Smart Food
I was so excited to share my Masaman Curry recipe with you today! Unfortunately, it didn’t quite turn out. It still tasted okay, but it didn’t taste like Masaman Curry and I definitely wasn’t a fan! It also doesn’t photograph well, eh?
Smart Fitness
Yesterday, I got a flat 7.5 mile ride in. My knee started to hurt a tiny bit towards the end, but not too bad…progress!
During my ride, I had a nice elderly man yell at me from his car to get off the road. We had many, many people yell, swear, and honk at us on our ride to Albany on Sunday, even though Dan and I follow all traffic laws and stay in the shoulder or far side of the lane.
We pretty much let it roll off of us, even though it is frustrating, because we love cycling and know that it is good for us. And don’t get me wrong, we also had a lot of drivers who were courteous and gave us space when they could.
But, here are my pleas, to both drivers AND cyclists.
To Drivers:
- Legally, cyclists have as much right to be on the road as you do. There is no need for name-calling whenever you pass someone on a bike.
- Honking at a cyclist because you’re mad they are in the road is dangerous. You could startle them, causing them to swerve into your call or fall. Don’t do it!
- When you are passing a cyclist, give them some space. If there is a whole empty lane next to you, there is no need to cut it as close as possible. In fact, most states require drivers to give cyclists 3-4 feet clearance when passing.
To Cyclists:
- If you are going to ride on the road, you must follow all traffic laws. This means stopping at red lights, signaling your turns, etc. Don’t give other cyclists a bad name by assuming that because you aren’t in a car, you don’t have to follow the law.
- Wear a helmet!
- If you are riding early in the morning, at dusk, etc, use sufficient lighting on your bike so that you aren’t surprising any vehicles with your presence.
- Ride close to or in the shoulder on the right side (unless you’re getting ready to turn left!). If a car is passing you and you are in a group, ride single-file.
- Ride in the direction of traffic (ie: don’t ride the wrong way down a one-way street)
Smart Life
My weekly goals update. Changes are in green!
1. Plant ‘cool season’ crops (kale, Swiss chard, etc): This was on the agenda for today, but the current rainstorms put that on hold. On the bright side, the Savvy Garden really needs this rain!
2. Bike 70 miles total (48 down already!) I had a 15-mile ride planned for today, but again, the heavy rain is putting that on hold. Hopefully I can get in all the miles tomorrow!
3. Finish our wedding thank you notes! Because it is raining, I will have time for these today!
4.
Go blueberry picking and make preserves.Blueberry butter is taking a LONG time– post on Monday!5. Write 2 freelance articles Because it is raining, I will have time for these today!
6.
Weed garden.7. Strength train 3x. (2 done!)
Do you have any other tips for/experiences with sharing the road with cyclists?
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