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Pedaling to work … Snakes in a Creek
In honor of the first day of Bike Month, I pedaled to work this morning.
I try to ride my bike to work once a week. I’ve got an easy commute — it’s about 8 miles each way, most of it on the Shoal Creek Hike and Bike Trail. I live in Allandale, near RM2222 and Loop 1, and the Austin American-Statesman offices are at Congress Avenue and the river. I’ve got trails or bike lanes nearly the entire way.
Two snake spottings highlighted this morning’s ride. The 2-foot slithery critters were swimming in the creek about half a block apart, south of Ninth Street. Also, an osprey landed in a tree along the creek. (Note to self: Never to swim in Shoal Creek.)
It’s like “Wild Kingdom” out there. Over the years, I’ve seen owls, nutrias, snapping turtles, swans, blue herons and one freakishly gigantic (seriously, the size of a dinner plate) frog.
Official Bike Month activities get under way today, starting with a Kick-Off event at City Hall Plaza, 301 W. 2nd St., from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The City’s Neighborhood Connectivity Division, along with the Austin Commuter Challenge, Austin Cycling Association, Bicycle Sport Shop, Bike Texas, Capital Metro, the Political Pedal, Austin Police Department and the City’s PE Department Program are hosting the festivities.
Another important day to remember? Friday, May 15, is Bike to Work Day.
I want to see everyone out there! I’m already planning to swing by for the free breakfast at Whole Foods downtown location.
Ride your bike! It’s fun, you get your daily exercise in the time you could be stuck in traffic, and it takes cars off the road.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment Categories: cycling
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By CO2creator
May 1, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this
Pam, You sure look tense riding your bike, a little sketchy ;-) Relax the arms and shoulder.
What is the menu at Whole Foods on the 15th? Can we expect steak, eggs, bacon, buttered toast with jelly plus some pancakes on the side with maple syrup?
By PW
May 1, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this
Why not every day! Too bad not all areas of Austin are well-designed for commuting. Getting from Northwest Austin to East Central is a bear. We need Desau Rd. to be cut back to two lanes and a bike lane each way. Or at least fix and maintain the sidewalks.
By Pam LeBlanc
May 1, 2009 12:32 PM | Link to this
CO2 — That’s not tension, it’s swimmers’ shoulders. Last year Whole Foods had little pastries, fresh fruit and OJ. And PW — Would love to commute more and am trying. But it’s tough when I have appts all over town. And you’re right — am always in favor of better bike infrastructure! Pam