Commuting getting better

So, the bike is too short, that's true.
But, I can't describe how wonderful it feels to be biking again.

Floating through the city, skimming along the streets

Timing my strokes to the count-down on the stoplights

Seeing smelling hearing the vibrancy all around me

Coming home sweaty and smiling

Falling asleep during the first TV episode

Waking re-freshed

Isn't that what it's all about?

First Commute on New Bike

Riding a fixie is definitely different. I like it, but different. I have some sore muscles on my inner thigh that I've never felt before, so they must be related to the pedal braking.
I'm not confident about my braking skills yet, so I was taking it all pretty slow. I think I'll need a rear handbrake as well in order to feel more confident.

I also am realizing that the frame is just too short. I need to swap up to a larger frame.

Bill's New Fixie!

I am so happy to be back in the saddle again.
If you know me, you know I'm attached to my bike.
So having my bike stolen in December was a crushing blow. It did force me to get familiar with the MUNI transit system, for which I am grateful, but all and all, five months without a bike was an eternity.

So, I went on craigslist and found this awesome '84 Peugeot converted to a fixie. It's my first fixed-gear bike, at least first since I was a wee one, and the ride is really different, it's going to take some getting used to.
It's really smooth, this bike is in fantastic shape, the weight is just right (steel frame). I can't wait until a week from now when I've got the hang of slipping in and out of the pedals. I may need a taller seat, but I think I've got it adjusted just about right for now.

I didn't realize just how much I missed the open air, the swooping feeling of moving through the city. Aaaahhh. Freedom.

Tell me about your biking life-style in the comments...