Here's my helmet cam footage from the Rush Hour Race yesterday. As you can see, I stopped at every red light. Seriously, I only made two greens the entire way.
Though it's not on by default, the video is available in 1080p, if that's what you're into. Sorry about the shakiness. Hopefully LivableStreets will cut it together with the other racers' videos and make it into something cool.
Oh, and here's a link to my route on Google Maps, in case any of you were wondering.
Thanks again to Lee Toma of Bike Milton for lending me his camera for the event!
Yours,
Josh
PS: That's my mom that you can hear me hugging at the end. She was very proud.
It was my first race ever, and I came in first. I'm batting 1,000. Maybe it's time to retire, while I'm still on top.
Thanks again to LivableStreets for asking me to participate, I had a blast. If you don't know about LivableStreets, definitely check them out. It's a really great organization, and they're always looking for new members.
And thanks to everyone who came out and rode with me, and to my competitors Ken and Laurie. I couldn't have done it without you guys!
The video will be up as soon as I figure out how to upload the video. EDIT: here it is!
I have a confession to make: I'm not a racer. That's why I think it's a little funny that I've committed to represent all cyclists in the Rush Hour Race.
On May 14th, a driver, an MBTA rider, and a biker will be racing from Davis Square to Kendall Square to prove which mode of transport reigns supreme. And I'm gonna be the biker.
It's all part of LivableStreets' celebration to kick off Bay State Bike Week. It's a great idea, and I'm proud to live in a city that would be host to such an event.
I have to admit, I'm a little bit nervous. I've never participated in an organized bicycle race in my life. Don't get me wrong—I absolutely love riding fast on my bike, but I'm more of a commuter/transportation/fun times cyclist than a racer.
However, as a dedicated bike advocate, I'm sworn to do everything I can to promote cycling in all its incarnations. I'm excited to participate, and to show everyone that when it comes to getting around during rush hour, biking is the undeniable winner. Racing, prepare to meet commuting!
Yours,
Josh
PS: I know the race is scheduled for a Monday morning, but come out and show your support if you can! That's how this sort of thing becomes an annual tradition.
PPS: I forgot to mention that I'll be recording the race on a borrowed helmet cam, to prove that I obeyed all traffic laws on my route. I'll be posting the video here after the race, so stay tuned.
PPPS: Also, there will be free bike tuneups at the finish line! I don't know about you, but that's exactly the kind of thing that'll get me out of bed and over to the Genzyme building on a Monday morning.
