Commuting - Thanks for the inspiration!

Many of my co-workers thought I was a little odd when I all but divorced my car for commuting to work. Some understood the idea that I could work out and commute at the same time. Some appreciated the environmental friendliness. No one expected me to ride rain or shine.

This morning I commuted in the rain for the first time. I told those who looked at me like I was crazy that my perspective had been changed hearing from all of you who commute in cold, snowy, icy conditions. How could I not ride when it's only 60 degrees and wet?

Anyway, thanks to all of you who gave me the inspiration to not be a wimp! I really enjoyed my wet ride!

You will find the comments from your co-workers, the strange looks you get, and the discussions you have about your cycling will drive you! (figuratively speaking, of course) It may even become an obsession to find ways to commute in some of the crappiest weather! I tell my friends and co-workers..."anyone can ride in nice weather"...

It makes it all the more fun. You may also like the challenges of finding the right clothing and components that work for you and your cycling. It's fun.

Since I started cycling to work, people started noticing me. It's been a good thing for my career! :D

Since I started to bike to work, I'm still just another obscure engineer in a sea of cars.. But I don't mind, I didn't start biking to work for their pleasure.. mine.. All mine! :) I just look at it this way, that I get a better parking space than the CEO, my cubicle!

I actually get stranger looks when I head out at lunchtime with my XC skis to go ski the golf course next door!

Jay

There is something perversely satisfying about being asked "You didn't ride your bike in THIS weather, did you?" :D

I must admit pride in the nickname our lobby security guard has given me since El Nino blew in to town: 'Hardcore'. :D

Somehow it makes it all worth it. And the non-cyclists just don't understand. :D

Somehow it makes it all worth it. And the non-cyclists just don't understand. :D

Heck, even some of the cyclists don't. I got an offer for a ride home from a part-time bike commuter today, because we're getting <gasp!> a 1/2 inch of rain today.

<gasp!> a 1/2 inch of rain today.

OMG!!! run for the hills, man! :eek: women and children first.

There is something perversely satisfying about being asked "You didn't ride your bike in THIS weather, did you?" :D

Yeah and my response is usually "But of course...didn't you?"

I realized riding in the rain was normal when I was cycling in Wales. I asked a youngster if it ever stopped raining. He said, "I don't know. I'm only 12."

OMG!!! run for the hills, man! :eek: women and children first.

OK, the rain gods were listening. On the way home tonight, I got pounded by the entire
1/2 inch, all in about 15 minutes. Made for an interesting slog home. Fixed gear +
wet sand bike paths = tired legs!

I realized riding in the rain was normal when I was cycling in Wales. I asked a youngster if it ever stopped raining. He said, "I don't know. I'm only 12."

Did this actually happen or is it a joke? For some reason I hope it's real, since I find it so wildly hilarious.

Did this actually happen or is it a joke? For some reason I hope it's real, since I find it so wildly hilarious.

Absolutely it was true. It was in the Snowdonia region, which is the rainiest part of what can be avery rainy country.

As someone said, "If you've ridden a bike for three days in Britain, you will have ridden in the rain at least twice." (Of course that's a big exageration. I've experienced plenty of sunny days on that magical island. But Snowdonia--make sure you have your "waterproofs" as they call rain gear.)

It may even become an obsession to find ways to commute in some of the crappiest weather!


You know me too well! :D

P.S. It looks like it will be a wet ride home tonight!!

I've been very lucky. I starting commuting in Portland Or. 3 weeks ago. The Pacific Northwest. A very rainy are of the country.....I haven't commuted in the rain one. (had one rainy day but had to drive the car that day). But Tonight...yes tonight....I'll be in the rain.

Have a good weekend everyone