I Ride a Bike...a Bikecycle

Just a couple of days after arriving in Marina it quickly became apparent that I would not be able to get by with using my feet and the bus as my sole transportation because of the odd hours I, as an athletic trainer, work.  Although the generosity of my co-worker with a car was great, I could not burden her with arranging her schedule around mine so I could get to work.  Thus, three days after arriving, I purchased a bike.  I was ecstatic to find that there is an REI just 0.8 miles from the building I work so I'd be able to get this bike all on my own.  I checked out some bikes on the REI website and walked to the REI following practice one day to purchase a bike.  I arrived at REI to be helped out by a very helpful young man with large hair who set me up with a couple of commuter Cannondale bikes for a test ride.  Unfortunately, there was not the appropriate staff member there at the time so I couldn't test ride either bike.  I went back the following day and was able to purchase a Cannondale Quick 5 bicycle.  

Isn't she a beauty?!  Can't risk her getting stolen - locked up at work.

There are 3 simple steps: (1) lower bike rack
 (2) place bike on rack (3) secure with front tire bar

Not having a car, I have been forced to use my brand new bike and the public bus.  This is a welcomed change as it was a challenge to myself at the beginning of this journey to live more simply, more green, shape up and save money.  So far things have worked out well!  I must admit, the ride to campus on the bike is a bit tough between the continual hills and the incredibly strong wind.  I swear the road to campus is a wind tunnel for the seas breeze off the bay.  Thus, when possible I try to take the bus to campus and ride back home.  I had never taken my bike on the bus before, but it turns out it is really simple.  There is a bike rack on the front of the bus that allows for two bikes to be secured during the ride.  This is a splendid feature of the bus as it allows me to do half the work for certain rides.  For example, I can take the bus for 15 minutes to get on campus then ride my bike 5 minutes to get to Target.  Or I can take the bus to work when the bus schedule allows and then ride my bike home when the bus schedule doesn't allow.
      Biking has also cut my transportation costs drastically (in addition to the bus I can use for free with my work ID).  Although the upfront cost for the bike was pricey, I know it was cheaper than buying a car, getting auto insurance, having to pay for gas and any maintenance associated with the car.  I have also found that despite the hard work it involves, riding my bike is quite enjoyable.  I get to experience the beautiful weather, see wildlife (i.e. deer and wild turkeys so far), and have been increasing my leg strength.  It's also fun to know that I am being ecofriendly!  The ride between work and home is just about 3 miles and takes between 15 and 20 minutes.  It's not much longer than the bus ride or driving.  The ride isn't too terribly challenging, though it never fails to make me sweat and make my quads burn.  What will be quite a challenge will be my ride to my job at the outpatient physical therapy clinic, Terrapin Physical Therapy.  The ride is about 8 miles.  I have yet to make the ride as my roommate, Sonja, loaned me her car the past two times  so I wouldn't have to make the bike ride at 5:45am (my shift at Terrapin starts at 7am).  I'm hoping I'll continue to get to drive because the ride includes one hell of a hill and would likely produce buckets of sweat - not ideal for arriving at work.  I must admit though, the ride also includes an absolutely glorious view of the town of Monterey, the peninsula, and the Monterey Bay - breath taking!  I'll have to take a picture some time, but it looks something like this:

Not a bad view at all! :D :D

I'm very happy that I have already been meeting some of my challenges/goals for this journey by being able to rely on my bike and the bus for transportation, but I'm also very thankful to have such a generous roommate and co-worker who have allowed me to use their vehicles and take me places like the grocery store or the Farmer's Market (at least until I get a bike rack with panniers).  I've learned that having and utilizing resources is necessary to get by and to never underestimate the kindness of others.  I'm also trying to figure out the best way to repay Crystal and Sonja - suggestions are welcome!  My challenge to you is to get out on your bike, your feet, or the bus/train.  It's not as bad as we sometimes think, in fact it can be quite enjoyable and allows you to experience your area in a whole new way - maybe you'll appreciate even more :)

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow

Maybe...the weather here in Marina is a bit different than many of us midwesterners would expect for an August day in California.  Marina has welcomed me with overcast skies, temperatures in the 50s and 60s, and daily fog/mist :)  I think this information should also be included in the California misconceptions commercial!  Like Betty White suggests, come visit and I'll show you how I roll - or I'll just tell you now and you can visit when it is all sunshine and surf.

Definitely overcast

Some sunshine, but proof of fog in the distance

After sleeping under the covers with a cool breeze blowing through the open window, I wake up, slip on my slippers and get ready for the day.  I head out to the foggy, misty morning where clouds and cool temperatures are a staple.  Riding my bike over the demanding hills of the three mile commute to work reminds me how strong a sea breeze can be.  I struggle to decide if the overcast skies require my polarized sunglasses or not.  I often cannot decide the proper clothing to wear because too much wind proofing can inhibit the ventilation I need for all the body heat I'm producing while biking; pants can be too restrictive and hot, while shorts lack sufficient material to maintain my body temperature; all my athletic footwear is mesh, but they allow too much wind through them.  So, what I have found, despite my insecurities while walking around in such attire, is that capri cut running tights are the perfect bottoms for commuting.  And a dry-fit material long sleeve top compliments the part workout, part commute.  Footwear dilemma is yet to be solved.

Although the weather proves to be a little bit of a problem for my morning and evening commute, it is my absolute favorite for casual wear!  Is there anything easier and more comfortable than throwing on a pair of jeans, v-neck, comfy sweatshirt, and fuzzy boots?!  I also look forward to exploring fashion more and actually purchasing and sporting more publicly pleasing attire - a big thank you to pinterest!

So despite the misunderstanding of what moving to the beach meant in regards to weather, it's a happy change from the heat wave plagued Chicagoland summer.  However, I don't want you to get too upset, the weather is about to turn around.  The start of the "Indian summer" is around the corner.  The start of September will be accompanied by warmer temperatures and more sun.  This serves as an invitation to all to know that between September and early November is primetime to visit when you need a warm getaway :)  Let me know when you'll be by, hopefully I'll have my commuting and casual wardrobe figured out by then.

Location, Location, Location

      I have safely made my way to my "permanent home" here in the Golden State.  "Home" is now here in Marina, California - a central coast town on the coast of Monterey Bay.  It's a beautiful place that is characterized by rolling hills and agriculture with weather similar to San Fransisco because of it's proximity to the bay.  The campus of California State University, Monterey Bay is actually situated on Ft. Ord, a previous military base which still has obvious remnants of its history.  The campus has bought many former military buildings and converted them for appropriate use as collegiate buildings.  Although the campus center likely looks similar to any other college campus, it's the outskirts of the campus that continue to marvel me.  The lands are cluttered with abandoned buildings, vacant parking lots, and roads to nowhere.  The setting is intriguing, a bit desolate, and a recent controversy.  There is currently debate as to what to do with the land that remains unused: remain wild or sell for development.  It will be interesting to see what happens with the land if anything occurs while I'm here.  

Roadways to nowhere - now part of the disc golf course

Old Barracks

Beyond the immediate area, there is the beautiful beach and coastal town of Monterey.  The area is quaint and includes a Fisherman's Wharf, complete with barking sea lions, cute otters, and fiber filled seagulls.  My co-worker took me to the local farmer's market that provided for cheap hybrid and regular

Yes, that ginormous sea lion is just a few steps away!

produce.  I bought two plum-apricot hybrids and an avocado - both were delicious!  I will most definitely be making my way back there and likely will try some highly recommended crepes and doughnuts.  The market also provides clothing, music, different wines, olive oils, dips, and even musical instruments.      It's great to live somewhere where I can ride past the farms that supply the stands at the fame's market - that's FRESH!!
     I am living with Sonja, the new assistant softball coach at CSUMB and her dog Baxter, in a two bedroom, one bath government issued apartment building.  The building itself was not built for Chicago's four seasons as it boasts thin windows, paper thin walls and doors and very little insulation.  It will definitely aid me in fulfilling my goal of living simply - no stainless steel appliances, a shared washroom, plywood cabinets, and simple hardware.  I look forward to further exploring the area and sharing my experience with you.