Commuting - Commuting in Chicagoland

I have started to seriously consider leaving the car in the garage and fixing up an old racing bike to commute to and from work. However, other than maybe throwing on some fenders and planning a route that doesn't get me killed (not as easy as it might sound) I have NO idea where to begin.

Anyone from Illinois that commutes (year-rounders would be MUCH appreciated) and can offer me some advice on the hows, wheres, and whens would be great. I have NO gear for the commute so recommendations would also be nice.

Let me know if you need more information on my intended approach just drop me a line or ask me here. I'll try to provide whatever I can.

Thanks in advance,

Wow, sorry I can't be of more help with the Chicago winter weather, but your post just gave me a huge grin!

In 1999, when I lived there in Chicago, I finally realized the futility of driving. I picked up a crappy Trek 820 ($150 on clearance) over the weekend and hopped on it Monday morning with my backpack to commute from my apartment on Belmont to my job in downtown Chicago. I didn't know what the he11 I was doing, and looking back I am somewhat surprised out how smoothly it all went. I took Lincoln most of the way, with those kicka55 six-way intersections where you can almost always shoot the crosswalks either to the left or the right and hardly ever have to stop.

Well, anyway, I'm just telling you that it was a whole lot of fun, and you shouldn't let the weather slow you down. Even though it's hardly a fair comparison, winters here in Seattle are so far in the 30's with rain/drizzle nearly every day, and it is barely even an annoyance once you get used to it. I hope you can manage to deal with the Chicago winter. !

Smile!

Okay, I have convinced the wife. It's a go. :D

I have a 1-year-old who needs to be dropped off and picked up from daycare every day and the traffic is too heavy in the afternoons to make my wife comfortable. Here's where the stroke of genius hit me...

I can DRIVE to the daycare, ride to the office, work my 8 or so hours, ride back to daycare, hit the gym downstairs for a shower, pick up my daughter, and DRIVE home. The actual car-time should take about 1.5 miles out of my total commute. I won't need a trailer, won't have to endanger my daughter, won't anger my wife--too much. :)

I think it'll be about 23 miles each way so this should spice up my "training" routine.

Morsen, I sure don't envy your time commuting in the city. Heck, I will be riding between the Deerfield/Lake Forest area to Schaumburg (all suburban) and it's the first and last few miles that'll be the only real challenge to my survival (I hope.)

Now all I need is some advice on how to make it a ride to work instead of just a ride...minor details right? ;)

46 miles daily... wow!

Well, when you put it THAT way...maybe it's a big jump from the 10.6 miles I do two to three times a week...

...ah well, I love a good challenge. At least I'll sleep better. :)

Originally posted by IowaParamedic
46 miles daily... wow!
That's more than me (I'm at 40 miles) and took me a year or two to get there.

And in Chicago !!! Brrrrrrrr.

Tomorrow's a dry run for the long trip. My office is moving on September 1st and it'll double the one-way distance so I'm going to give it a try when I don't have to be anywhere at a specific time to establish the route, find out how long it'll take me, etc.

(I hope I can make it there and back...)

:)

Originally posted by Brian_T
(I hope I can make it there and back...)


Brian,

Keep a backup plan for those days you feel overworked. If you start to feel like you don't want to ride on a given morning, it's okay to ride, but pay attention to your feeling. Often, you'll feel better once you get on the road, even great, but your body may be telling you to rest.

I've found that I prefer a day off between cycling days. I ride about 30 miles round-trip on hilly terrain. On days off I use public transit/walking. (Incidentally, walking uses somewhat different muscle groups and strengthens bones, a good cross-exercise.)

Overall, I'm sure you'll prefer cycling to mass transit: you'll get there much quicker! (With more fun, too!)

Let us know how it goes! :thumbup:

When it gets to be near winter, you may want to attend one of the free Bike Winter classes, which are held once or twice a year in various Chicago locations. www.bikewinter.org will have more information as winter approaches.

Rapid Transit Bike Shop in the Wicker Park/Bucktown area periodically offers cheap classes for basic bike maintenance for commuters. Ask for Chris Wallace.

If you can afford it, invest in at least two good locks.

There is a ton of advice to be gleaned on winter commuting but these three things come to mind in order of importance:
Warmth / Dryness - Invest in clothes that layer easily, defy wind and water and wick moisture away from your body.
Maintainence - Can't be stressed to much, a mechanical can ruin your day, even in the summer, in the winter it will be worse.
Traction - If you can, buy studded tires, you'll have enough on your mind without having to worry about landing on your keester in traffic. Quality studded tires make a huge difference.


Bicycle commuting is a great way to go, I'm across the pond in Michigan, this will be my second winter riding to work, I'm addicted. ;)