This is why you should be glad I bike to work

So most of you have probably seen this since it's linked to MSN's homepage, and probably will be for the next 8 weeks the way MSN does their linking. In fact, if you miss it, there's a good chance they'll link to it again in a year and act like it's a brand-new story. Anyway, I digress... So this caught my eye: Crash your car? Blame the stars. The premise is that people with certain astrological signs are more prone to auto accidents than other signs. Apparently this is a stronger indicator of auto accidents than age or zip code. Maybe the insurance industry will pick this up. If so, I'm in trouble. Aries didn't fare so well. I love this quote from the article: "Aries, on the other hand, 'have a "me first" childlike nature that drives Aries into trouble.' ... 'I would think twice before getting into a car with an Aries.' "

So watch out! And be glad I biked to work today so I can't give any of you a ride, and I can't cause significant damage to your SUV even if I do crash into you.

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

So my 'hood has a new addition that is perfect for me! A Grand Old Creamery just opened at Cedar and Minnehaha Parkway, where an old Dairy Queen used to be. Considering that there's still a DQ close by at the Falls, I can say that I love the change and the new option for ice cream delights!

I am a big fan of the GOC in St. Paul, so I was excited to try this one, especially since they are giving out coupons in my mail (finally, something to look FORWARD to when I get the mail..."where's my next GOC coupon???)

While GOC is no Sebastian Joe's or Izzy's, it is quality ice cream, and local. I must have looked hungry when Ash and I stopped by the other day on our rollerblading adventure, because the kids at the shop gave me a mountain of ice cream. I asked for a SINGLE SCOOP, half peanut butter chunk and half pistacio. Well, you be the judge as to whether that qualifies as a "single scoop." Needless to say, I was a happy camper and will be a loyal customer for years to come! (side note: Ashley had the sherbert and can attest to its deliciousness). Thumbs up all around on this one! Welcome to Nokomis!



Favorite ice cream shops?

Bike Safety

I know this post is a bit belated considering that the cyclist by Calhoun was killed last week (story here), but I've been thinking and reading about this quite a bit. I've been biking to work much more often this year, usually 3 to 4 times per week. The benefits are great, mostly in the decreased frustration with traffic. This week I've had to drive to work more, and with all the construction, a normal rush hour commute for me is 30-35 minutes, EXACTLY what my biking commuting time is.

I always ride safely, but I still worry about motorists who don't see me or who have an axe to grind with bikers. Way too often I get passed by someone who "buzzes" me, with only inches to spare. There is certainly a lot of animosity out there against bikers by motorists. I can understand their frustration with bikers who break the law, they frustrate me too. But the anger out there towards bikers is just so venomous. Bike commuting is a legitimate form of transportation, and small infrastructure expenditures in that regard are certainly justified. The MN taxpayers subsidize your SUV by building you bigger and more highways, why not toss us bike commuters a bone and give us a bike path or lane here and there? But I digress...

I noticed an interesting item on Road Guy this morning, and wanted to share it with you. It's a website about defensive biking, and for the regular bike commuter, it's a must-read.
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In other news, my roommate is moving out to live with her boyfriend, and while I'm happy for them, I'm looking for a roommate! Here's the craigslist ad.