06/06/2007

Blood, Sweat and Tears

Adventures in getting there from here on two wheels

By
Local columnist

Special to the Record-Eagle
Gretchen Murray studies a map of the TART bicycle trails. She was plotting the logistics of a bike commute from her home in Garfield Township to the Record-Eagle’s offices on Front Street.

Way back when gas was only $2.50 a gallon, I would sit at the traffic light at Hannah and Garfield in Traverse City while a parade of wheels crossed the TART Trail in front of me. Bikes, strollers pushed by moms on inline skates, kids wearing backpacks and riding skateboards — even then, I admired their fuel-free independence. Even more, I envied their healthier lifestyle.

As a city girl who commuted from the suburbs for years, I considered my 12-mile round trip from Garfield Township to Traverse City a luxury, but the gorgeous Traverse City scenery and the laid-back lifestyle had me sitting at that stop light daydreaming of dewy summer morning bike rides to my desk on weekdays and coffee and the farm market on weekends.

The appeal prompted me to buy a town bike, one that let me sit up straighter and see better, with a basket for my tote bag and lunch. In possession of the perfect bike, I started to fret over the logistics of a commute to work. Could a desk-bound, out-of-condition, on-the-cusp-Baby Boomer get there from here? Well, maybe.

My objectives were pretty simple: Get to work in one piece, show up on time without looking disheveled and in need of a shower and, if possible, save a little money on gas.

South Airport Road was my boundary line. Even though I've seen people do it, I didn't want to cross it on a bike, so I checked out places where I could park and pedal in. I called the TART Trails office for options.

Missy Luyk told me that the Tech Center lot on Parsons Road was one choice. In fact, since it sits next to the TART Trail, it would be a designated parking lot for Smart Commute Week, in progress now. Another option was Medalie Park adjacent to Logan's Landing. The new Boardman Trail to the library and then in to town would consolidate my daily round trip to about five miles.

I set out from there the next day. The weather was beautiful, and except for a little chain grease, the ride was smooth. Gas spiked to $3.67 a gallon. I felt pretty good.

Things got tougher on the way back. While navigating a narrow, wooden bridge that transitions to asphalt near the parking area, I took a hard spill, drawing blood as I scraped across the path. Falling sideways, I felt the impact as my helmet hit the walkway. It could have just as easily been my skull.

They say what doesn't kill us makes us stronger, and I limped home to clean up, swallow Ibuprofen and start out fresh the next day.

The gas prices put me among other riders on Woodmere as I pedaled toward town. A more seasoned rider since the previous day, I was no longer conscious of people in cars checking out my new mode of transportation — or so I thought until I reached a corner and a woman in an older Cadillac honked, pointing a finger at me and laughing. I thought about $3.67 a gallon and laughed back.

Maneuvering to Front Street, I was concentrating on whether or not drivers in parked cars were going to open their car doors in front of me, when three guys in a rusty compact rolled down their windows and yelled for me to move my "a--,” then sped off laughing.

Now, any woman knows those are fighting words. Sensitive to the fact that it's bigger than a breadbox, I decided I wasn't obstructing traffic and wouldn't let the incident ruin my ride. Instead I rolled up alongside them at a red light and all three stared out the windows of the other side of the car until the light changed.

Things eventually got better, and I knew that, if I was going to keep this going, I would have to have a bad weather alternative plan.

I brought up the question to Dave Bucholtz, a member of the sales staff at Brick Wheels, who showed me some rain gear while helping me pick out a new helmet.

Bucholtz rides with the Cherry Capital Cycling Club, bikes everywhere and is quite knowledgeable.

"Some people don't ride in the rain when the roads are slick, but it depends on a person's financial situation or skill level,” he said. "Some people ride through all weather.”

I knew my skill level all too well and thought I'd better check with BATA for backup. A walk to the downtown transit station and a quick demonstration by BATA Supervisor Barry Johnson showed me how easy it is to use the bike carriers on the front of most buses.

"Ninety-nine out of 100 of our drivers are super,” he told me. "They'll help you with anything.”

I came away confident that I could get back to my car even if I couldn't bike back to it.

With all my ducks in a row, I was looking forward to the camaraderie of Smart Commute Week. And if gas prices stay up, I plan to ride often. I rationalize it as a two-fold purpose, going greener and better long-term health — that is, if I can just make it through the introductory period.

My knees are creaking less already and I'm hoping to stave off some of the other aches and pains of aging. My husband sees the benefits to our budget, "We may not save a lot on gas, but down the road, the savings to our medical bills will be huge,” he told me.

Smart Commute Week, a TART Trails program promoting alternative transportation in Traverse City, runs through Friday. Call 941-4300 for details or visit www.traversetrails.org.