Commuting - Commute Route Choice

I have reached a dilema. I have choose between two different routes to get to work.

Route 1 - 11 miles with two big hills
Route 2 - 12.5 miles and completely flat

Because route 2 is flat, I can travel faster. So they take nearly the same amount of time to travel.

Which do you choose?

I choose my routes primarily for safety, i.e., I sometimes go a bit out of my way to avoid a dangerous intersection. All else being equal, I would choose the shorter, hillier route, but I'm jus' a hill-climbin' fool.

I agree about choosing based on safety. I ride with traffic plenty, but all other things being equal it's more fun to have less traffic.

Hills? That's up to you. Some people love 'em, some people hate 'em. Me, I hate 'em. Which means I live in the wrong part of country, but that's life.

RichC

Rich said
I live in the wrong part of country

Rich, Philly's not too hilly, and there's always Jersy near by.

Come on out to central Pa - it's just starting to get 'rolling' out here and really gets hilly when you go west from me. (I favor the east).

You could take one in to work and one home from work for variety. That way, it seems less like a commute and more like a tour. You might choose the one that leaves you less tired and sweaty when you arrive at work. Or just take the one that seems like the most fun at a given time.

Paul

I agree with John and Rich, Safety First!!

My morning route is different from my evening route. One of the main roads I take in the morning has light traffic but heavy traffic in the evening so I don't ride on that road on the way home.
Like your choices, the two routes are different distances.

Originally posted by MikeR
Rich said

Rich, Philly's not too hilly, and there's always Jersy near by.



You're right, there's only one bad hill on my commute and it's short. But when I head west or northwest (out towards West Chester and Lancaster, or up yo Valley Forge) for my longer weekend rides, it's plenty hilly for me. I grew up in Illinois, so big hills were a rarity back then.

I try to stay out of New Jersey.

RichC

Both rides are equally safe. Both are mostly bike paths or bike lanes.

I think I will do each of the rides. Wind strength may be the most powerful variable on which ride I choose to accept.

I would mix 'em up also. It would keep the ride from becoming too boring. Even riding trails, just riding in the opposite direction really makes a difference.

Commute every day for a year.

The answer to your question will reveal itself.

You will switch back and forth between routes and desperately seek new routes to break up the monotony.

I agree with Mike. Personally I'd normally prefer the hilly route, however I'd probably go in one way and come back the other just to make it more interesting. Of course, that would mean doing the hilly way when I had the tail wind, and the flat way when I had the head wind. That would be really cool :D

Personally I keep looking for alternative routes, even if they're a few miles longer, or only a little different. Last night for example I went via Whitstable adding seven miles to the basic 12 mile minimum... I'm sure you can do better than just two routes :)

Richard

When you say you have a problem with hills, does that mean your lowest gear is too big? Are you using racing gear ratios?

I have used a 36/46 double and a 28/38/48 triple for steep hilly commutes. I wouldnt like to ride with a standard 39/52 in this terrain.

Originally posted by MichaelW
When you say you have a problem with hills, does that mean your lowest gear is too big? Are you using racing gear ratios?


Who, me? If that was addressed to me, I have a road triple in front (Ultegra 52-42-30) and MTB parts in back (XTR and an 11-32 cassette). I'll probably go to a 12-32 or 13-34 when I replace this cassette, but generally I find this setup is a nice compromise between hill-climbing ability and speed on the flats.

My problem with hills arises mostly from physical limitations imposed by medications and cardiac damage incurred during a previous incarnation.

RichC

Well.... I made it to work today on my bike. My first commute. Yippee!

There was a great storm that I was trying to outrun. What a motivation for speed.

My job is a little different from most, because I work the overnight shift and 24 hour shifts. We are allowed to sleep on our overnights when we have free time.

Tomorrow is the next challenge. I have to get home somehow. Looks like the wind will shift so I get a headwind both directions.

Ahhhh... made it home...