Better Than Nothing

Many times, we have events and errands to run that are outside our comfortable bike commute range.  For example, when we attended the Hudson Blues, Brews, and BBQ Fest two weekends ago, we had no intention of doing the 25 miles to get there over hill and valley by bicycle.  It just wouldn't be convenient or very pleasant.  But, we like riding our bicycles as much as possible, so we drove to a good spot then rode in the rest of the way.  Our chosen distance worked well for wearing khakis or jeans and we weren't wilted when we got there.

In the coming weekends we will be attending events in Cleveland and Medina.  We aren't going to bike to them from home either.  Getting to Cleveland would be almost 40 miles and at least 3 1/2 hours of the day.  That's not a big deal in the scheme of things, but its not always desired.  Getting there and back would take seven hours.  By the time we got there, we wouldn't have much time at our destination.  Our destination in Medina is almost as far, and we have to carry a side dish and drinks.  Going for 34 miles with a six pack and a casserole dish is a little more than I'm prepared to handle.

Our solution to trips like this now is to do what we did when we went to Hudson.  Drive part way there, then bike the rest.  That way we still get a ride in when we normally wouldn't and when we get where we're going, we don't need to find parking!   Plus, its a great conversation starter.

The way I look at it, its better than nothing.