This post is by BTA guest blogger, and super-volunteer, Joel Finkelstein
With the BTA’s Bike Commute Challenge in it’s last week, it seems that September’s splendid weather has been a welcomed asset to riders – cyclists are logging more miles and trips than in past challenges. There seems to be a few more bike friendly raffle items getting out on the road as well.
During the delivery of the BCC’s first week grand prize, Michael Schoessler took a few minutes to tell me a little about his daily ride to work; a daily commute that influenced his interest – and decision – regarding his move to Portland to work for the Department of the Interior. 
Michael’s move, and the start to his days as a bicycle commuter, began four years ago. His route changes; several options work well, and is round trip, approximately eleven miles between his home, and office at Fox Tower. He keeps pedaling right on through the winter.
When asked about which commuter accessory Michael would say is his hands down favorite, a rechargeable light set takes the spot: front and rear, and bright! For Michael, “Being outside, and seeing so much more of the city”, is a favorite element of his ride into center city. And when asked what tip he’d give someone new to cycling, Michael explained to not be “afraid” of making an investment in reliable cycling equipment and wet-weather gear… Make your commute a “pleasant” one.
Sounds like Michael has found a good route to follow and has some tips worth following. With the new messenger bag he won in the BCC’s first week’s raffle, he’ll likely be out there with that much more to smile about, on his daily bike ride to work… and beyond!
There are plenty more raffle items to soon be drawn, along with many more miles to ride — and log. Bike on!
- Joel Finkelstein
I want to add an emphatic exclamation point to Michael Schoessler’s choice of excellent bicycle lights as his favorite accessory. I used to have $20 light on the front of my bike, and it seemed like every couple of weeks, particularly in the wet of winter, a driver would fail to see me coming and would pull out from a side street, causing countless close calls.
My wife heard about these close calls, and when we stopped in to my favorite bike shop while we had a few extra minutes on a date, she encouraged me to spend the extra cash for excellent rechargeable lights. I got one to mount on my helmet, and one for the handlebars. It cost over $200, but it was one of the best investments I’ve ever made. As my wife pointed out, $200 doesn’t go very far when you have to go to the hospital. Prevention is always the best. I haven’t had a car pull out from a side street since then.
She’s always right!
Dedicated year-round commuter might want to consider investment in dynamo hub powered lighting, too.
I shuffle rechargable AA NiMH’s in a Planet Bike 2-watt Blaze. It give very good light and good run time and good modes, but I HAD TO REBUILD IT WITH SARAN WRAP TO MAKE IT USABLE IN THE RAIN!
I hit up PDW to maybe sponsor me their equivalent headlight – purportedly designed to withstand rain – (figured I was an ideal potential testimonial what with mu hardcore application and that bad experience with PB) – but they just sent me some stickers instead, so I can’t say if their light is actually any good (sure hope that Shiny Object actually works when I’m out in the middle of nowhere with a pump failure).
We’ve sure come a long way since the ol’ bottle dynamo powered faint glow incandescent or Ray-O-Vac powered hope-to-at-least-be-seen leg light.
P.S. to Columbia: I could sure use a new messenger bag.