Commuting - Inspired

Reading posts from Bikeforums members from around the nation (and world) inspires me to commute by bike. I already do, but when I read posts by others who are doing it, I get excited about it.

It's like Bikeforums is a family or something.

:beer:

Well, I'd be commuting anyway. Have for quite some time before finding BikeForums sometime last year. Actually, I believe it's been almost exactly a year. I guess once I post this I'll see by the Registered field under my name over
<<<<----- there.

Anyway, I like learning from the experiences of others in this forum. I especially like the "How was your commute today" thread and, recently, the pictures our fellow commuters have been posting of their commute routes. There's always something to learn to make the commute more enjoyable and safe.

I don't need any inspiration to commute because it helps curb my cycling addiction (otherwise I'd be getting professional help!). However I enjoy reading other's posts and finding out how they solve the various "problems" that we commuters face. I've even used a few of their ideas myself! :eek:

Originally posted by Chris L
I don't need any inspiration to commute...


Originally posted by Andy Dreisch
Well, I'd be commuting anyway.

Typical.

"Hi-ho, Silver, away!"

;)

I was commuting before I logged on here, but learning the things I have certainly has made my commute more enjoyable and easier.

It's easy to get wrapped up in your own shell, seeing different points of view does offer possibilities that you wouldn't think of on your own.

I read this section more than I post, as I'm not so much and advocate as others, but it pleases me that there are others that experience, learn and see the same things I do.

Sort of cycling with people, even when you cycle alone.

I should add that I am more likely to commute, and commute more because of what I read here. Inspiration to continue is what I get.

Originally posted by Andy Dreisch
I especially like the "How was your commute today" thread and, recently, the pictures our fellow commuters have been posting of their commute routes.

I've enjoyed those pictures as well. I especially like Gonesh's because while we commute through some similar areas, his ride seems so different than mine. I will have to follow suit and post my own - maybe my commute is different than I perceive and photos may serve to demonstrate this to me.

When commuting in the winter I've had thoughts of why and the hell am I doing this.When I could have jumped in to my car.Then I think of all the commuting forum members and say hey I am not alone.You guys and Gals give me the power to keep going.Thank you

Originally posted by Pete Clark
Typical.

Just being serious for one moment - the truth is I really don't need any inspiration to commute by bike - it's simply the best option. I am not spending upwards of $10,000 per annum on paying off, fueling and maintaining a car just to sit in traffic. The bus? Forget it. Even if it shows up at all there's no guarantee that it will be there in time.

At least this way I can get to where I want when I had planned on getting there, save money and have fun while I do it. :D

I'm with you Pete.

I commute anyway, but on those days when I'm having second thoughts because it's windy or raining, I think "Well, on the other side of the world people will be on their bikes, so I guess I should be".

Do you think if we all stopped cycling the world would stop revolving?

I with you Pete I was a commuter before I got on this site and yes I probably would still be commuting but I now use my Bike for more things and this site does give me the motivation to ride everyday for all the years I have owned a car 2003 is the one I have driven the least amount of time I have to owe all that to this site. Thanks Joe! Though I see Chris's point about saving money but to be honest with you I don't save anything by riding (except my life of course) because I spend it on other things like new bikes and bike toys here's to bikeforums.net :beer:

I wanted to bike to work, but had no idea how to do it in a practical way....I probably would have been scared to try without the info I found here. I also think I would probably have slacked off many times, if I didn't know I had a report to give to the 'How was the commute' thread! ;)

Well, I was really lucky. I had started commuting on my own anyway, but just 2-3 weeks after I started I stumbled onto BikeForums. I'm pretty sure I would probably still be commuting, but BF has made the whole experience more enjoyable and meaningful. Knowing I have so many enthusiastic commuting brothers and sisters out there has, indeed, been inspiring. And I have learned many things that have made commuting safer, more comfortable, and even more enjoyable.

Hmm. Of course I probably wouldn't have been QUITE so "inspired" to spend the money to obtain, rebuild, and upgrade 4 more bikes, either. Did I say lucky? :D

This forum has inspired me to ride in all kinds of rotten weather. (That's a good thing?) It has also inspired me to ride farther and faster and given me the information I need to do all 3. You think you are near your limits and then hear from someone whose limits are far above yours. That's what is inspiring! Thanks, Joe!

Mucho props to the forum for advice, information, inspiration, and motivation. It also helps remind me that I will regret driving to work.