So, I'm back after a few years off of cycling (built a house, moved to a different country, etc.) but now I need to commute to work. Right now car takes 1.5 hrs and costs too much, public transit takes 1.5 hrs when it works, and there is the other option of biking. Besides, if it takes me 2 hours each way, I save 1 hour by not going to the gym. There are back up ways of getting home in case the weather becomes a health hazard.
My bike is a Look carbon with dura ace components for nice dry SFBay California riding. No lights, reflectors, studded/treaded tires, etc.
Here's the commute:
Map from approximate start to approximate finish
Total length for me will be about 55km over mostly asphalted roads in the middle of nowhere, finally getting into highly maintained, seperated, lighted bike paths in bike friendly traffic. Work a day, then turn around and go home.
It's pitch black in the winter time where the commute will be done in 100% darkness since the sun is up between 9am and 3pm.
Any suggestions/insights? Anyone familiar with the route?