MEGAN AUMAN

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democracy in action

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Wow, did I fall off the blogging wagon.  I can’t believe its been 10 days since my last post.  Last week was one of those weeks where I think I was really busy, but I can’t remember actually accomplishing anything.
I spent this week in DC (ok, I spent the nights in Baltimore) at the National Bike Summit.  Today was spent on Capitol hill, lobbying for bicycling.  I wasn’t super psyched before I came to the summit, because I didn’t feel like I had much time.  Now, I’m so happy that I went.  There’s so much work to be done, and the issues are so important.
My brain is too fried to go into details, so I’m calling it a pretty early night.  I’m just so relieved that I’m staying in Baltimore tonight.  I can sleep in until 8, and still get to my class with plenty of time to spare!

the wonder that is the internet

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I knew, through her wonderful comments on my blog, that Laura Crawford is a metalsmith and bicyclist from Long Beach, CA.  But my apologies to Laura, because I never spent much time browsing her blog.  Until today!

Laura’s blog has led me into bike design nerd heaven.  Any post that starts, “The more time I spend on my bike, the more I’m realizing how easy it is to wind up looking like a bum.” is sure to catch my attention.  Laura writes a guest column for The Epicurean Cyclist, and she found these fantastic wool arm warmers:
What a fantastic product shot!
The Epicurean Cyclist is a blog by bicycling photographer, Russ Roca – who has this fantastic idea for a bicycling media campaign.  I would love to steal it for my bike club.
Also through Epicurean Cyclist, I came across two companies selling fantastic bike gear –Velo Orange and Rivendell Bicycle Works – which has this saddle bag I am now coveting.
Ok, make that three companies – how great are these panniers by Queen Bee Creations?
Thanks, Laura!

the groundhog lies

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The groundhog was obviously lying, because rumor has it that its going to be nice this weekend.  Its been forever since I’ve been for a nice, long bike ride – and I’m looking forward to it so much I thought I’d do a little round-up of some great bike stuff I’ve spotted around the internet lately.

Normally, I’m such a chicken – but bike riding makes me brave – and lately I’ve been feeling the urge to go careening down a mountain on my bike.  Which is totally fueled by this folding bike the Bergmonch.  A folding bike thats also a backpack that makes it easy to hike uphill and bike down.  Ridden by a monk!  Watch the video for yourself and tell me you don’t want one:


Bergmönch from Thomas Kaiser on Vimeo.
via TreeHugger

I love that people have been using design as a way to make bicycling more accessible.  And I love that multiple people emailed me about this light lane – a rear bike light that creates an instant bike lane behind you. 

Sadly, its only a prototype, but I’m betting a production model would sell like crazy.

Until that time, I might have to satisfy myself with the Knog Skink – such a simple, elegant solution to bike lighting.  No crazy, ugly plastic clips here.  I love it when good design meets bike accessories.

via Bike Hugger and available for purchase here.

24 miles

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Today I rode 24 miles, my longest ride to date.  It was cold and windy, and my legs are tired now, but it was worth it to be out in the fresh air and scenery.  I have to remember to bring my camera on a ride soon, because the farmland that I ride through is absolutely picturesque.  Here’s my route, courtesy of MapMyRide:

And no, I didn’t ride on the Interstate, the road I was on runs right next to it.

sunshine, fresh air and exercise

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Its such a beautiful day here – even though its cold, the sun is shining.  I already met my mother-in-law for a bike ride this morning (which included a stop for coffee).  
I’m finally getting to go out and use my new bike and I’m in a better mood than I’ve been in months.  Yesterday I rode halfway up a mountain and I’m still feeling the buzz.  
Last night we were over at my parents house, where my mother got a Wii Fit for Christmas.  While I’m in favor of anything that gets people to exercise (and it is pretty fun), it certainly doesn’t give you the satisfaction of getting in a quality run or a nice challenging bike ride.  (Both of which I did yesterday.)
I’m so happy to be back on my feet – I’m a much happier person when I’m getting in regular exercise.  (And Grizzly’s much happier now that he gets to go for runs again too.)
Since New Year’s is always the time when people set fitness goals, I thought I’d share my plans for 2009.  No half or full marathons in the works (I’d like to stay injury free this year) but I’m going to do a 5k every month.  (I didn’t do any last year, and I miss them.)  I’ll be doing the Mt. Gretna triathlon again in May, and my mother-in-law and I are planning a three day bike trip on the C & O Canal in June (with our reluctant husbands in tow).  
Anyone else have any fun fitness goals for 2009?

a good weekend

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On Friday, I went to my doctor and got some really great news.  (Don’t get too excited, it was my FOOT doctor.)  Not only is my foot healing well, but he cleared me to run!!!  So on Friday night, I picked up a new pair of running shoes, and on Saturday morning, I took Grizzly for a short run!
Also on Saturday, we finally got our fireplace up and running.  It made the house so nice and toasty.  I could get used to that.
Now its back to work… on my new computer!  (I picked that up on Friday too, and have been working away on it ever since.)

happy snow

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My mood has improved considerably since my first post this morning. Turns out this was one of those rare, perfect snows – large puffy flakes that don’t stick to the road but make everything a beautiful sparkling white.

Plus, I actually road my bike today! Outside! In the snow! This is the first time I’ve ridden in almost two months, and it may have something to do with my good mood. It was just a short ride around town to run errands, but I couldn’t have been happier out in the snow and the fresh air. There’s this weird part of me that isn’t so upset about winter anymore.

Have a great weekend, everyone! Joe and I are heading to Ocean City, MD for our two year anniversary, so I’ll be back on Monday.