My First Commute Today
02-21-07, 11:22 PM
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My First Commute Today
Hi all,
So finally I made the jump and commuted by bike today. I have to say, it was pretty great. I have been lurking on the forums the last few months, checking everything out and learning what techniques work. chipcom and slvoid, I have especially appreciated your posts. The last time I commuted by bike I was 14.
So this past weekend on my day off I rode to work to see what the route would be like. Of course it was the weekend and traffic was minimal, so it was a good ride. My commute is 15.4 miles round-trip. The route is on mostly four lane roads with 40+ mph speed limit. For the majority of the way there is a wide enough shoulder that I don't have to take the lane. The road narrows occasionaly and my adrenaline would kick up as I took the lane.
The most challenging part is when I get close to my work where it is an industrial area with semi trucks and construction. I passed this section well enough and my confidence has gone up. For this being LA and Orange County, the drivers are mostly considerate and didn't really cut me off. I had outfitted my road bike with a Air Zound to be heard by any drivers but found I haven't really needed it yet. I averaged 17-18mph along my mostly flat commute.
I was just pumped up throughout the day about commuting and would like to thank this forum and the great contributors on here that make this place so good. It would have been a lot more difficult without the wealth of information on here. I will try to post more here. Commuters rule!
So finally I made the jump and commuted by bike today. I have to say, it was pretty great. I have been lurking on the forums the last few months, checking everything out and learning what techniques work. chipcom and slvoid, I have especially appreciated your posts. The last time I commuted by bike I was 14.
So this past weekend on my day off I rode to work to see what the route would be like. Of course it was the weekend and traffic was minimal, so it was a good ride. My commute is 15.4 miles round-trip. The route is on mostly four lane roads with 40+ mph speed limit. For the majority of the way there is a wide enough shoulder that I don't have to take the lane. The road narrows occasionaly and my adrenaline would kick up as I took the lane.
The most challenging part is when I get close to my work where it is an industrial area with semi trucks and construction. I passed this section well enough and my confidence has gone up. For this being LA and Orange County, the drivers are mostly considerate and didn't really cut me off. I had outfitted my road bike with a Air Zound to be heard by any drivers but found I haven't really needed it yet. I averaged 17-18mph along my mostly flat commute.
I was just pumped up throughout the day about commuting and would like to thank this forum and the great contributors on here that make this place so good. It would have been a lot more difficult without the wealth of information on here. I will try to post more here. Commuters rule!
02-22-07, 07:14 AM
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SERENITY NOW!!!
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Welcome to the HHCMF (Happy Healthy Commuting MuthaF*ckers) club! As you wave your donuts in your co-workers face, take note of the envious glares they give you because donuts are your fuel and you need them to lose weight. Also take note of the lustful stares sent your way by attractive members of the opposite sex. Welcome and good luck!
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HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
02-22-07, 08:37 AM
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Another HHCMF! Woot!
Swalter, FTW!
Swalter, FTW!
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Originally Posted by Bklyn
Obviously, the guy's like a 12th level white wizard or something. His mere presence is a danger to mortals.
02-22-07, 09:03 AM
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Originally Posted by swalter84
So finally I made the jump and commuted by bike today. I have to say, it was pretty great.... Commuters rule!
As a new commuter (4 months) I have to admit that the regular rides to and from work are often the best minutes of my day...hope yours continue to be real...and safe.
Woody
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They're beautiful handsome machines that translate energy into joy.
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They're beautiful handsome machines that translate energy into joy.
02-22-07, 09:13 AM
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Congratulations, you'll just get more comfortable and have more fun from here on out. 
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
02-22-07, 09:19 AM
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Nice! 
Even more so for southern california where the car reigns supreme.
Just watch out for those grates that cover drainge gutters... My bike commuting has been suspended until i get new wheels...
Even more so for southern california where the car reigns supreme. Just watch out for those grates that cover drainge gutters... My bike commuting has been suspended until i get new wheels...
02-22-07, 09:23 AM
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good for you, man! have fun!
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"Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world". ~Grant Petersen
Cyclists fare best when they recognize that there are times when acting vehicularly is not the best practice, and are flexible enough to do what is necessary as the situation warrants.--Me
"Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world". ~Grant Petersen
Cyclists fare best when they recognize that there are times when acting vehicularly is not the best practice, and are flexible enough to do what is necessary as the situation warrants.--Me
02-22-07, 11:03 AM
#11
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Originally Posted by swalter84
So this past weekend on my day off I rode to work to see what the route would be like. Of course it was the weekend and traffic was minimal, so it was a good ride. My commute is 15.4 miles round-trip. The route is on mostly four lane roads with 40+ mph speed limit. For the majority of the way there is a wide enough shoulder that I don't have to take the lane. The road narrows occasionaly and my adrenaline would kick up as I took the lane.
If you have an intersection free route then you are one of the lucky ones
02-22-07, 11:32 AM
#12
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Originally Posted by swalter84
So finally I made the jump and commuted by bike today. I have to say, it was pretty great.
Since you have been lurking you may know this already but just in case: Make sure you are seen – lots of reflectors and lights, bright colors in the daytime. That really helps when you need to take the lane.
I got a reflective vest from Alert Shirt and it has worked wonders. Cagers here are usually courteous, but with my vest on they go way over to pass. I think that they are assuming I'm someone from DOT or the police with the vest.
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It's better to cycle through life than to drive by it.
It's better to cycle through life than to drive by it.
02-22-07, 04:05 PM
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Thanks to all for the encouragement and words of advice. Trying to figure how to convince my wife to allow me to my a Carradice seatbag...and some Alertshirts...and a pair of bibs...you get the idea.
Joejack: I will be getting a Take a Look mirror. I have been good so far with right turners.
Joejack: I will be getting a Take a Look mirror. I have been good so far with right turners.
02-22-07, 04:11 PM
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Originally Posted by swalter84
Thanks to all for the encouragement and words of advice. Trying to figure how to convince my wife to allow me to my a Carradice seatbag...and some Alertshirts...and a pair of bibs...you get the idea.
1. Increased safety
2. It makes cycling easier which means I'll do it more and thus live longer.
If those don't work, just pout for a night, then come home the next day with flowers and apologize for being so selfish...gets em everytime!
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
02-23-07, 01:14 AM
#16
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Originally Posted by swalter84
Thanks to all for the encouragement and words of advice. Trying to figure how to convince my wife to allow me to my a Carradice seatbag...and some Alertshirts...and a pair of bibs...you get the idea.
Joejack: I will be getting a Take a Look mirror. I have been good so far with right turners.
Joejack: I will be getting a Take a Look mirror. I have been good so far with right turners.
My opinions: AlertShirts shirts and vests are great and inexpensive. Take-a-look is the only mirror worth the $. I never owned Carradice. They look nice, but IMHO if you really have to economize there are other good bags that are cheaper.
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It's better to cycle through life than to drive by it.
It's better to cycle through life than to drive by it.
02-23-07, 02:36 AM
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Bike on Playah Bike On!
Just a piece of advice. If you're approaching someone that is trying to make a right onto your street from another intersection or a driveway, AND if they're cradling their Cell Phone up against their left ear (CLOSEST TO YOU) as they YAP away! 98% percent of the Dang time they won't bother to look your way. So just slow and let them do their thang. You'll be stressed out every morning if you don't.
Just a piece of advice. If you're approaching someone that is trying to make a right onto your street from another intersection or a driveway, AND if they're cradling their Cell Phone up against their left ear (CLOSEST TO YOU) as they YAP away! 98% percent of the Dang time they won't bother to look your way. So just slow and let them do their thang. You'll be stressed out every morning if you don't.
02-23-07, 01:33 PM
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actin' the foo
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Originally Posted by chipcom
Two 'reasons' that have always worked for me:
1. Increased safety
2. It makes cycling easier which means I'll do it more and thus live longer.
If those don't work, just pout for a night, then come home the next day with flowers and apologize for being so selfish...gets em everytime!
1. Increased safety
2. It makes cycling easier which means I'll do it more and thus live longer.
If those don't work, just pout for a night, then come home the next day with flowers and apologize for being so selfish...gets em everytime!
02-23-07, 05:11 PM
#19
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Welcome to the club!
I'm in the LA area as well (West SF valley) and I find LA drivers to be pretty civilized considering the traffic volume.
+1 on the Carradice, I'm on year 12 for mine and it's held up great. Holds everything I need to carry
and keeps it out of the breeze and off my back.
I save about $1600 a year on just gas alone, not to mention other car operating costs,
remind your wife of that when your new goodies show up on the doorstep.
I'm in the LA area as well (West SF valley) and I find LA drivers to be pretty civilized considering the traffic volume.
+1 on the Carradice, I'm on year 12 for mine and it's held up great. Holds everything I need to carry
and keeps it out of the breeze and off my back.
I save about $1600 a year on just gas alone, not to mention other car operating costs,
remind your wife of that when your new goodies show up on the doorstep.
