Halloween costume ~ commute to work idea

[Bike4ale]

:idea:

Is anybody having an office Halloween contest this week? My office is, and I've been trying to think of something creative (I usually win that category). I think I've got it.

I've never commuted to work. Mainly because it's only 5 miles one way....but in the summer that's enough to work up a sweat....then there's cleaning up and changing clothes, etc.....all for just 5 miles.

I've decided this Friday is the perfect opportunity to commute. My cycling attire will double as my costume and work attire for the day. The fall weather is cooler in PA and I won't be working up a TOXIC SWEAT (see my famous indoor cycling post). My plan is to be a lost rider from the Tour de France. I could put scuff marks on my face and limbs and look rather beaten down due to 3-months of endless riding. I could have signs attached saying things like, "Paris or Bust" or "Le Tour, no?". I could whip out a map and ask for directions. (I like to act out the part for this sort of thing....it can make or break the costume)

Anyone else dressing up? Any thoughts on improving my plan?

[like2bike]

god of ale~~
I love your idea! Not sure how you would do this, but since you are a lost rider from le tour, and you are somewhat tattered and torn, perhaps you could have a tire mark running up the back of your shirt (a car tire mark) as though you'd been run over a few times. Dunno--only thing I can think of to add the "final touches" of your attire.

Lori

[Bike4ale]

Lori ~ I like it! Actually, I have an old jersey I don't really care for. I should take it out in the street and run over it with my car a few times. :lol: :lol: :lol: This could get interesting! :idea: 8)

[Bike4ale]

I got it.........I'm the GHOST of a lost TdF rider who didn't quite make it. I got off course and was struck by a car.....yet I don't know I'm dead and I'm still trying to cross the finish line. :twisted:

God of Ale becomes The Ghost Rider!!!!!

[like2bike]

By george I think you've got it!

The Ghost of TDF Past!

Sounds like a blast~~

Lori

[madcyclist]

"la fantôme rouge"

As oppose to "la lanterne rouge"
--

[Bike4ale]

So....I scrapped the Tour Ghost idea. Good idea, but would just require too much explanation to the people I work with. Even then, they wouldn't get it.

But I did go with the lost TdF rider searching for the finsish line 3 months late. Last night I made a rider # to wear on my back. 666, of course, complete with Le Tour de France logo and everything. I decided I should be sponsored by the company I work for and add a little company humor. I made a sign and company stickers on my jersey. People liked it.

Now I've got the bug............the commuting bug, that is. Only 4.67 miles one way and took a mere 20 minutes. I had to ride home for lunch and let my dog out. I debated driving back because it's sort of drizzling here. Nope.....it just felt TOO DAMN GOOD to ride. I rode back after lunch and am looking forward to the ride home. During rush hour, I'm probably going to make it home QUICKER on my bike. I could care less if it's raining when I leave. Hey, I'll end up with about 20 miles today. Pretty cool.

It makes me want to do this on a regular basis....at least once a week. Winter in PA is approaching and I doubt I will want to ride in the snow. I don't know....does anyone else commute such a short distance where office attire doesn't include Spandex?

Happy Halloween!

[JFK]

Ale,

Commuting sounds great! I wish I could get my three kids to their school and the 40 miles to my school in a human-powered way, but since I don't have a Fred Flintstone-mobile, I'm stuck in my van. This site sounds like it might be useful to you, if you aren't aware of it already: http://www.icebike.com

Happy riding. Having a short distance is ideal - I have a friend who cyclo-commutes and by adding miles here and there he logs about 10K miles/year. His lowest riding temp is about 14 degrees F.

[spinfet]

for mad,

'la lanterne rouge' but 'Le fantôme rouge' it is masculine ;)
sorry but french is complicated ...lol ;)

Féthi G.
Spinning(R) Master Instructor - France