There is no choice anymore
I still remember the day I bought the bike. Over 11 years ago. I baulked at the price initially but boy, has it been a good investment. I can’t recall off the top of my head any day that I haven’t used it to get me to work. My cycling buddy who helped me through the purchasing process strongly recommended the spd pedals. “You will never go back to ordinary pedals” he proclaimed. It made complete sense. The good thing about these pedals is that they allow the rider to wear ‘normal’ shoes. Normal in every way except for the need for the special fitting on the sole, the limited style on offer and the high cost, that is.
It recently came to my attention that my current pair of spd shoes were starting to look slightly shabby and due for replacement. And that got me thinking. I have slowed down alot lately. I have been riding quite successfully in my everyday clothes for a while now. I would not call it fashion but at least there is no lycra or fluoro anywhere in sight.
So I did it. I changed back. And there is no turning back. For the last 3 days I have ridden to work in jandals. Oh the liberation! Physically (on these hot, humid days) and mentally. I haven’t noticed any significant increase in travel time either. The only problem I forsee is the increasing desire to also remove my helmet. That would really normalise things.
Upon arrival home every evening this week, I have highlighted to my youngest that cycling in jandals was perfectly safe. The day her brother slipped his foot off his jandal and into the spokes of the front wheel while riding on the driveway is obviously still a strong memory for her. I love that. A memory based around our common love for bicycles. He did survive to tell the tale of course. He also rides faster than me these days. But I am more than relaxed about that.
Comfort over speed everyday.
cycling/freedom
I did actually think about riding in jandals in this weather. Seriously. But it was the idea that they might get caught in something that put me off. You may have convinced me to try it soon. Thanks.
Of course, there are platform pedals that incorporate clips, giving you the best of both worlds.
@Chris I wouldn't recommend them if doing the Tour of Taupo but for those local trips; perfect!
@Alastair I don't think clips and jandals (open toes) would be a good mix but I am open to be persuasion. Those pedals also tend to have serated edges that can be quite rough on the soles.
Sssh don't tell anyone but I have taken off three times now sans helmet… Oh the freedom. But I should know better!!!! its fun riding without restriction! I hear yah! Happy Christmas!
@ Mark – well done!!!
@ Chris – from my experience jandals can be hazardous no matter what you do in them – I will never forget my first experience of having someone accidentally stand on the back of mine and I must admit that I haven't revisited 'the jandal' since then! But I have seen workmen on roofs in them, people tramping in them, people mowing their lawns in them … I think the risk of a bit of light cycling in them is pretty minimal!
Jandals Rock! On hot humid Auckland days (not raining though), they're the perfect bike footwear.
@Unity – Spot on. wearing jandals can be risky but I can't imagine they will be banned any time soon.
@Imogen – I wore jandals on the way home yesterday in the rain. And I thought how great it was because I wouldn't have shoes to dry out. Can't say that for my helmet. It was wet and smelly when I wore it this morning.
@Jo – the freedom is wonderful! I've been taking mine off and hanging it on the handle bars, and riding around, just short periods of time. Even rode past a policeman once or twice! But a helmet in this weather is too hot to wear.
I'm begining to see the attraction of not wearing a helmet.
And when an anonymous motorist tells you to put on your helmet, you can respond by reminding them to refrain from killing or maiming any innocent people with their vehicle.
Wearing shoes & part-finger gloves are my two top safety tips for cycling. I didn't enjoy having the top of my foot grated, during an uncontrolled dismount.
Of course, if you're never going to crash, feel free to ride naked.