Commuting - Taking it easy

This morning I took it easier coming in to work. I left about 5 min. earlier and arrived on time. I think it made my ride less stressful.

Anyone else like to take it easy when they ride?

I've been known to take a more relaxing ride from time to time. I get a glimpse of the river and Cascade range if I take time to notice. But, I also like to train for quicker and quicker commutes also.

That said, I took it easy today - added 7 minutes to my average time. But, that's because I woke up feeling the effects of a head cold.

So, I guess it didn't really make my trip less stressful, just bearable.

Oh, and when you sniff and speak with nasal inflection, don't let anyone at work see your bike - that's when they KNOW you're some kind of lunatic :)

On my way in to work, I never get carried away. Always paced to get the blood going, but not to sweat badly. (no showers at work). The ride home I push much harder. Also, a big climb right at the end of the ride home. >7% for 1/2 mile.

If one overdresses for the temp, that's usually a sign to take it easy on the way in so you don't sweat or overheat.

Otherwise, balls to the wall... :p

Jay

I was taking it slightly easier in the sweltering conditions we had last week -- simply because a failure to do so may have been fatal. Now that things are a little cooler, I'm pushing it a bit harder now.

I next to never push it hard to work, I might push the envelope on the way home.

I'm barely warmed up by the end of my commute, so I just take it easy. In fact, most of my riding would be classified as moderate intensity at best.

yeah, like the other guys I take it easier coming in to work and then try hammer it on the way home.

Same here. Also the differences in time are not that huge, no matter how hard you push. I commute 15 kms one way, and if I take it extremely easy, I will arrive 15 minutes later than if I really tried to hammer it. Not worth the effort on the way in, but I often do it on the way home.

--J

True, Juha. If I push I get to work in 36-37 minutes. If I noodle along it takes 41-42. Some days I feel like going fast; some days I don't. Some days I take the short way home (11 miles); some days I noodle through new neighborhoods to see different parts of the city and wind up covering 20 miles. Then there are those glorious and all too rare days when I slip out early and take LSD up the river and back for 40-45 miles. Life is good!