METRORAIL and the ELECTRIC BIKE - A BRILLIANT COMBINATION

So yesterday (DAY 47 without driving by the way!) I had an appointment to get a massage and meet a friend for lunch...in Coral Gables.  (I had TWO closings on Tuesday so I deserved a few hours off).

When I made the plans, I hadn't really considered how I was going to get down there...but I was determined to figure it out.  I figured it was about 10 miles away (so technically I could just make both ways) but it was actually 13.5 each way.And it has been hot and super humid.  And the last thing I wanted to do was actually pedal after eating lunch at the hottest point of the day. 

So I did some research and I was shocked and delighted to find out that you CAN bring a bicycle on the Metrorail.  I went to the Metrorail Website and found this brochure about the Bike and Ride Program:  http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/library/brochure_bike.pdf. 

I was pleasantly surprised that everything worked exactly as it was supposed to.  It's really simple.  You just go to any security office at the Metrorail Station and fill out a Bike and Ride form - it's actually only your name, address and phone number.  Then, they give you a card - that's it!  No cost, no bother. You're supposed to carry it and only need to show it if someone asks.  (Bicycles are also allowed on Metromover and Metrobus - no pass needed).  I also looked up rules for TriRail.  Bicyles are allowed but it prohibits "motorized or powered bicycles".  I wonder how strict they are...

Anyway, I left Belle Isle, rode over the Venetian Causeway to Government Center downtown.  I took the elevator up to the platform, got my pass and then bought an Easy Pass.  Introduced recently, it's good for busses and trains - you put money on it and then just tap it on the turnstile to get in the station...very cool.

When I got on the train, I saw 3 other cyclists with their bikes. I rode down to the station at the University of Miami.  Although several people came up to ask me about the bike (I'm used to this now), the rest of the time I spent returning e-mails on my iPhone.  Then, after the short 15 minute or so ride, I was there!  I then rode to my friends house and got there in the heat of the day without even sweating.

Going home was just as easy.  And actually took me about 45 minutes door-to-door.  The last few times I've made the trip by car it took me about 30 minutes because of traffic.

Anyway, the whole experience was really nice and very convenient.  The combination of having the electric bike and being able to use mass transit REALLY opens up a lot of possibilities...without even breaking a sweat.

Day 37

It's been a while since I've posted.  I can't even believe that I haven't driven a car for 37 days.  They say it takes doing something for 3 weeks before it becomes a habit...obviously I am now in the habit of riding the bike instead of driving.

I've learned to carry a backpack everywhere.  That way way I can run errands and be able to carry stuff.  I go to the supermarket almost every day and buy what I need so that I can carry it home.  The one not-so-smart thing was my trip to the drycleaners.  I was actually able to carry the drycleaning but it was a windy day and probably not the smartest thing.  I had to go real slow and a gust of wind almost forced me into the curb.  But now I know only to get dry cleaning on a day with no wind.

Luckily, I have not had any more rain issues since that horrible Monday a few weeks ago.  I have still not prepared any raingear but it hasn't really rained that much.  And when it did rain, I was fortunate enough to have been able to adjust my schedule accordingly. 

It has gotten really hot the last week or so.  And I have had a couple of 10-12 mile trips in mid day to show property.  But so far I haven't gotten overheated because of the motor.  I have to admit that when it's 90 degrees and sunny, I do not pedal at all...I use the motor exclusively.  But it hasn't been that bad. 

And sunscreen is essential - everyday.

At some point I'm going to have to drive...but not yet.  I really never thought I would still be able to go this long.