chefisaac

I really would like to start riding to work which would be a great way to get 22 miles in round trip. I live in Cherry hill, nj and the area is pretty nice to ride in but I work in Camden, NJ and its a dangerious area to be in and I cant find anywhere into work that would be safe other then driving.

I can ride after work during the summer but once the sun goes down earlier, I am screwed (since I work until 5pm every day).

GRRRRRRRRR............................

When do you all ride? What works best for you?

10 Wheels

Take a practice ride early on a Sunday Morning.

Many bright lights are now available for bicycles.

jethro56 

Worry about that when that time comes.

RichardGlover

Can you leave a car near your work that you can leave there? Maybe, for example, at a gym where you can negotiate both overnight parking and a shower-only membership?

That way, you can ride partway to work, shower, change, and drive the rest of the way. Reverse on the way home.

This works best if you have a method for locking your bike on or in your car so it won't be easily stolen while you're at work.



Commuter's Haiku
Run lights front and rear
Quality cold weather gear
Then commute all year

indyfabz

Where in Cherry hill and where in Camden? I live in Philly. When I had to work in Mt. Laurel 3-days/week, I would ride to PATCo, take that to Haddonfiled and then ride to the office. Several times I rode all the way home, which included going through Camden to get to the bridge. Never had any problems other than the usual traffic problems. Pretty much took Haddon Ave. to Mickle to Broadway and then made my way north to the bridge entrance.

jmeissner

This year I started commuting to work so I could get more saddle time in during the week. Last year I did the same as you and would ride in the evenings but when September hit I basically stopped because it would be too dark once I was ready to go.

This year I have also done early morning rides before work if I know I won't be able to do the full commute. The best is Saturday or Sunday mornings as traffic is always light and I get a two hour ride in before the kids are finished breakfast.

chefisaac

I would really like to figure it out.... how to make it in and out of camden safely. I tried mapmyride but I am new here and dont know the streets well enough.

indy: sent you a pm

Pinyon

If you are new to the area, you could take a car and a paper street map to scope-out a few potential routes. Then, I'd ride the most likely one on a weekend before you try your new commute.

Or, you could do what I do. Leave early enough so that WHEN you get lost, or end up walking on a "no bikes" section of road on your mapped route, you're not too late for work.

Make sure to plan cleaning up, and probably clothes change, after you get to work. You will need time to do it, and a place to hang wet and sweaty clothes that does not bother other people at work.

Neil_B

Hmm. Sounds like I need to come out to Cherry Hill and play Gordon Ramsey to the Iron Chef. - "No crying when bike commuting!" We could ride the proposed route.

chefisaac

neil: heck, I need to plan out the route first!

Neil_B

You've been planning it for two weeks. That's longer than I'd spent planning my trip across PA. :-)

Snydermann

I had a car stolen in Pennsylvania, they found it stripped on the street . . . in Camden.

chefisaac

Neil: I really would like not to get mugged, killed, or anything alike so yes, planning my route is important. Plus I am not from here and dont know the area.


jeeze.....

Neil_B

That's why I've offered to cross the river and ride with you. So we can find a workable route for you. If you'd rather not, I won't. :-(

chefisaac

but if we both get mugged I will feel bad

Did you get ahold of that guy to see if he wanted to do a 50 mile ride on Sat? Would love ot tackle a 40 mile ride if possible

wfournier

I'm up for a ride on Saturday depending on where you guys are thinking. I've been wanting to get all the way to the Art Museum, but that is probably a bit more than 40 miles round trip.

Neil_B

No. It looks like I was officially 'dissed' as you young people say.

Neil_B

52 miles from the dog park in Mont Clare. Iron Chef, I think you are ready for it. Think about it and then say Yes. :-)

Sayre Kulp 

Man... that sounds like fun. Though I'm probably going to be bicycle drag racing on Saturday morning. Yes - you read that correctly.

Neil_B

Explain.

chefisaac

neil: Dont worry neil, you are coming over to Cherry Hill. All in do time!

52 miles eh? ****. only if we get an early start. 6 am?

chefisaac

neil: it will actually depend on my numbness with my feet. New shoes yesterday but went on a ride today and still same numbness. Got a few things to try.

wfournier

I get a little numbness in my feet after a while, I figured it was because my MTB shoes don't have quite as hard a sole as road shoes. I notice it is worse when I am coasting more too, if my feet stay moving there is less even pressure on them.

chefisaac

wfour: I am trying to fix the issue. It happened again tonight only after 7 miles. grrrrrrr. I will be trying to buttons they talk about and also might try the insoles. We will see. I hope it works out. I bought new shoes last night and that didnt help... but I do like them.

Sayre Kulp 

There is a festival going on this weekend about 30-40 minutes south of me near where I used to teach. The local bike store is holding their first annual drag races as part of the event. I guess they have some connections and managed to get some of that neato NHRA drag stuff (like a lighted start tree). It sure seems like a neat idea. Definitely unique. The way it works, is everyone get's to do 2 qualifying runs and then that seeds you into different classes. Then you race to win your class. It's my one weekend off till Labor Day, so I figure I may as well get out and do something!