oakback

...

jpdesjar

are there any interesting detours? i was thinking my route gets boring too but i have been mixing it up a bit by exploring new side roads or extending my ride by an extra mile or 2

cg1985

I felt the same way after the first month or so I commuted, but eventually I just rode out of habbit, much like I would drive and it would just seem like a regular part of the day.

Its nice to spice it up though, look at different routes. I did that a few times, and it makes the day a little more interesting.

MMACH 5

Maybe put a parrot on your shoulder. You could teach him new words, during your commute.

JMRobertson

Imagine how boring it would be if you were driving it.

Now... I'm not a music listener, but you could get a single ear radio/ipod and listen to music relatively safely. Some say it's really dangerous, but I don't think it would be so bad if the music wasn't too distracting. Since you're looking for a distraction, I think music would be a minimal source of it.

In a five mile trip, you're looking at maybe 20-30 minutes of "boredom". That's not so bad to tolerate.

I wouldn't go home the same way... no kids or responsablities at home for me. I can take how ever long to get home as I would like. Also, I can be late to work on Wednesdays, or even skip out on work entirely. That day I usually take a much longer route to and from work.

BarracksSi

Unless there are blockades that I can't see, there are a bunch of different potential routes you can take. You can cross the canal with Aneon Church Rd., or take Blountstown Hwy instead, etc.

CliftonGK1

Look into switching up your route. I get bored with the straight-line route to work, also. That's why I've created no less than 5 routes to/from work, and they're all very different: Rolling hills, one long hill, one really steep hill, the winding "all the hills" long route, etc.

cg1985

Yo' what up parnes?

FredOak

I wish I had that issue, any way in or back, whatever route, I'm competing with traffic, so I have to be tuned in all the time.

Practice your track stands at the lights...rather then music try some podcasts.

cg1985

You thinkin what I'm thinkin?

ItsJustMe

I listen to audiobooks on my commute. It's 100% rural, so there's often wildlife, but I don't think it matters what the scenery is; if you ride the same route 250 times a year for many years, eventually you need something to occupy your mind. I don't even really have any lights to speak of, and only 2 stop signs. But mostly I get up to speed and don't slow down until I get there. I typically see about 4 or 5 cars in the first 8 miles, then a couple dozen after I pass the small town on the way, between there and the expressway that my workplace is near.

Sometimes I have things to think about, so I shut it off. But I get through an extra book a week or so this way, and I get through few enough books as it is anyway!

For the nannies: I use a single ear bud in my right ear. I have tested and my ability to hear traffic is NOT affected.

moshimitsu

Hey! I used to live in Tally, miss that place, awww.

I'm gonna suggest you get a FG, you'll still have the same boring commute, but the ride itself will be much more fun!

MMACH 5

+1 on the audiobooks. The public library has a lot of titles on CD. Just use your computer to convert them to MP3.

In the summer, I use the Sony over-the-ear headphones. I keep them outside the straps with my sunglasses on the outside of the headphones. If you can, try several different kinds to find some that work for you.


In the winter, I use Skullcandy mini buds because the over-the-ear type won't co under my knitted cap comfortably.

There are certain parts of my commute that I only put in one headphone, so I convert all of my music from stereo to mono. Otherwise, some songs just sound weird.

jpdesjar

+1 on fixed riding
my commute is way more fine riding fixed...i like to ride the entire route without putting my feet down

SingingSabre 

I wear earbuds and work on my riding with no handlebars by playing air guitar.

I wish I was kidding...

Mr. Underbridge

Flip yer front QR open and file the lawyer lips off. That'll keep you attentive. Suddenly, small bumps are lots more interesting.

knobster

How about using something like this instead of earbuds.
iHome speaker system

caloso

One of my favorite routes takes me 8 miles in the opposite direction from work before looping around back towards downtown. Is there a way you could take Geddie Lane along the nature preserve?

cg1985

But first my stomach pains are stickin like duct tape.

cg1985

I say you find new and exciting ways to say high to cagers that tell you to get off the road.

2

caloso

I totally believe that. Every town has a couple roads that would be awesome cycling roads if not for the fact that there are cars on them.

Jim from Boston

I am in total agreement that you've got to listen to something. My choice is somewhat similar to oakback; I prefer talk shows since it is easy to mentally tune in and out of them. Audiobooks, IMO, require a lot of focus, even when driving, and music unless you specifically record your personal favorites, is hit or miss. For extended rides, one of my favorite shows that I download from XM radio is is the nationally syndicated show Coast to Coast AM, because they may have one guest / topic on for up to three hours and it keeps me interested, especially because I get to choose which topic to record.

Artkansas 

Two weeks? You hardly know your route yet.

I've had commutes where I grew weary of the time that commuting took, like 17 miles each way. But I don't think I've ever had a boring commute. Though I take the same route each day, its like the buddhist saying that you can never dip your foot into the same river twice, my commute is never the same.

It changes with the seasons, in winter it may be dark and cold, in summer it may be hot and in broad daylight. During Christmas I get a good reaction with the Santa hat that I attatch to my helmet. Some times it rains, others it's just a threat of rain. Sometimes there are glorious sunrises and sunsets. The bits of metal will change, providing endless speculation, and occasional finds like dollar bills and tools. You may even discover that some spots tend to accumulate them over and over. Dead animals come and go, giving you reminder of the destructive power of the car. Squirrels tend to disappear quickly, but Armadillo's can get ground into the pavement and last and last. You'll also discover that you get to know certain cars and their drivers because their schedules match yours.

Give it time. And you may find that you will vary your route and optimize it. Often the best routes are not the ones designed for heavy traffic, and the best short cuts cannot be found on maps. Usually I find that my ride evolves as I ride it. But the familiarity with your route will help you appreciate it for it's high points. You will learn it in detail and get to know it intimately in ways a driver can never approach.

caloso

Some of my friends find it strange that, as a total cycling nut, my favorite podcast is Car Talk. And one of my favorite TV shows is Top Gear.

I just get a kick out of funny guys with funny accents talking about cars.

Pinyon

I add miles onto my commute rides to interesting places through the surrounding country-side. Of course, we have a shower in my building, so I don't stink if I do a 2-3 hour ride before work. Different routes are also interesting.