U-PASS Profiles

Bicycling: Profile

(originally published in the Winter 2004 U-Commute News)

Ron Musgrave, Instrument Maker Physics

Since 1983, Instrument Maker Ron Musgrave has biked the 5.5 mile stretch between UW and his Broadview area home on a daily basis, come fair weather or foul. He runs or walks or rides the bus when it snows, but neither a rain shower nor a torrent deters him from bicycling.

"I like the sense of independence," says Ron. "I take my bike out of the basement and I am ready to go." He pedals down residential streets, enjoying his surroundings and bypassing people sitting in their cars, delayed by having to defrost their windshields. He figures he can pedal to work in about the same time it takes to drive, park his car, and walk to the Physics Astronomy Building.

Braving the elements has become second nature to Ron and enjoyment of exercise has worked its way into the fiber of his being. Because he drives so infrequentlyÑperhaps once per year for a doctor's appointmentÑRon recently turned in 7 remaining Individual Commuter Tickets from a book of 10 which he purchased from Parking Services when they were only 75 cents apiece.

"I like feeling wide awake when I get to work," says Ron, "and having the chance to unwind on the way home from work. I enjoy the fresh air and the chance to stretch my legs. I feel healthy and fit and meet lots of friendly people."

Ron commutes on a mountain bike with fenders (he advises that fenders are worth their weight if you travel in the rain). He wears shorts when the weather is nice, and sweat pants and Gortex pants, jacket and booties when it rains. An extra set of clean, dry clothing at work sets him up for the day.

Ron acquired his biking habit back in 1970 when he was working the second shift as an apprentice instrument maker at a commercial can company. For leisure to fill the daytime hours, he bought an old bike, overhauled it, and started taking rides in his neighborhood. He enjoyed his biking forays into his neighborhood so much that he decided to develop a biking and running program to get in shape. Soon he was pedaling to work on a daily basis.

Ron's enthusiasm for biking snowballed into multiple scenic recreational trips. The early and mid-1970s found him touring to the San Juans, and from the North Cascades to Spokane. In 1974 he quit his job and bicycle toured10,000 miles, and in the following year he logged another 11,000 miles around the United States and Canada by himself. Since working at UW, he has taken 3 month-long bike trips, including one to the Canadian Rockies and back, and he often rides on weekends.

Biking in the all types of weather is possible. The Norwegians have a saying "There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." Biking in the rain can be invigorating, pleasurable and safe, if you are properly equipped and follow common sense safety rules. Get started biking to campus by participating in the Ride in the Rain Challenge www.washington.edu/upass/riderain.html. Teams of 4 Ð 10 people compete on the basis of Most Miles, Most Trips, Most New Commuters and Most Times Riding in the Rain. Prizes include gift certificates, bike equipment and clothing, helmets and lights, a Cascade Bicycle Club Bike Pass, and even a free lunch. The prize for the most times riding in the rain is the "Soaked to the Gills" traveling trophy.

Ron's Tips on Biking in the Rain:

• Wear a helmet.
• Ride safe, be seen, wear light colored clothes, have reflectors and lights on the front and rear of the bicycle.
• Listen to your surroundings. Be aware of everything around you.
• Before you bicycle commute, find the safest route possible. Then take a practice ride in the daylight. Look for obstructions such as pot holes, sewer grates, or unpaved sections of road. When it is dark or when leaves cover the ground, it is often impossible to see these obstacles.
• Be aware that darkness and rain pose special safety challenges. Take road conditions and reduced visibility into account.
• Be aware that bike brakes aren't as responsive in the rain. The rims get wet and the brake pads have to repel water before they stop the bike.
• Always keep in mind that drivers may do the dumbest thing possible, and usually do. Be aware of the actions of drivers around you and give yourself room to respond.
• Always ride in a straight line, don't weave in and out around parked cars.
• Signal your intentions, whether making a turn or passing another bicycle or pedestrian.
• Parked cars can be a hazard, sometimes drivers suddenly open their car door as you are pedaling by.. Look at car mirrors for the reflection of a driver in a car.