Two Wheel Emotional Trauma
Harassment is still ensuing when I ride my bike to work. Morning Guy Ed Walsh thought it would be funny to put a big basket on my bike so I would be ready to do laundry down by the river in Indonesia.Â
I know. I know. The panniers (or saddlebags, as you people like to call them) are not my style and very noticable. More safety, Dude. And this is not about fashion! It’s total function.  But, I may give in to peer pressure and get different ones because even Chris Redford said they just weren’t right.Â
I’m getting the hang of this now. I’ve invaded Fletch’s clothes closet for space to put extra clothing. I’d love to hear what you like/dislike about commuting to work on your bike. Me: When I run, I can tell my legs are getting stronger from biking. When I take off for work, I feel so free. It’s a great way to start and finish the work day.   Â
I’ll be keeping a total soon of how much $ I’m saving by doing this.  Anyone have employers who are making it easier for you to commute (providing a place to put your bike, offering shower facilities)?  Â
June 30th, 2008 at 10:30 am
You have to remember that Ed probably can’t ride a bike and he is just jealous. I saw this woman the other day riding her bike down Anniston and I was like ‘hey that looks like the bik in the picture on Sherri’s page…wait! That is Sherri.’ I guess I have to get use to seeing you on wheels
June 30th, 2008 at 10:34 am
http://www.sacramento-tma.org/Bicycling.htm
Hey back, Kimmy. I saw you go by.
This is the most comprehensive site on bike commuting I’ve found. Not sherritalley.com, the one I put at the head of this comment! It’s Sacramento’s and it’s awesome.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Poor Sherri, I am sorry you are getting picked on. Maybe you could start a rickshaw service and take their money while they pick on you.
June 30th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I just posted on the green Share the Road signs. I linked to one of your posts about biking http://redriverblogjam.blogspot.com/2008/06/share.html
I wish I could bike to work. But I’ve gotta get into better shape first and “master” the hills in Highland before I can make the trek downtown. I have biked to Brookshires before, which leads to less food being brought because who has room for kitty litter and potatoes. Rice cakes, on the other hand, can be twisty tied to the handle bars.
June 30th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Cool, thanks Kathryn!
Yeah, haven’t tackled the grocery store yet. To work and back is becoming routine now.
June 30th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
I am seriously considering it, but not on my tri-bike. I am going to leave my bike at the Y, shower and then walk to work.
Did Ian recommend regular petals for safety or was that your choice?
June 30th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Yeah…I had to get off that tri bike, carrying so much to and from work! I go a lot slower, but I’m much more balanced. Ian just fixed me up with regular pedals…no clip-ins. That way, changing shoes is one less thing I have to worry about, too.
Let us know how it goes, Leo!
July 1st, 2008 at 10:48 am
If there is one good thing I can say about Sherri riding her bike to and from work. She was able to single handedly propel Shreveport to number 8 in the country for America’s sweatiest cities!
July 1st, 2008 at 2:49 pm
AWESOME that you ride your bike to work. You go girl!
July 1st, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I think you should also write about all the ways you keep your hair from looking like a helmet, how you master the sweat factor with no shower, and personal stuff like that. Plus, get rid of the saddlebags, they are too gurly!
July 1st, 2008 at 3:34 pm
i agree mel…i would ‘have’ to take a shower
July 1st, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Sherri doesn’t shower. She dry cleans.
July 1st, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Secret. Strong enough for a man …
July 1st, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Mel, new panniers (saddlebags) are on the way!
Alright, after much research and experimentation, I, and other bike commuters, find this is what works in the friendly grooming department:
I shower immediately before my commute. Sure, I sweat. When I get to work, I use baby wipes to remove sweat and apply more deodorant and cool down before changing clothes and doing hair and makeup. This does require getting to work earlier.
Some commuters have fans to cool them down faster. As all of you know, I don’t have any fans
Since Gerry and I have to work so closely on the set, I’ll let him tell you whether my little routine is effective.
July 1st, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Well, can’t tell yet. But we’re getting lots of complaints from viewers who can’t understand what I’m saying with that clothespin on my nose.
July 1st, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Oh no you did not!
July 1st, 2008 at 6:25 pm
unfortunaltey I work for a company that doesn’t even reimburse me for any of my gas. I have to drive atleast 80 miles a day to sale insurance. So as you can imagine riding a bike is a little out of the question
July 1st, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Wow, turtle, you’re really taking a hit with these gas prices!
July 1st, 2008 at 7:12 pm
ReggieinSeattle, thanks, Dude!
July 1st, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Oh..doc appt. right before the news kept me from being able to bike to work. Trish said that was no excuse. Anyway, when I drove for the first time in several days, I felt like I was flying!
July 4th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
hey sherri,
i think your bike rocks!. those panniers are sweet!
i appreciate the way that you are becoming an advocate for
commuting to work.
keep the panniers– in a month everyone will have/ want them!