ferries are generally only used on the longer ferry routes.  For the harbour routes the mono-hull ferries are used.  These have been in use for decades but they still consistently carry on with their duties.

The Coralita setting off on the Pink line

The Coralita and White's Island

Next are a few shots as the L. J. Cecil Smith brings us around to dock.  But first, have a look at the shipping docks to the far rear of the Holland America's Veendam cruise liner. A container ship can be seen at the docks.  Could my 2012 Trek 7.5 FX Disc bike be on that ship?  Will the stevedores unload it in good time considering the current industrial action?  If so, when will the bike arrive at Winner's Edge?  Are there bikes in the assembly queue preceding mine?  The mind whirls with the possibilities. Actually, Greg at Winner's Edge said that he would call me when the bike is in.  I might be able to get a few shots of it on the assembly rack.

The Veendam, Holland America Line, Front Street, Hamilton, Bermuda

Front Street, Hamilton around 8:15AM

Lining up the dock

Welcome to Hamilton

Now all that remains is to exit the ferry, pass through the terminal, and take a short walk to the office.

Stern of lower deck facing forward

Entrance to the Hamilton Ferry Terminal

Looking East down  Front Street outside of Hamilton Ferry Terminal

So there you have it.  Thursday I left home at 7:40AM and was at my desk by 8:20AM.  Most of that time, around 25 minutes, is spent on the ferry ride. The other bits being the 5 minute shuttle ride and the two 5 minute walks.  Yes, it is tough making this arduous trek each and every morning but there are bills to be paid and retirement to plan for so I do what I must and soldier on.

Switching to commuting by bike for the 15km will perhaps take me an hour or more at the start.  However, I'm planning to get that down to 40 minutes.  If that is possible I'll have no increase in transit time with the added benefit of slimming down.

I'm extremely hopeful that my next post will come mid week featuring glamour glossies of my mechanical, sweat fed stallion.

Thanks for reading,

Edmund