Commuting - First "commute"

So, today I did my first "commute" today... I put it in quotes because it's saturday and I didn't go to work. I rode from the bike shop where I got my bike to my apartment, which is 20 miles away. Yes, there are shops that are closer, and I've been to those shops, but I didn't like the people that worked there. The shop that I went to was owned by one guy, it's small, and to my knowledge he's the only one that works there.

So, without further ado, it was pretty cool except for some hills that killed me. I haven't been on a bike in years. It took me an hour and 45 minutes to do and my butt hurts, but as soon as I get shorts that should be minimized. The bike worked out great, as I averaged 11mph, which will also change over time.

The thing that got me though was some young kids in a car stopped at a light. They were being obnoxious and being loud saying "What's wrong with the sidewalk? .. Why can't he use the sidewalk?" For one thing, cyclists have the same right as cars on the road, and two the sidewalk was literally 25 feet from the intersection then stopped.

The absolute worst part of the ride was the 19 steps from the parking lot to my door... other than that it was a beautiful day for a ride!

Congratulations.....

Sounds like a great ride! 20 miles is really good for a first ride. Ignore the knuckleheads in the car.

Congratulations. You've had a pretty full range of experiences for your first commute! Adjusting to the physical effort, brainless hecklers, exposure to the weather, and exposure to the elements is all part of your new challenge.

Hang in there; it's truly worth it.

What kind of bike did you get? Did you get a ride to the shop? Or did you walk there?

I returned to biking a few weeks ago. The first week was a killer. The next week was hard, but not so bad. Now, I'm taking every excuse to go out for a ride. I did shopping today on the bike and rode 15 miles. Tomorrow is an American Cancer Society benefit ride. (15 miles) Next week, I'm going to drive part way to work (10 miles) and bike the last 15 miles. (There's no good bike routes for the first 10 miles.)

How far is your commute to work?

What kind of bike did you get? Did you get a ride to the shop? Or did you walk there?

...

How far is your commute to work?

I got a KHS Urban Express.... It fit the price for what my wife and I agreed upon and it had everything that I wanted as my first "real bike". My wife dropped me off at the shop and the owner tweaked everything after a couple of test rides. My commute to work is "only" 15-16 miles.

I bet you felt darn good at work too, didn't you?

http://www.khsbicycles.com/Images/Bike_Images/Full10/10-urban-xpress-m.jpg

Looks nice. Did you put fenders and a rack on it yet? Lights?

How much do those go for, if you don't mind my asking?

as for your interaction with the asinine comments from the drivers, my advice is to do as you have done, and stay mellow.

Unfortunately, I always have some sort of smart reply to drivers. I have long since crossed over to the dark side, and forever will it dominate my path.

That is a nice looking bike. For some reason it reminds me of my Felt. Maybe it's the lettering.

Congratulations! Your ride is much longer than mine. Well done.

Congratulations. Sounds like a good time was had by all. I do five miles each way and have for most of three years. I like the ride so much as to feel guilty if I don't. God bless. Wing Nut

Congrats. Nice bike!!!

Thanks to all. The bike is 469 MSRP before taxes. That's what I was charged and paid.... no shipping charges, or assembly charges which really worked out in my favor. No racks, fenders, or lights as of yet. I think I'm going to get at least a rear blinky for now and carry a messenger style bag. The temperature is hot and the humidity level is high this time of year so I shouldn't arrive too terribly sweaty... (sarcasm). I wouldn't be carrying much... my ID, lunch and possibly clothing

Well, I started a thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?645030-Courier-(messenger)-bag-thread) recently on messenger bags, check it out if you don't already have one.

Here's a thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?644746-Personal-hygiene....) on personal hygiene from some real pros in the matter. (How do deal with arriving sweaty)

Welcome to the fold!

Congratulations! I did the same thing about 4 weeks ago. I've been riding trying to get my mileage up so that the 10 miles to work wouldn't leave me drained. This past week was my 3rd commute into work. I do 10 miles in the morning and 15 miles on the way home. It has been great. This coming week I'm planning on commuting on Tuesday and then do a split commute Thursday/Friday to recognize the "Commute to Work" day.

Keep it up and don't worry about how fast you are. I average about 12 mph and enjoy the ride.

way to go, welcome to the club and keep hanging around these forums, there's a wealth of info to be had here.