Another Ride on the DART

The arm that secures the bicycle via the front wheel cannot get in proper position because the Salsa Anything Cage is in the way.  Front panniers would interfere as well.

Two this week actually.  Wednesday because I had seven quarters and desired extra sleep and coffee over battling the headwind of 20 mph for 12+ miles.  Friday because I had seven quarters and wanted more sleep.  Both times I rode my single speed to DART Central and placed my bike on the rack but rode the bike home from work.

First of all, this is convenient on those days that I have no desire to bike to work.  Also during an ice storm that left trails and sidewalks totally useless I found it an safer way to get home from work.  I am grateful for the service in these situations.  But.....

Do they have to use diesel engines?  Both times this week I felt nauseous during and after my ride for several hours.  I could smell diesel fumes until noon over 5 hours after I got off the bus and rode 2+ miles to complete my commute to work.  That and my susceptibility to motion sickness but the fumes.  I cannot fathom the damage to people who ride the bus everyday for 5 days a week.  Or the drivers.  Poison.

My other issue is with the bicycle racks.  They are easy to use but do not work well with bikes that have front racks.  The arm that secures to the front wheel cannot move past front racks or Salsa Anything cages.  I did not notice this on Wednesday I was distracted by the arm on the rear rack not working, extending, so the driver got out and helped me move the bike to the front rack.  But on Friday I did notice this.  The bike did stay put for both trips but I will obviously take a different bike if I need to take the bus again.  Perhaps an arm that locks to the top tube would be better.

For the immediate future this will be a non-issue for me.  My long commute ends on Friday.  The next bus I am likely to ride will be ones in cities that I visit when I choose to fly to.

Apologies for the crappy photo.  Had just a second to take it and I freaked the driver out.  had to explain that I photograph everything.