Commuting - And they all thought I was crazy...

Working the third shift last night, I got to commute in the dark after a light rain. I got to work, and sat in on report still dressed in my layers. My co-workers looked at me, "You rode in this?" They asked. "Yup." Said I.
"You're crazy." "Certifiably."

I love pimping my co-workers when they ask silly questions. What are they going to do when I roll up in the snow, with my beard all iced up, with a grin on my face, and the wind is -30F? I'm afraid they may have the guys in the white coats looking for me.

Gotta love commuting.

You'll get sick of it. I worked on a grave shift for 9 years or so - rode the whole time. I finally got so sick of the redundant "your crazy" comments that I came in an entrance where others would not see me - a few months of consistantly doing that and just about everybody forgot I even rode a bike.

You'll get sick of it. I worked on a grave shift for 9 years or so - rode the whole time. I finally got so sick of the redundant "your crazy" comments that I came in an entrance where others would not see me - a few months of consistantly doing that and just about everybody forgot I even rode a bike.

On the contrary, in a society that can't seem to come up with a universally accepted definition for "normal", I treat it as a complement. My rampant arrogance just loves being told how crazy I am. In fact, the "crazy" taunts are yet another benefit of riding in the rain.

I never rode to work in "bad" weather (riding home is another story) but I heard the "I can't believe you rode that far" line almost daily. My commute was 14 miles one way.

Don't worry Naisme after about 10 years they stop, then when you finally do drive in, they ask if you're feeling ok. The other thing is, most of the ones telling you're crazy just wish they were in your shoes.

The other thing is, most of the ones telling you're crazy just wish they were in your shoes.

After a rainy ride, even I don't wish to be in my shoes, why should anyone else? ;)

The people at my job thought I was nuts. Nuts to spend so much on a bike, and crazier still to actually ride it (everyone knows bikes are for garages). But after a year and half, they can see that I'm not only skinnier, I like my life a whole lot better. With that awareness has come a grudging respect for my insanity :D

I've been between jobs for a while - so I have not commuted (I've ridden all over, just not to a "job"). However, this week I have been helping my brother's small business out and riding my bike to his shop. He has several workers there, not one had said a word to me untill today - "You are fricken nuts, don't you realize it's in the 20's, with 30mph winds!?". I just shook my head and said "I'm dressed for it." Then as I was walking out of the office my bro adds "And he does all this on a bike with one gear, he can't shift". So then came the questions -

Now I have to find a place to hid my bike and change before I come in so I don't have to listen to this crap. It's only a 2-4 week gig anyhow, I'm sure I can manage the comments without killing anyone.

Ditto to Chris' comments about what is considered normal.. I wear my crazziness on my sleeve.
One of my favorite moments in the movies.. Think the movie was "Crazy" with Barbara Streisand... She was a patient in an institution.. Faked out another doctor, by playing the role of a Psychiologist, by being a doctor to the doctor, even though she was 'crazy.' great scene. He did not know the difference. Doubt he could play the role of a 'crazy' person.

The people at my job thought I was nuts. Nuts to spend so much on a bike, and crazier still to actually ride it (everyone knows bikes are for garages). But after a year and half, they can see that I'm not only skinnier, I like my life a whole lot better. With that awareness has come a grudging respect for my insanity :D
I keep getting concerned co-workers offering me lifts home ,or stopping on the road & wanting to load me & my bike in to take me to work or home .I end up haveing to be quite rude to them ,to get them to leave me alone .They can't understand that I'de ride my bike by choice especialy in bad weather :p . though to know they are concerned is nice :) I know a lot of them consider me a bit eccentric & the rest think Im truely mad !! :lol:

Yeah, I've been considered crazy but I eat it up. What is "normal" anyway? Doing what everybody else does? Not me, of course I've always marched to the beat of a different drummer.

I keep getting concerned co-workers offering me lifts home ,or stopping on the road & wanting to load me & my bike in to take me to work or home .I end up haveing to be quite rude to them ,to get them to leave me alone .They can't understand that I'de ride my bike by choice especialy in bad weather :p . though to know they are concerned is nice :) I know a lot of them consider me a bit eccentric & the rest think Im truely mad !! :lol:

Appreciate their concern..Rude is probably not necessary, just be frank and convince them you are doing what you want. Should they see you thumbing with the bike down, then you would appreciate their help. Maybe some condition you just might. Broken hanger or whatever.'
Do wish the bus's with bike racks ran my route to work. They don't ...They are just trying to be friendly.
I let my co-workers know how much I hate cars and traffic and enjoy riding, they have learned to leave me alone.

Hey You got to be crazy or you will go insane. At least thats my $0.02 worth :D