Northeast - Considering a Maryland Commute...

Hello, all...

I'm considering a 17-20 mile commute between Bel Air and Timonium, and would like to hear some input.

First, here's the inbound route as I've driven it. The outbound route would be the reverse.



Starting at Bel Air Mall and ending at the Timonium Fairgrounds.

01 - R on Business 1.
02 - Cross Intersection of US-1 to Harford Road.
03 - R on Connolly Road.
04 - Cross 152 to Old Fallston Road.
05 - L on Laurel Brook Road.
06 - L on Bottom Road. (Here there be hills and gravel near the water...)
07 - Cross Fork Road and continue on Bottom Road.
08 - R on Williams Road.
09 - L on Long Green Pike.
10 - R on Long Green Road.
11 - Cross Manor Road and continue on Long Green Road.
11(alt) - L on Manor Road, R on Windemere Road.
12 - L on Dulaney Valley Road.
13 - R on E. Timonium Road.
14 - R on Green Meadow Drive.


A few concerns:

I haven't been on a bike outside of my small neighborhood since before my daughter was born, three years ago. Before that, most post-adolescent riding has been on the local rail-trails. Add to that 30 pounds over my ideal weight and a recent need to wear a brace on one knee when exercising. Is 17-20 miles each way too much, too soon?
The route is rather hilly, particularly around the Gunpowder. Again, too much, too soon?
The worst of the traffic is along Business-1 in Bel Air and along Dulaney Valley Road between the bridge and E. Timonium Road. Has anyone any experience along those sections of road? Too much for a novice?
How much time should I allow for?
No showers at work. Any advice?
Am I crazy? Is this just a reaction to my recent shift from a 2-hour crawl down I-95 to Rockville to a 30-minute country-drive to work?


Thanks for any thoughts!
John

I can't comment on the terrain or roads you will be riding, but I don't think it is impossible. It is a fairly long commute, but well within the do-able range. I would suggest maybe riding one or two days a week to start with. I would probably give yourself at least 2 hours for the ride so that you don't have to push too hard.

You will find lots of good commuting tips by searching the commuting forum. There are many good suggestions on clean-up, carrying clothes and stuff, as well as how to build up to the full ride. Check out the Extreme Commute/Very long Commute Club threads which are populated by folks who do commutes as long as yours (or even longer).

You can do it, just start slow by riding more miles each day if you are concerned about the distance. Once you feel like you can bang out the milage needed to commute, start commuting. Make sure you have your bike properly fitted and your knee will be fine.

Thanks for your thoughts. I'll check out the commuting forum, too.

Initially, I might be able to cut a few of the busiest miles by parking at the park-n-ride on Fallston Road.

Now that I've (mostly) decided to do it, I've now got to talk the wife into letting me. :)

Go boldly forth and declare your intention to ride because you are the man of the house and set your own course through life! Wives love to be amused by this sort of bravado, then you can start the serious begging and persuading.

Thanks for your thoughts. I'll check out the commuting forum, too.

Initially, I might be able to cut a few of the busiest miles by parking at the park-n-ride on Fallston Road.

Now that I've (mostly) decided to do it, I've now got to talk the wife into letting me. :)

Hey Bag Long green to Meadow is nice but can't attest to its condition during rush hour. I would ride the route on a weekend just to see what you are getting yourself into. You'll be able to learn the route pitfalls...ie bad shoulders, intersections, lane loss etc. before rush hour. Driving partway is a good way to get the whole process going. Don't be discouraged by early troubles, gear, bike, clothes. Try to keep it as simple as possible. It always take awhile to "acclimatize" to commuting. If you stick w/ it you will eventually hate driving to work. Good luck, Charlie
PS There's a club called Baltimore Bicycle Club(BBC) w/ a forum that may give you better road info
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/bbctalk/?yguid=100727184

John,
I am not a full time commuter, but just started to get into it last year. When I do commute, I ride from Carroll County to the Lutherville/Timonium area. It's a 20 mile trip each way. I also used to live/ride in Fallston and did a ride last fall from Carroll County to Fallston for my son's football game so I am familiar with most of the roads you mention.

Here's what advise I can offer:

I think 2O miles is totally doable, but from what you described, I would try a partial commute for a while and give yourself plenty of time. Go slow. Build your strength up to to full commute. This will give you time to work out the bugs and learn what to carry and what route works best. Also, the idea of doing the commute on a weekend at first is very good advise.

Before I started my commute, I studied the roads each day I drove to and from work. Take notice of when you have a shoulder and when you don't, look for potholes and debris, and think about how you will approach and handle every intersection or traffic control device that you come to. The part of your route that takes you on Dulaney Valley leading up to Timonium Road, and also Timonium Road will be very busy during rush hour. Study this route some more (there might be a less traveled way) and if you can leave early on both ends.

Always use a headlight, and at least one blinkie on the rear of the bike. Wear LOTS of reflective clothing and of course a helmet.

Leave extra supplies of things at work like spare tubes, batteries, first aid kit, energy bars/food/drink, pump/co2, rain gear, tools, duct tape (very useful).

Carry a cell phone, your drivers license, your medical ins. card, and a credit card as well as some cash (you never know).

Keep reading the commuting section on bike forums. There is some excellent advise out there.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.
BH