Seems a very special and awesome Boston Biker has been using this humble service to give cyclist specific weather updates every day! It makes me feel classy to know that there is a weather report just for me and my cycling brothers and sisters.

Check it out here.

I have the worst luck in the world. I will manage to leave just when it starts to pour and arrive at my destination as it starts to clear up, usually end up with the worst exam schedule on the face of the planet, and will consistently get thrown under the bus for things I have absolutely nothing to do with.

Yeah, it’s totally awesome.

The most recent episode of incredibly shitty luck involved an incident which occurred on a weekend I was away. That’s right; I was about 200 miles away from Boston and somehow the whole thing twisted around to bite me – a completely uninvolved, neutral party – in the ass. The pressure of throwing around the unpinned hand grenade that is my law journal only exacerbated things. And given the luxury of a warning this time around, I was bracing myself for the damn thing to explode in my face.

Surprisingly, it didn’t. Which is a good thing, if only for the fact that I can continue to keep my bike in our law journal lounge.

But of course, the weather never wanted to stop screwing with me. Clad in underarmour, wool socks, and a raincoat, I left my apartment yesterday in legitimate rain. Water found its way between the vents of my helmet, soaked the Mengoni hat I’m ridiculously proud of, and dripped down the back of my neck. Drops of rain clung to my socks and seeped into my Sidis while gloves got soaked. And just when I rolled up to the front of the law school, the sun peeked out. The rain stopped. I was still drenched. Awesome.

I secretly hoped that it would rain more later in the afternoon, mostly because I brought my raincoat. I felt more and more cheated as the sun shone increasingly brightly outside, and save for a 5 minute downpour that I gleefully watched and took pictures of, the rain vanished.

The road was mostly dry by the time I got home.

Just my luck that, when sticky social situations seem to be easing up a bit, the weather manages to royally fuck me. Actually, it didn’t fuck me, it essentially built up some hype and left me high and dry, so to speak. Which feels somehow worse.

And yes, those are going to be famous last words.

There were some crazy thunderstorms this morning. Like the kind where lightning flashes blindingly bright followed by a shaking crash of thunder and you wonder if the world is ending.

It’s funny how the weather reflects your mood sometimes.

Although the thunderstorm this morning is more reflective of yesterday where everything seemed to go wrong. I locked myself out of my apartment by accident, headed to work late as a result, and battled two paragraphs of a gigantic appellate brief for…8 hours.

It was the first time I nearly cried at work. I know how cliche [and consequently, lame] that sounds. I managed to check the tears, but ended up spending three minutes [three whole minutes] with arms crossed, pouting furiously in the bathroom.

And when 5pm came around, I was completely worn down. But on the way home, someone drew up alongside me, and surprise, surprise, it was Mr. Croth. I hadn’t seen him in forever, and chatting while riding with him [my first time, ever] definitely lightened my mood.

It was a hint of a much better end of the day that I was hesitant to anchor a definite hope on. But like the currently clear skies after the thunderstorm from hell, riding out to run some errands, I ran into two people who I only know through this blog [I ran into one twice!]. Which, of course, made me smile. And finally arriving home, I shrieked a little in joy when I found a slim package waiting for me, from Portland.

But that’s for tomorrow. For now, I’m out to get coffee while the skies are still a little bit clear.

Not enough sleep. Not enough motivation. My two persistent problems this week.

Last night I blocked off time slots for studying. 8am to noon on Saturday is for Con Law, Tax, and Evidence. 12.30 to 5pm for outlining, reviewing, etc., etc., etc. It felt organized and good; at least it looked good on Google calendar. The unorganized mess is actually executing said plan.

And said plan is already being derailed. I woke up this morning and couldn’t wait until 4.30pm – because when it’s this warm out, I’m definitely leaving the library early, taking the long way home, and stopping at a few bike shops along the way.

I even had a post planned – well, half planned – about how gorgeous it is outside today and the fact that my gigantor thighs are no longer wrapped in Underarmour. I was then going to go on and say boring and mundane things about spring and how everyone should go out there and ride their bikes. Yeah, notice how I said “half planned.” I am emphasizing the “half” here.

So with this weakly formulated post, I figured I’ll try to boost interesting-ness with good pictures. Something nature-y, so people see that Boston actually has seasons other than “bitterly cold winters.” Something that doesn’t consist of the shots of Comm Ave that I love to take. Somethi-

W. T. F.

I screeched to a halt, just managing to wrench a foot out of my clips as I fumbled for the camera conveniently nestled in my pocket. With one foot still clipped in, I hopped/dragged my bike closer, zooming in on the turkey that decided to show up in the bougie streets of Newton. Seriously? I mean, I know this happens, but it’s 8.30am and this is Comm Ave…! I almost reached out to tug the sleeve of an invisible friend and finding none, was left to sort of look around in amazement.

So, yes, I saw a wild turkey this morning. That means that, at the very least, it’s going to be a good day [but with bike shops involved, how could it not be?]. It also means that everyone racing Battenkill tomorrow is going to have an awesomely good time.

Good luck, guys – I’ll be there in spirit, eating a turkey drumstick!

Spring might have finally arrived in Boston; and I, always fashionably late, am just trying to start this whole “training” thing.

It’s probably sort of misguided, having only 1.5 bikes, both being fixed. There’s really no way I’m going to be able to keep up with anything with gears. But, I figure, I might as well try.

So I’m adding a few miles here and there, sprinting as hard as I can for as long as I can [or until cars and potholes force me to slow down], and trying to perfect the Lance Armstrong method of climbing mountains/owning everyone around me. All mostly because the thought of seeing two friends from school all kitted out is way too good to pass up. And if I’m going to get any pictures of them while they ride, I better be able to keep up.

Of course this means that I’ve been forgetting to take decent/good/interesting pictures these days. I’m blaming the weather for today – it’s dreary out with light rain showers sprinkled throughout the day. That’s not conducive to picture-taking.

Still, any window these days is distracting enough that I’m choosing to study in the dank darkness of the library basement. It might be dreary out, but it’s perfect weather for riding. Warm enough to make me feel guilty about not riding enough, and just the right amount of cool wind to keep me from being a sloppy, sweaty mess by the end of my ride.

Man, I can’t wait to get back on the bike today…!

My finals are going to kill me.

There, I said it. No more deluded denial. It’s now published and therefore a reality I’m going to have to face. Never mind that they’re in May, but 4 law exams nearly back to back…that’s sort of like having your brain put through a blender while you simultaneously get raped by an elephant.

When we got on the topic of finals, and it finally started to sink in how much my finals were going to fuck with my life, a friend gave me a sage bit of advice:

“Bend over.”

At this point, that’s pretty much all I can do. And I have been…just not at the library [yet]. With spring finally making its way to Boston, I’ve been bent over my bike, chin nearly touching my handlebars, and pumping my legs like my life depends on it, while my inner Rahm Emanuel screams in my ear [the infamous], “Don’t fuck this up!!!”

Yeah I should be applying this mentality to my classes, books, outlines, briefs, whatever. Yeah I should just start sleeping in the library. Yeah I should work more efficiently.

But honestly, who gives a shit when it’s this nice out?

[Happy St. Patty's Day to everyone!]

A predicted high of 45F today – yay for warm weather!

Yeah, I never thought I’d think 45F = “warm” but I’m so ready to peel off my Underarmour and fold it away until November. Snow isn’t even pretty anymore, just slightly annoying. The gross brown heaps that it eventually turns into [and then gross brown water that cars like to splatter at me] doesn’t really help make Boston winters any more appealing.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for deferred gratification…just only when it applies to a goal that I can actually see. Desperately hoping for nicer weather that doesn’t involve shards of ice flying in my face, enough layers to make me feel like I’m in a fat suit, and that embarrassing fogging up of my glasses whenever I enter a warmer room…is getting old.

I’m trying to be optimistic though; and even with all the snow yesterday, by early evening it was clear out. The lights strung up on the trees along Comm Ave were cute and pretty enough for even my beer soaked self to appreciate. I didn’t get a picture though [I know, I really should have!], probably because I had no idea what I was doing at that point.

I ended up praying for a red light on my way home, hoping for an excuse to stop. I only hit one, and by the time I stumbled into my apartment, my face looked like a tiki torch.

I think I might have to train a little more for the beers + bikes shenanigans I’m mentally planning for the summer…

I spent far too much time this weekend leaning over a particular counter in Allston. I’m working on wearing an indent into that space.

It’s, of course, the IBC counter. And it didn’t involve anything dirtier than bike grease and some of Herrell’s heath bar brownie crumbs. Oh yeah, and chips. Chips are crucial.

Well, so are cookies. At least for the IBC Regular’s Lounge that should be installed [mostly for my benefit]. Chris has already promised to fund the eternal cookies-and-chips supply for said lounge. I plan on warming the seats for other regulars. Eric, Erich, Jeremy et al. will be providing endless entertainment [possibly involving blood, even!]. It’ll be one of the most coveted lounges in Boston.

To make things even better sweeter, I’d even consider busting out these cups [pictured above, not the other ones] for the really hardcore regulars. I got them in the mail as a late Christmas present from my best friend; they’re a mid-West vintage find and seriously one of the coolest gifts I’ve ever gotten.

We agreed that they almost look like confetti cupcakes. Small and just the right size for really good hot chocolate or hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick poking out of it, I’m almost glad it’s still winter. And with five in the set, it’s the perfect number for a solid group of good [bike] friends.

Can someone start a petition for the Regular’s Lounge? A big cup of Irish coffee wouldn’t hurt either, especially after a ride in this snow…

What the crap!? Urg so it looks like winter is going to kick us in the teeth one more time (at least) so let us all know, where is the bad spots, what should we be looking out for, how do you feel about this snow, tips for staying warm, your favorite hot chocolate place, anything! Drop your knowledge on the comments section.

It’s in the 40s today, which means that the cyclists are out in full force. I saw my morning older-bearded-dude-on-road-bike-with-bright-yellow-wind-jacket and the girl-on-hybrid-who-always-looks-really-really-happy-to-be-coasting-down-the-hill-I’m-trying-to-struggle-up. Those are the only cyclists I usually see. Older-bearded-dude usually does either the slight hand raise or nod of what I like to imagine is a seasoned cyclist salute of mutual respect for commuting through the winter. The girl just ignores me in her happiness.

Using the warmer weather as an excuse, I flew out of school after class to drop by therapy IBC [yes, I am quickly becoming the persistent, eternal customer that just stops by to "hang out," i.e. annoy the too-nice employees into listening to my banter when they have real customers to actually pay attention to who probably have more money than me]. I ended up pedaling from Brighton to Allston behind two kids on fixed gears, and was actually able to keep up! And by “keep up” I mean I wasn’t trying to act cool with one hand off the bars while my nostrils flared in my attempts to suck in enough air to keep me from passing out. Like, I was really able to keep up.

On my way home under a rose tinted sky, I saw at least four other cyclists – roadies, hybrids, and last but not least, a black cruiser with full fenders and a pretty wicker basket in the front, full of groceries. It was pretty enough to make me sort of want one – despite my slight aversion to step-through frames.

The image sort of slowly died this sad, cringe-inducing death as I watched [and eventually flew past] the woman on said cruiser attempt to crest a slight incline in heels with no helmet.

Maybe I’ll file that cruiser for when I move to a European city.

I just got home.

Annnddd I’m still a little bit tipsy.

I know, it’s actually surprising because I never drink during the week. Or rarely. It’s been a long week though – and I know, it’s not even over yet. But, today was more than just looking forward to Friday to look forward to the weekend. Surprise, surprise.

Stressed out and not being able to look at any more tax law [we've had consecutive make-up classes two weeks in a row so it feels like I have that class every...single...day], I took off after Evidence to a small coffee shop/cafe/pie bakery appropriately called Pie Bakery and Cafe in Newton Centre.

It was pretty empty, but as I sat down, I realized the last time I had been here was about six months ago. Almost exactly. I was sitting across from a friend, biting back the temptation to bawl my eyes out in public as I tried to explain to a friend why exactly I had been dumped the day before [hey, he was the one that was asking...out of concern, mind you, but I couldn't exactly answer the question in any kind of logical, rational way].


As depressing memories came back to me, I noticed I had voice mail [I don't get reception at school so I was late noticing it]. Turns out, it was my therapist/prince in shining armor/favorite bike shop calling me about my pink chain – it’s in the Brighton store, ready to be picked up!

My mood definitely on the better side, I headed to the liquor store. Yes, I understand that makes me sound like a crazy drunk. But I was picking up a case of beer for a friend; we had journal elections today and we were going to do our utmost to get trashed while voting for each other. I discovered, much to my delight, that a whole case of Harpoon beer [the sampler pack] will fit into my small Baileyworks bag. With an Evidence book in it. Baller.

I came home to find another surprise waiting for me too. But that’s for tomorrow. I’m worn out after the voting, the pizza, the beer, and even giving a short speech that essentially said “vote for me for this position.” I got it. I’m happy. The ride home was fast and warm.

I’m starting to like surprises.

Oh my goodness it is nice outside today. The morning ride (which for the last couple months has been an exercise in endurance) was AWESOME! Nice breeze, sunshine, lots of people on bikes, completely amazing from tires to helmet.

I also saw a million more people outside on bike than I have for the last three months. This is not surprising as (have I mentioned this) it was freaking stellar outside this morning.

I did however see some things that made me a bit worried.

1. Get fenders, seriously I saw so many skunk stripes this morning that I thought it was a new fashion statement.

2. Red lights mean stop… I have run red lights in my day, but not when a big ass truck is about to hit me… If you must run the red lights at least slow down and LOOK BOTH WAYS before running out into traffic. Do you know what kind of therapy bills I will have to pay after I see you dismembered by a Volvo in the middle of an intersection.

3. Cops are not ninjas. Seriously why would you run a red light in Cambridge (known for this sort of thing) when their are TWO COPS in full uniform on the other side of the intersection with TICKET BOOKS in their hands WAITING TO GIVE OUT TICKETS to bikers running red lights… I saw them a block away, they were standing almost in the road watching all the bikers go by. How did you two people in front of me miss them?

So in short, enjoy the ride, but remember this is not like riding your car, you have to pay attention!

The only thing I hate about my favorite coffee shop is that it’s apparently everyone else’s favorite coffee shop as well.

This means that, being oblivious, I end up choosing the table next to a couple on their first date. And even though I pretended [unsuccessfully] to be engrossed in a few law review articles, I was really just [blatantly, yet uncomfortably] eavesdropping.


The girl talked about how much she loved shopping, how “it’s great to be young and a girl,” and how she couldn’t stand wearing jeans and sneakers because people would never take you seriously when you dress that way.

I mostly did not agree with anything she said. Mostly because I was wearing jeans and sneakers.

But not just any pair of sneakers; I was wearing my [beloved] Chucks. In Boston! In February! Because it was in the 40s yesterday [about 4C]!!!

That’s my excuse for not posting anything this weekend. I was too busy biking around town, sipping coffee in various places, and stopping into therapy.

The roads are kind of gross [to be fair these pictures were taken in Allston], but at least those giant piles of snow are finally melting. And after biking from one coffee shop to another, I got a[n appropriately] dirty chai latte at Starbucks for $3, the shot of espresso being on the house.

On second thought, maybe it is great to be young and a girl.

I though we would try something a little different. This post is for you to post your feelings, road conditions, ride results, etc about the lovely weather we are having today. Get it off your chest! Let us know where the bad streets are, how covered with ice you were, how much fun you had go for it!