Commuting - Misc Commuting Questions

First off, I was able to learn the following things while reading the forums:
- It's better to rider slower for 5 days a week than harder for 3 days a week. This was my problem last year.
- I got semi slick tires for a better ride
- I wasn't the only one having to dry my clothes in my cubicle :)

My questions:
- What do people do for breakfast before leaving on the commute? I drink a glass of orange juice and pop a vitamin. Of course, I pack something for breakfast for when I get there which is usually a container with cereal (I have milk in the fridge at work)

- I take with my a change of clothing, lunch for the day (various containers with fruits, crackers, ect.) and footwear. This barely fits in my backpack and makes it quite heavy. I have the impression that there are not alot of alternatives but willing to listen to some.

- This question is more of a moral delima I think. There's shortcut people take. The bike path turns away from the highway and people will continue along the highway to cut across to the mall 500m futher down. I measured it this morning and I would save 2.4 Km and 7-10min. Most of the hills are on that 2.4 Km stretch as well. However, there a sign clearly indicating that no bikes are allowed past that point. You also have to cross the highway to the other side and cycle facing traffic on the large paved shoulder until you reach the dirt path that leads to the mall which re-connects to my route. I too shake my head a people that cycle against traffic so...

In any case, I usually bike 24Km per day round trip, which takes me about 1hr round trip as well.

TB1,

Great questions. Here's my take:

I don't eat much before my ride in the morning. I get up and out the door in about 5 minutes. If anything I will grab half a banana. I DO, however, eat when I get in. I keep fruit, nuts, etc. at my desk.

Leave your work shoes at work. I carry with me everyday: Wallet, change, tools, pump, work clothes (pants, shirt, socks, underwear, belt). All of this fits well in a small backpack or medium courier bag, and leaves room for me to pick up a 40oz of beer on the way home. ;-)

Take the long way. It sounds safer and you will feel better about it. Shortcuts are for messengers and wussies.

Happy commuting.

TB1,
Shortcuts are for messengers and wussies.


Ah jeeze... I always use that sort of line... it was only a matter of time before it came back to haunt me! :D That settles it, long way it is.

Unlike my wife, I don't have a ton of different shoes, so I can't really leave them at work. Also, since I'm always complaining about this, the consequences would be dire if I were to start getting extra pairs of shoes for myself! :eek:

Thanks!

I do the same as you for breakfast and leave your shoes at work.

Whether I'm riding that day or not, I have a bowl of Quaker Oatmeal and a cup of tea for breakfast around 5:30, then have a coffee and bagel from Tim's around 9:30. I'm fortunate that I have access to a vehcile at work, so I usually pick up a week's worth of lunch from the grocery store, so I don't have to carry it with me.
Even though they look dorkier than a backpack, rack bags and/or pannier bags are the best for carrying stuff, expecially when it's hot out.
I wear construction boots at work, so I leave them there, wear either bike shoes or running shoes on the bike.
As for the shortcut, save it for the rainy days.

Breakfast is practically an ironclad requirement for me.
Usually three boiled eggs, toast and butter, big bowl of decent
cereal or oatmeal, and maybe a banana.
If I don't do an acceptable breakfast, I'm hosed.

I keep a pair of shoes at the workplace, along with a pair of pants.
Luckily, dress is pretty casual, so the shoes are New Balance white canvas
"deck" shoes, and a pair of new-ish blue jeans. The shoes were not expensive,
but I still had to save up for 'em. Had to do it - I was wearing my cycling shoes
for months as I had no money for an extra pair.
So I carry in my panniers a clean, ironed shirt, undershorts and belt, and whatever
I want to eat for the day. Fresh fruit, tuna, pasta dishes, cottage cheese, PBJ sandwiches
all can get fairly heavy, but that's life.

I would not do the shortcut thing unless it's 3:00 AM or something.
You don't want to be "part of the problem".


Cheers

Carrying a heavy packpack a long distance is bad. There are a couple of alternatives. The Carradice SQR, though rare, is probably the most effective way of carrying small, heavy loads.
rack and (one) pannier
rack and top-bag
Bar bag
Under-seat bag
Saddle bag (see Carradice).
Saddle bag + removable SQR rack
http://www.wallbike.com/carradice/uplift.html

- This question is more of a moral delima I think. There's shortcut people take. The bike path turns away from the highway and people will continue along the highway to cut across to the mall 500m futher down. I measured it this morning and I would save 2.4 Km and 7-10min. Most of the hills are on that 2.4 Km stretch as well. However, there a sign clearly indicating that no bikes are allowed past that point. You also have to cross the highway to the other side and cycle facing traffic on the large paved shoulder until you reach the dirt path that leads to the mall which re-connects to my route. I too shake my head a people that cycle against traffic so...

I wouldn't worry about the sign but to cross the highway and ride facing traffic to save 7-10 minutes is just not worth it.

On my commute there is a short cut like this and frequently when I am riding home on the road I end up coming at a bike commuter taking this short cut riding straight at me and I have to move into traffic to aviod being hit by these Bozo's. One time one hit me head on and ruined my frame, wheel and derailer and I flew about 30 feet.

All good tips! Thanks.

I tried breakfast and I felt more sluggish than anything else. In some cases, even felt sick. It's weird since I'm a big advocate of beginning the day with breakfast.

Will be leaving my shoes (or sandals during summer) at work :) My backpack will be lighter by doing so.

pinerider (or anybody for that matter), what sort of clothing do you have for wet weather? Since I don't have any, I commute with my wife to work when it rains and do stationnary when I get home.

My questions:
- What do people do for breakfast before leaving on the commute? I drink a glass of orange juice and pop a vitamin. Of course, I pack something for breakfast for when I get there which is usually a container with cereal (I have milk in the fridge at work)

- I take with my a change of clothing, lunch for the day (various containers with fruits, crackers, ect.) and footwear. This barely fits in my backpack and makes it quite heavy. I have the impression that there are not alot of alternatives but willing to listen to some.

- This question is more of a moral delima I think.

I eat breakfast at home: Cereal, Juice, Coffee, muffin, etc.

I used to carry a backpack, but I was seriously stressing the seams and my ability to pack. I recently replaced it with a Chrome Messenger bag (I know Poseur, wannabe, whatever), because I figured they were designed to carry loads on bikes. Today I commuted with a laptop, a textbook, a couple of notebooks, PDA, change of clothes, lunch, shoes, and rain pants. The lock, tools, tube, pump, etc. stay on my bike. I split my time between two campuses, so I need to carry my shoes and lock with me. The new pack has been great to ride with. It is big and heavy, but It stays put for the most part, and sits comfortably on my back. I have a 16 mile round trip commute, give or take.

I try to stay in traffic and remain predictable, and do not take shortcuts. I do not do this for moral reasons, just to keep myself safe.

Happy riding

I rarely eat breakfast at home, generally I keep breakfast bars at work and look forward to that and my coffee when I arrive.

I also used to carry a backback but hated the sweaty spot on my back, so I switched to a trailer. It allows me to carry virtually anything to work, and pick up groceries on the way home...I don't dare buy an extra pair of shoes--its my shoe conservation that allows me to buy bike parts. You know, it's a bike parts vs. useless wife stuff arms race at my house.

I prefer trails to any form of riding on the streets. I feel much safer on the trails--even though it doubles my commute distance. I'm fortunate, we have a well developed trail system in Ames.

I have a bagel with jam and a big glass of orange juice in the morning. I usually wake up at 630, eat at about 645 and then shower, so I leave home around 715. If I don't eat anything I feel shocking about half way into the ride. If I eat any more than that, I feel crap from the start! I take yoghurt and fruit to eat when I get to work, and snack on nuts and trailmix during the day.

It's worth buying a spare pair of shoes to leave at work. On hot days, it's also great to have panniers so that you have clear airflow on your back to keep you cool. At the very least, buy a decent backpack with a frame that lifts the pack away from your back.

12 miles each way for me, and even then it feels short sometimes. If I were you, I'd take the long way. Hills are your friend... ;)

DUDE!
I was just reading your post and noticed that your commute is exactly like mine. Then i notced,Hey we live in the same place!

i take the same route to heritage cegep. i always cut across(big slap across face). i always think that they should build a overpass or tunnel for us.

i dont really think it is toooo dagerous since the highway has wide sholders.

where do you live exactly?

wake up, take my shower(use deodorant it's very humid here), ride to wurk (30mins), clean up change my shirt, take my b'fast kinda heavy coz i rather be sleeping during my lunch.

b'fast before riding for me is not really practical...sumthin' floating in my belly during the ride is "so" no no. :)

<snip>- It's better to rider slower for 5 days a week than harder for 3 days a week. This was my problem last year.

Depends on how many miles/kms you've got in your legs/butt. That being said, I tend to ride 5 days/week hard... :rolleyes:



- I got semi slick tires for a better ride


If you're riding a MTB, this will speed you up w/o slowing you down too much.



- I wasn't the only one having to dry my clothes in my cubicle :)


Look for a server-room. Works for me...if that doesn't work, and it really, really pours, look for the heating in the basement...that works a charm!



My questions:
- What do people do for breakfast before leaving on the commute?

Depends. Usually (er...ALWAYS) have a largish double cappuccino, usually a smallish glass of fruit juice, and occasionally a piece of bread with jam or nutella, or a bowl of cereal or muesli.

If I remember to take one, it's an apple for 10:00 snack at work.



- I take with my a change of clothing, lunch for the day (various containers with fruits, crackers, ect.) and footwear. This barely fits in my backpack and makes it quite heavy. I have the impression that there are not alot of alternatives but willing to listen to some.


I wear the bike f*g kit to ride (i.e. t-shirt, jersey, shorts and racing shoes, gloves, helmet, glasses) then have a pair of pants and a number of shirts at work which I port in occasionally. Birks are for wearing on feet. Food consists of granola mixed with a yougurt. The clothes I usually drive in occasionally and the food just gets carried in my fanny pack.



- This question is more of a moral delima I think. There's shortcut people take. The bike path turns away from the highway and people will continue along the highway to cut across to the mall 500m futher down. I measured it this morning and I would save 2.4 Km and 7-10min. Most of the hills are on that 2.4 Km stretch as well. However, there a sign clearly indicating that no bikes are allowed past that point. You also have to cross the highway to the other side and cycle facing traffic on the large paved shoulder until you reach the dirt path that leads to the mall which re-connects to my route. I too shake my head a people that cycle against traffic so...

In any case, I usually bike 24Km per day round trip, which takes me about 1hr round trip as well.


My commute is 18.5 one way if I go the fast route, with marginally bigish hills. Riding in it takes me 32-35 min, and home is 27-33 min depending on lights and weather and my fastness.

I don't ride against traffic. This is a bad idea. Riding where you should NOT ride is also a bad idea, and can be health detrimental...kind of like when I was riding into Pisa in Italy, and didn't realize that the tunnel was ONLY for cars. Quite scary, and I only had emergency lighting with me. Didn't help that the cars kept honking at me.

Have fun out there,
Tom

3 or 4 days a week, I turn my 4-mile commute into a 30-mile workout/commute. On those days I wear the full-on cycling kit. I'm lucky enough to have a shower in my building so I keep all my personal cleaning products there. On Sunday nights, I drive to the office and bring shirts and socks and undies for the week. I've got dress shoes under my desk and a blazer and ties on the back of my office door.

I usually just buy lunch at a local deli. For breakfast, it's cereal, fruit, yogurt, and a huge steaming mug of coffee. If it's a workout day, I usually have a second breakfast of fruit and a clif bar at my desk.

On Fridays, it's usually casual dress around here and I bring a backpack to haul my dirty dress shirts and undies home for the weekend.

What do people do for breakfast before leaving on the commute? I drink a glass of orange juice and pop a vitamin. Of course, I pack something for breakfast for when I get there which is usually a container with cereal (I have milk in the fridge at work)

I usually have a liquid meal replacement beverage (i.e. Ensure) before I leave and then a bowl of oatmeal at my desk. I find that the liquid meal digests quickly and gives me some good energy for the ride in.

I was just reading your post and noticed that your commute is exactly like mine. Then i notced,Hey we live in the same place!

Yeah It kinda sounds like a commute I used to take from Hull to Ottawa. You both have me curious maybe I see you guys on the morning commute, that would be kinda neat.

-I rarely do breakfast, and usually will eat when I get to work, a PBJ, or something I've brought from home. I have the fortune/luck of a work place that has a boiler room where I can hang my sweaty stuff, and also store my work clothing, I keep 3 pairs of pants, 5 shirts, sandals, a sweater, deodorant, cologne, comb...yada yada, yada, I will rotate the shirts and pants, and since there is a washer and dryer I use them as well, it is almost like having a wardrobe away from home. I don't know what I'd do if I worked else where, I would have to make do some how. The one thing I would really like work to provide is a shower, washing up in the sink is for the birds.
-As for the trip. I like to mess around with my miles. Some days the kid in my head says "let's go this way," and I'm off in a direction that takes me through places I haven't been on a bike, and do some great time doing it as well. I've got a route I like to ride that is 25 miles one way, there are shorter routes, but I save them for rainy days. I have recently established a 40 mile route to work, and a 30 for the ride home. The route I take has 10 miles of bike path, the rest is city and shoulder riding.
-I like to use a messenger bag when not riding my bike with a rack, and what I really like is not hauling anything if I don't have to. I've taken to stopping and getting a couple liters of water, cause I've run into problems relying on refilling my bottles at work from the water fountains. I didn't like the sink, as there is some sort of white sediment in the water. During the winter I hauled stuff in panniers, only because it was winter, and I needed to carry extra clothing just in case. Panniers make hauling a lot eaiser, I've carried my laptop, lunch and clothing, as well as stopping to purchase food stuffs for dinner on the way home. It was worth the investment.

I usually eat an English muffin with peanut butter and jelly, orang juice, and a banana.

I ride in my work clothes. I don't own any bike clothes (don't own any car clothes, either, except for the crash helmet I used to wear for autocross. I'm basically a Dutch/Chinese style of commuter. I do carry my sport jacket/suit jacket on the rack during the summer, because it is so hot here. I also carry rain gear on the rack. I usually eat in restaurants near my office, but sometimes pack a lunch. I prefer to carry nothing, but Gor-tex rain gear only weighs a few pounds and rolls up into two small rolls.

I'm all for shortcuts. However, I am also in favor of obeying the law.

Is there anything that the community could do to make the "shortcut" safer and then allow bikes to use it? It seems that transportation planners should spend their time improving access, rather than obstructing it in a way that tempts cyclists and pedestrians to use unsafe routes.

Paul

Ah jeeze... I always use that sort of line... it was only a matter of time before it came back to haunt me! :D That settles it, long way it is.

Unlike my wife, I don't have a ton of different shoes, so I can't really leave them at work. Also, since I'm always complaining about this, the consequences would be dire if I were to start getting extra pairs of shoes for myself! :eek:

Thanks!


Then you've solved your shoe problem, just wear your wife's shoes.

Carrying a heavy packpack a long distance is bad. There are a couple of alternatives. The Carradice SQR, though rare, is probably the most effective way of carrying small, heavy loads.
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I agree that there are great alternatives to backpacks. But I carry one about 30 miles round trip and it's no bother at all, even though I sometimes pack it so full the chipmonks would be proud.

Still, the idea of lightening up is a good one. I keep food in the fridge at work so I don't have to carry it on the bike. Now I have think about getting rid of all the loose junk I carry.

"First off, I was able to learn the following things while reading the forums:
- It's better to rider slower for 5 days a week than harder for 3 days a week. This was my problem last year.
- I got semi slick tires for a better ride
- I wasn't the only one having to dry my clothes in my cubicle :)

My questions:
- What do people do for breakfast before leaving on the commute? I drink a glass of orange juice and pop a vitamin. Of course, I pack something for breakfast for when I get there which is usually a container with cereal (I have milk in the fridge at work)"

I eat cereal with milk before riding. I have tried eating poached eggs, but that needs to be longer before the ride than I can eat, or I will taste them later when I burp. All animal protein takes a bit longer to digest, so allow more time between eating it and riding, at least for me.

"- I take with my a change of clothing, lunch for the day (various containers with fruits, crackers, ect.) and footwear. This barely fits in my backpack and makes it quite heavy. I have the impression that there are not alot of alternatives but willing to listen to some."

My job involves working indoors for maybe 2 hours, then going outside and walking for several miles each day. I don't shower at work, there isn't one. I don't push it on the 23.5 mile ride in when I do commute. I usually take peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch, not skimping on the peanut butter or jelly either. I buy bananas at the store next to my Post Office when I get there. I've been using CLIF bars for extra energy, but might try Granola bars because they are much cheaper. Do away with anything that needs a container if you can. They weigh more and take up more space. I can get two sandwiches in the container I use, but am looking for a really heavy plastic bag that I could wash and use again.I use a pack rack bag to carry my change of clothes.

"- This question is more of a moral delima I think. There's shortcut people take. The bike path turns away from the highway and people will continue along the highway to cut across to the mall 500m futher down. I measured it this morning and I would save 2.4 Km and 7-10min. Most of the hills are on that 2.4 Km stretch as well. However, there a sign clearly indicating that no bikes are allowed past that point. You also have to cross the highway to the other side and cycle facing traffic on the large paved shoulder until you reach the dirt path that leads to the mall which re-connects to my route. I too shake my head a people that cycle against traffic so..."

Follow the rules. You might check with your insurance company to see if they would pay off your life insurance if you were riding the wrong way on the road and got killed. They will try to get out of paying any way they can, usually. Not good to leave the wife and kids without anything. The hills will only make you stronger.

"In any case, I usually bike 24Km per day round trip, which takes me about 1hr round trip as well."

That distance will be a piece of cake for you.

DUDE!
I was just reading your post and noticed that your commute is exactly like mine. Then i notced,Hey we live in the same place!

where do you live exactly?

I commute along the bike path from the 148 (autoroute de l'Outaouais or McConnel Laramee). I was thinking of cutting across to the Wall-mart instead of going left. Did go left this morning... wasn't so bad with the new tires.

From your post, I get the impression that you go along the river instead? No Cegep on my end (at least, I don't think so - i'm new to the area, been here 5 years now)

Then you've solved your shoe problem, just wear your wife's shoes.

Err, my wife's shoes are about half the size of mine! :D Plus, since she's sort of short, they're all platforms! :D

My questions:
- What do people do for breakfast before leaving on the commute? I drink a glass of orange juice and pop a vitamin. Of course, I pack something for breakfast for when I get there which is usually a container with cereal (I have milk in the fridge at work)

Generally, I just have 500ml of cytomax sport drink. This gives me what I need for my 17km ride into the office. Once there, I have either an Odwalla Protein shake, an omlette, or peanut butter toast.


- This question is more of a moral delima I think. There's shortcut people take. The bike path turns away from the highway and people will continue along the highway to cut across to the mall 500m futher down. I measured it this morning and I would save 2.4 Km and 7-10min. Most of the hills are on that 2.4 Km stretch as well. However, there a sign clearly indicating that no bikes are allowed past that point. You also have to cross the highway to the other side and cycle facing traffic on the large paved shoulder until you reach the dirt path that leads to the mall which re-connects to my route. I too shake my head a people that cycle against traffic so...

Saving only 10% of your ride, which is about 10 minutes, probably isn't worth the hassle of a possible traffic ticket, possible collision/injury/death crossing the highway, or running into a pedestrian on the path to the mall. Keep doing the hills, and eventually they will get easier. Challenge yourself on those, and enjoy the downhills.

well right now i am currently in india, so you wont see me:) i am comming back august22nd. i commute to school via same route as you, and commute back home along the river. i usualy start biking at around 7 am. my school is near the hull hospital.

if you live near downtown aylmer, then you should try riding on aylmer road, then chemain de la montaigue, its faster.

btw. do you still bike when there is 5 cm of snow? cuz i see another set of tracks on the bike path in the winter, and just wondering if its you!


I commute along the bike path from the 148 (autoroute de l'Outaouais or McConnel Laramee). I was thinking of cutting across to the Wall-mart instead of going left. Did go left this morning... wasn't so bad with the new tires.

From your post, I get the impression that you go along the river instead? No Cegep on my end (at least, I don't think so - i'm new to the area, been here 5 years now)

well right now i am currently in india, so you wont see me:) i am comming back august22nd. i commute to school via same route as you, and commute back home along the river. i usualy start biking at around 7 am. my school is near the hull hospital.

if you live near downtown aylmer, then you should try riding on aylmer road, then chemain de la montaigue, its faster.

btw. do you still bike when there is 5 cm of snow? cuz i see another set of tracks on the bike path in the winter, and just wondering if its you!

Nope, I store my bike in late October, thus those aren't my bike tracks. :D

I live close to 148, thus it's easy just to hop on the bike path.