Ok, I am hoping to put this to the experts here and get your opinion on how realistic this commute is. I'm really trying to get myself into riding into Fort Hood. Here's what I'm looking at for my ride into work:
Two lane (one each way)Texas Country Road
Gravel and rock shoulders on each side
50 MPH limit
8 miles one way
Fairly steep hills in the way
Will have to set out in the dark (PT is early)
A decent amount of traffic on each way
One of the things that is worrying me, but at the same time makes me want to bike in, is all of the standing traffic lately. The cars are getting backed up for about a mile. While this is usually a good thing, in this case it may push me into the gravel for a decent amount of time. I'm also going to have to do the 8 miles before doing PT in the morning. While I know this will be tough the first few weeks since I'm new to biking, it should get easier so I'm not too worried.
What do you all think? Is this a reasonable commute, or is this something you would avoid. It's my only way into work, so it's either this or cage it. Thanks!