I finally got my commuter bike back from the shop and immediately went about upgrading it with various parts, accessories, and night safety features to help me navigate and recover from Santa Clarita’s mean streets this winter.
Here it is- the Obama Bike (at least that’s its name until next Tuesday when Obama wins. After that, I’m sure I’ll rename it, Obama is sure to disappoint). This is a 2008 Swobo Dixon I bought from the fine folks at Newhall Bicycle Company (Shop local!). It’s an aluminum framed, take-no-prisoners, urban-do-or-die all purpose bike built for the mean streets of (sub)urbia.
I’ve had it since June and have put 724 miles on it so far. In early September, the pedal broke, and it was out of commission for three weeks.
I got it back last Friday and have since added a coffee thermos that attaches to the frame, 3M reflective tape to help keep me visible in the dark (roll clocks back this weekend!), some cargo panniers to store clothes, my Sony ebook reader, and personal effects, and a special trailer for my dog.
The Obama-bike comes fully loaded with two rear facing blind-you-till-you-spot-me LED lights plus a 1W head lamp that does a decent job of illuminating Santa Clarita’s darkest bike paths. When I started commuting in the dark, I’ll be wearing an high-visibility neon green rain jacket with yet more 3M reflective tape.
Since I gave up my car in July, however, I haven’t had a way to get the Obama-dog to local parks. Dragging him on a leash behind my bike is unsafe, and walking just sucks, so I invested in a $129 dog trailer.
Ta-da!
Obama-dog didn’t like this contraption at first, but I think he’s getting used to it.
Now I know what you’re thinking. “Jeff, you’re a certified nut.” I know, I’m thinking that myself.
But I haven’t bought gas in nearly four months, I’ve lost about 12 lbs, and I feel healthier. So that’s how I justify it.
Anyway, here’s the required shot of Obama-Dog in his mobile command post. He looks happy to me.
See you at Central Bark.