September 2, 2005 - $3.77 per gallon and I haven't driven in days

Today, if I were to sell the 13 gallons of gasoline remaining in my pickup truck I would profit on the sale by more than 100%. This is a rather sick notion considering I only filled my truck up with gasoline 6 weeks ago.

On my e-bike ride home today, I observed the gasoline station that 48 hours ago posted gasoline at $2.44 per gallon is now selling it for $3.77 per gallon. A $1.33 per gallon more in 48 hours, and for what reason? It is likely the same gas has been in his tanks the entire time.

You be crazy, not me. I am sticking with the e-bike.

Note: this weekend I need to repack bottom bracket bearings on e-bike, at 15 years it has been too long and they don't sound too happy. Also, I need to start an inventory on Trek 400 replacement parts to rebuild that frame. If gas and electric gets too crazy, the Trek 400 frame makes a good and fast commuter/cycle-cross type bike good for all weather (i.e. winter) conditions.

I got the new fork for my delta trike. Soon, I'll be e-commuting on my trike.

Anyone want to buy an e-bike? I'll sell my electric C'dale for the first $700.

September's Somber Song, and more reflections on today's e-bike commute.

Just today, I read one of those "global" type emails from the "internet police" at work describing how a fellow employee abused their internet privileges and subsequently lost their job. [Actually, from the email it sounds like the person spent more time surfing than doing their job while at work] As such and here forth, my blogging will only be from home.

Considering the death, discomfort, and humiliation being felt by so many American's as a direct result of Hurricane Katrina, in today's work environment loosing your job over internet surfing seems too petite.

Here in New York, I pledge my support to do what ever I can for America to help American's recover from the Katrina tragedy. Mr. Bush, I have not heard you make this pledge, where are you?

TODAY'S COMMUTE
I left the house this morning at 4:45 in the dark, but it was humid and warm (remnants of Katrina). During my 7.5 mile commute, I was passed by only 1 automobile. It was actually a very pleasant ride. However, and refer to a past blog, there was this one little skunk in the same place I almost ran over it last time. Not that I want to run over a skunk (pew!), but this is definitely the type of landmark you want to be riding well clear of.

My head light worked well, even on the more dimmly lighted streets. I also wore a hi-vis DOT Class III reflective vest so anyone within a 1/2 mile using headlights saw me before they could ride me over. [google hi vis clothing for some cool stuff] My ride was about 40 minutes, I stopped at the bagel store, but they would not open for another 15 minutes - gerrrr. I also stopped at the bank to get cash for breakfa$t at the office cafeteria (way more than the bagel shop).

While riding to work today, I notice a local gas station was open and the board in front showed regular gas at $2.45 per gallon. I told Chris, the guy who relieved on our shift, about the cheap price thinking he might want to top off his tank (Ford F150 Super Crew V-8) on the way home. Well, on my way home I saw the price at the same gas station, and on the same price board being $3.65 - $1.20 more per gallon in less than 13 hours.

My energy cost for today's round trip commute was 1,200 calories (the equivalent of my lunch), plus $0.05 for the electric charge in my bicycle battery. Hybrid pedal-electric definitely is a winner in my book.

Hey, does anyone out there want to buy my pickup truck?

September 1: $3.10 per gallon - I rode.

Need I say more. Gasoline is up, and will keep going. I bet it will hit $4.00 by the end of next week. I keep riding my bicycle.

I am seeing more and more people riding, and riding baddly. Riders riding against traffic, and without helmets, hi vis clothing, or lights. A new disaster wieghting to happen.

August 28 - Rain, I drove.

Get this, $2.89 - 9/10 at another local gas station. Higher yet! With what's going on in the Gulf of Mexico with uricanne Katrina about to strike Louisianna, I am sure we will see $3.00+ per gallon next week.

It was raining today, and is suppose to rain through tomorrow's commute, so I drove today.

August 28 - Dark ride home.

I seem to have flown home. The trip seems more normal now, rather than a novelty. Unfortunately, days are getting shorter. I left the office in the dark, and I just got home to see the sun rise. My new Cat Eye headlamp works well.

For Bagel Day (Sunday's in my house) it started out at 72 degrees with 92% (ouch) humidity. My shirt was soaked through by the time I got home - a small price to pay.

Another local gas station I regularly pass is now chargine $2.82-9/10 for a gallon of regular gasoline.