Well I successfully survived my first day of bike commuting, and I must say, it was an absolute blast! I rode the route on Saturday, to get a feel for the roads, and then yesterday was my first real ride. I packed up everything on Sunday night, got up early on Monday and rode in to work. It only took me about 35 minutes, compared to 15 minutes when I drive. That also doesn’t take into account that most parking at my job is a 10 minute walk from the buildings, so it really takes 25 minutes to actually get into the office. On a bike, I can ride directly up to my building, so that’s a big perk.
The weather was super nice yesterday too, it was nice and cool in the morning, and there was some afternoon rain, so it was overcast and cool when I went home. It sprinkled a bit on the ride back, but it was the perfect amount to cool me off without getting soaked. All in all, I really enjoyed it, and I’m looking forward to making it a daily practice. Especially since I went both Saturday and yesterday, and am hardly sore at all. I thought it might take a few weeks before I would be able to ride continuous days, but I could have totally gone today if I didn’t have to do some errands across town right after work.
Wait, I take that back, I am a bit tender in one place…my butt! (Haha, I said butt! Sorry Mom!) It’s getting a bit better, but after Saturday’s ride, I could barely sit down! I almost went and bought one of those little pillows for people who break their tailbone! I am assured that this is normal, and it will pass, but I’m not so sure it’s completely normal for such a cushy body part to complain so vehemently. I guess a bike seat just has the magical power of being able to transfer shock waves all the way into your skeletal system, despite all the natural padding.
At any rate, the first day went well, and I’m going to make it my goal to ride to work for the rest of the week. I think biking may be the only way to save the yarn budget from rising gas costs, so I’m super determined! :)
I also managed to finish my Zeebee this weekend! I love this hat, and I find myself wishing it would get colder, just so I could wear it! (Haha, just kidding! Don’t listen to me Weather!)
- Pattern: Zeebee by Schmeebot
- Yarn: Yarn Pirate’s Handspun (thanks again Georgia!) BFL, in the Buccaneer colorway. About 104 yards (3.2 oz)
- Needles / Gauge: US #10 → 4 spi and 8 rpi
- Knitting Time: One week (June 2 - June 9)
- Notes: My head is 22.5 inches around and 18 inches from ear to ear. I wanted to make my hat as close to 19 inches around and 9 inches long as I could, while not running out of yarn.
Planned Dimensions:
→ 19 inches * 8 rpi = 152 rows / 8 sections = 18 rows / section
→ 9 inches * 4 spi = 36 stitches.
My plan was to make sure that each 1/8 of the hat weighed 0.4 oz, which would let me use all 3.2 oz of the handspun. When I knit one section using the dimensions above, it weighed 0.5 oz, so I knew I had to make it smaller. I tried again using 32 stitches and 16 rows of short rows, which was exactly 0.4 oz.
Final Dimensions
→ 32 stitches and 16 rows of short rows for each 1/8 of the hat. You work 16 rows of SR decreases, followed by 16 rows of SR increases, and repeat 4 times, then seam up.
I only had about 5 yards of yarn left, so my careful planning paid off (when does it not? ;))
I really love the Zeebee pattern, and the hand-spun only made it better. I highly recommend this knit, so check it out! I even loved it enough to brave the scorching desert heat at 1 pm, just for blog pictures. Daisy even came outside with me, and watched from her little spot of shade as I fiddled with the camera. I think it’s funny that I’m standing in the sun with a wool beanie, and she’s laying in the shade. Maybe dogs are smarter than people after all. ;)
that’s great!!! i kind of look at it like wearing flip-flops - it takes a while for you to get used to it again! my feet are often sore the first week or so of wearing flip flops, but then they get used to it. it will happen with biking too!!!
Daisy’s got the right idea! I bought a bike this spring, but have been intimidated to ride it. I would rather be like Daisy, sitting in the shade!
are you wearing padded bike shorts? if not, they are totally worth the investment. [And yes, they make baggy ones so you don’t have to wear tight bike shorts if you don’t want to. :) ]
the hat looks awesome! Isn’t knitting with handspun fun? :)
Zeebee is a beaut!
Great hat–especially wonderful with that hand dyed, hand spun yarn. Lucky you!
Good on you for keeping up with the bike commute.
very nice. keep up the good work (knitting and biking)!
Looks great! I love all the colors. :)
Two words: Cycling Shorts. I’ve really upped my riding in the last few months (actually bought a good road bike, too), and cycling shorts make sooooooo much difference if you don’t have them. The chamois padding is super (and hey, its what they’re designed for), while the spandex prevents fabric bunching (I used to row… I think soandex will follow me for the rest of my life). There are also two-layer ‘freeride’ shorts, which are more than just spandex. I know you’re in the US, but check out MEC (mec.ca), they have a lot of good freeride and commuting clothing, and they do ship some items to the US I believe.
Awesome Zeebee and nice photography! The more people I see bike commuting the more I’m interested in trying it. The only problem? I’d have to save up for a bike…
Yeah, dogs ARE pretty bright! Having no idea what kind of bike seat you have…if it’s one of those old hard 10 speed road bike types, well, they make nicer ones and they are not hugely expensive. If it rains much out where you are, you might think about fenders…they are a HUGE plus. And you could knit some panniers! Now, where did I see that pattern? I can picture it, green, some cabled textured pattern…ask around, somebody will know! Or maybe you need a sombrero?
oh! your butt! yes … cycling shorts, or something with appropriate padding does make a huge difference … though, it will still take some getting use to. i have the proper clothing gear, though i suspect my seat could be a tad comfier.
i’ll let you know when i follow your trend
you just need to build up a callus. on your butt.
i’ve already expressed my love for that hat, but i’ll say it again. i love that hat. it’s like that pattern was meant for handspun. you really did my humble little skein proud :).
Adam,
The hat looks fabulous! Your dad would love one to wear this winter, hint hint! And since you have so much time to knit these days…I’d like to wear my shawl this fall, hint, hint! Your “rear end” will get tougher, butt it just takes time (ha ha)!!! If you are going to put a photo of my Daisy girl on your blog at least what until I groom her and make her more presentable.
Love ya~
Love the hat! Georgia’s yarn is stunning, and the simple pattern is just the thing to show it off. I hear you about wearing the handknits these days, it’s hot out there!
Cute hat! Your butt will get used to it. No worries! :)
Zeebee looks great! I think I might have to start one soon!
How far do you ride? I have 13 km to and from work, and even without padded shorts its a sweet little ride.
But if the butt is sore, then I sorely (he he he) recommend padded bike shorts. They are really nice (and made me survive a + 100 km bike ride) ;-)
Love the hat… wonder if my own handspun will be good for it?
Rock on with your bad zeebee! Sorry about the butt pain. Invest in one of those special softie seats?
Nice job with the cycling to work! I’m jealous–I’d do it if I just lived inside the city limits! The saddle soreness will get better as you continue to ride, but it’ll take a week or 2. Several people have already mentioned the importance of padded cycling shorts, but a good seat can make a lot of difference as well. I got my current for $20.00 at Cycle Cave, and it’s the best saddle I’ve ever ridden on. Email or call me sometime, and I’ll give you details on how to find it, if you’re interested.
butt…heehee!
Fantastic job on getting your BUTT into gear and biking to work! Love the hat.
adam,
just wanted to let you know that i have recently started my own blog. if you’re looking for something to read, please check it out.
http://tales-of-a-knitting-mom.blogspot.com/
thanks!–haley
I have an air ride bike seat on my bike and it helps immensely. Why do bike manufacturers insist on installing the hardest seats they can? Is it just so you have to spend more $$$ on a more comfortable seat. I’ve even seen bikes with a seat that has a chair-like back. Talk about easy riding!
Keep up the peddling. Not only are you helping to save the environment but also getting fit in the process (biking is more fun than running if you ask me).
YAY!! for bike commuting welcome to the ranks and congratulations! i am SO excited for you! i have found the same thing that you found; it only takes a few extra minutes to commute by bike, so you end up saving all that (knitting) time you would have spent at the gym. and the time you would have showered beforehand. er, well maybe that time WAS well-spent after all . ..
Your hat turned out great! (Don’t you love Georgia’s yarn?) And your mom said “butt” in her comments - ha - she has a good sense of humor. :-)