So I participated in San Francisco's Bike to Work Day 07.

This was the first time I actually biked to work while living in SF, and I'm kinda wondering why I never did it before.

At a mellow 4.5 miles, taking the chill route, I rode from Geary/Stanyan over Stanyan to Page, then down Page all the way to Market.  Once I got to market, I stopped at one of the SFBC stops that was setup all around the busy bike routes.  I talked to the guys there for a sec, was going to sign up for a membership, but I wanted to do cash rather than writing my debit card's number down on a piece of paper.  What if it flew away and someone found it?  Screw that!

So on my way to an ATM a block away, I realized that I had to go through some doors to get to the ATM, so I said screw it.  I was on my bike, I didn't feel like getting off all the way and opening a door.  I continued my route down Market st.

Biking on Market was interesting.  There were a crapload of cars.  This is the first time I've ever biked downtown San Francisco, so it was definitely weird.. I guess the biggest street I've ridden on was 2nd st in San Rafael.

I got through the section of Market, semi slowly... After all, I'm on a full suspension mountain bike w/semi deflated street tires.  Rather inefficient if you ask me. I get to 8th st, take a right, go to Folsom ride in the left lane, and cars were ok.  I was keeping up with them, it was semi not chaotic, not so bad.  Take a left on Folsom, yet another street with a dedicated bike lane.  After about 2 blocks, there was another SFBC stop, and judging by the map they have on their site, it was the last one on my way before I got to work.  I proceeded to stop, and started talking to some people.  At this point, it was barely 9am, so I kind of had some time to kill before getting to work since it's a bit laxed at the job.

I park my bike against a building amongst the 10-15 bikes leaning on the corner, and walk to the table.  Pour myself a hot cup of Peet's coffee and grab a banana.  I ended up talking to some guy, who's name I totally can't remember for a while.  It was totally chill.  He seemed like a totally cool guy, and enjoyed my rants.  A biker suddenly comes by w/a flat, they're not a SFBC member, but him and a couple people helped her out.  During that time, I talked to a very pretty girl that used to work at a online greeting card company.  Of course, since I suck at names, I can't remember it, but she was very friendly, and we had a pretty cool conversation while I drank my rocket fuel and ate my banana.

Once again, I wanted to drop the $20 membership fee for SFBC, but still no cash.  I shmooze for a bit, then decided to try to find a new bike lock since the one I own has a mysterious combination which I can't seem to remember.   I can't find an open bike shop, so I go to work.

 But there's a dilema with going to work w/out a lock.  They don't let us into the building with our bikes.  I promptly go into the garage, bypass the bike parking, and go to the freight elevator.  I get in with my bike, hit my floor, and boom.  There I am right by the restrooms at work.  W00t!  

I walk my bike to my desk, people have no idea who I am while I walk in with my shades, helmet, shorts and bike.  I get to my desk, prop up my bike, remove the accessories and everyone is shocked.  I'm in a good mood... I got some exercise, some extra energy, and some good conversations.  And to top it off, I didn't have to take a retardedly crowded 38L... I mean dirty-eight.. whatever.. same difference.

Ride home to come on the next writing.  It's past 2 and I need sleep for a 10am meeting.

but... 

Stupid bar across the street. People are always yelling there. Someone's bass from their car is rattling my blinds from 4 stories away.. fuck these douchebags.  How I wish I had an egg gun. But, I guess that's just how it is living across from PT bar.. whatever the fuck that shit is. screw that place... I want to move.