Seven years continuous bike commuting
07-18-13, 07:59 AM
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oh this guy, he's in Southern California, probably a lifeguard...wait ROCHESTER!! Heh, that's amazing, nice.
07-18-13, 08:26 AM
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Today I completed seven continuous years of bike commuting every single workday.
Put another way, July 17, 2006 was the last workday I did NOT bike commute. That's not too bad considering I bought my first bike as an adult on March 29, 2006.
That's 1,513 consecutive workdays of bike commuting--an average of 216 workdays a year. It would be higher, but bear in mind, I work part-time and currently have a four-day workweek.
Year number eight begins tomorrow.
I didn't set out to do something like this. In fact, I planned all along that when it rained, or got too cold and snowy that I'd take the bus instead. After a while, I learned that rain wasn't an issue. Then (here at Bike Forums) I learned about studded snow tires. Even then I figured there would be some bus action in January and February. I gave myself permission (in fact, I still do) to use the bus if it was too dangerous. Evidently, it hasn't happened yet.
After a while, bike commuting became normal. I didn't even think about it when leaving the house. I'd just grab my bike and go. Still do. Although I sometimes dither over which of the four to ride.
I started out with a bike path hybrid, cargo shorts, cotton t-shirt, ratty old sneakers, and a backpack.
Along the way I dropped the backpack and went with a trunk bag on a rear rack. These days I use panniers twice a week, and don't tote anything but a sandwich and my glasses on the other two days. They fit in a jersey pocket just fine.
After a year of cycling, I bought a cheap, second-hand road bike. By August that second year, I knew what I wanted in an everyday commuter, then found it in a shiny new, old, stock Trek Portland. While the Portland remains my four-seasons, all-conditions commuter, and the bike I'd keep if I could own only one, it's been eclipsed in the favorite ride department by my '96 Litespeed Classic Ti, which I rode to work today, as I do on most non-hauling days.
I was dragged kicking and screaming into wicking wear and finally full-out cycling kit. I just couldn't fathom why someone wouldn't ride in "normal" clothes. It all seemed like costume to me. I learned, slowly, that when you sweat as profusely as I do, kit makes sense. And it comes in hi-viz. After freezing my ass that first winter trying to wear my traditional winter wear, I switched to winter cycling gear the second year. I've never regretted either decision.
Platform pedals fell by the wayside in that first year too. I got tired of bruising my shins and calves when my feet flew off the pedals. Since that first day in clipless, I haven't ridden anything but. And nobody asks, "What happened to you?" when they see my lower legs.
My routing choices changed over time too. I started navigating by bus routes. It was what I was accustomed to from seven years of being a car-free bus rider, and I didn't want to be too far from rescue if something went wrong with the bike. I put that first bike on the bus only once, and the next day I learned how to fix a flat.
Slowly I weaned myself off bus routes and started navigating the same way I would drive. Of course, both bus routes and car routes don't take advantage of the of the best things a bike offers. These days, instead of the shortest, most direct route, I use side streets, parks and the MUP. I ride through the cemetery and the university. I plan which route I want to take, and unless the weather is crappy, it's always a longer, more quiet route.
Hell, tonight I rode home eight miles out of my way in 90°F heat with a 75°F dewpoint. It was a more funner way to come home, and gave me more time on the bike.
I know, understand, and accept that my experience is not universal, and that my preferences aren't for everyone. But it's worked out just fine for me for seven years now, so I don't feel the need to change.
I'm happy, and looking forward to tomorrow's commute.
Put another way, July 17, 2006 was the last workday I did NOT bike commute. That's not too bad considering I bought my first bike as an adult on March 29, 2006.
That's 1,513 consecutive workdays of bike commuting--an average of 216 workdays a year. It would be higher, but bear in mind, I work part-time and currently have a four-day workweek.
Year number eight begins tomorrow.
I didn't set out to do something like this. In fact, I planned all along that when it rained, or got too cold and snowy that I'd take the bus instead. After a while, I learned that rain wasn't an issue. Then (here at Bike Forums) I learned about studded snow tires. Even then I figured there would be some bus action in January and February. I gave myself permission (in fact, I still do) to use the bus if it was too dangerous. Evidently, it hasn't happened yet.
After a while, bike commuting became normal. I didn't even think about it when leaving the house. I'd just grab my bike and go. Still do. Although I sometimes dither over which of the four to ride.
I started out with a bike path hybrid, cargo shorts, cotton t-shirt, ratty old sneakers, and a backpack.
Along the way I dropped the backpack and went with a trunk bag on a rear rack. These days I use panniers twice a week, and don't tote anything but a sandwich and my glasses on the other two days. They fit in a jersey pocket just fine.
After a year of cycling, I bought a cheap, second-hand road bike. By August that second year, I knew what I wanted in an everyday commuter, then found it in a shiny new, old, stock Trek Portland. While the Portland remains my four-seasons, all-conditions commuter, and the bike I'd keep if I could own only one, it's been eclipsed in the favorite ride department by my '96 Litespeed Classic Ti, which I rode to work today, as I do on most non-hauling days.
I was dragged kicking and screaming into wicking wear and finally full-out cycling kit. I just couldn't fathom why someone wouldn't ride in "normal" clothes. It all seemed like costume to me. I learned, slowly, that when you sweat as profusely as I do, kit makes sense. And it comes in hi-viz. After freezing my ass that first winter trying to wear my traditional winter wear, I switched to winter cycling gear the second year. I've never regretted either decision.
Platform pedals fell by the wayside in that first year too. I got tired of bruising my shins and calves when my feet flew off the pedals. Since that first day in clipless, I haven't ridden anything but. And nobody asks, "What happened to you?" when they see my lower legs.
My routing choices changed over time too. I started navigating by bus routes. It was what I was accustomed to from seven years of being a car-free bus rider, and I didn't want to be too far from rescue if something went wrong with the bike. I put that first bike on the bus only once, and the next day I learned how to fix a flat.
Slowly I weaned myself off bus routes and started navigating the same way I would drive. Of course, both bus routes and car routes don't take advantage of the of the best things a bike offers. These days, instead of the shortest, most direct route, I use side streets, parks and the MUP. I ride through the cemetery and the university. I plan which route I want to take, and unless the weather is crappy, it's always a longer, more quiet route.
Hell, tonight I rode home eight miles out of my way in 90°F heat with a 75°F dewpoint. It was a more funner way to come home, and gave me more time on the bike.
I know, understand, and accept that my experience is not universal, and that my preferences aren't for everyone. But it's worked out just fine for me for seven years now, so I don't feel the need to change.
I'm happy, and looking forward to tomorrow's commute.
07-18-13, 08:48 AM
#28
Plays in traffic
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Thanks, all!
There are too many posts for me to reply individually and still make it to work on time today.
Yes, I think it was easier for me since I'd already ditched the car. In one sense, I was simply replacing one car-free transit mode with another. But, it was a still a complete lifestyle transformation for me. I came into cycling at age 49, having been so sedentary I was practically inert for the majority of those years. I was also a pack-a-day smoker, and had been for 35 years. I had a bum knee, an arrhythmia (although a fairly common one), and beyond the damages from smoking, I have functional use of only 1½ lungs due to a motorcycle accident in my teens.
On m first bike ride, home from the LBS, I had to stop and rest halfway home. I've since measured the distance: 0.67 miles. Yes, I was completely tuckered out after one-third of a mile, or a half-kilometer. (And I've measured the grade too, -1%. Yes, slightly downhill.) It was a couple of months before I could ride my complete commute--two miles at the time--without resting.
So I may not have had the convenience of a car and its siren song singing in the driveway, but I had other things to overcome.
My motivation has changed significantly over time. What drove thinking about exercise was attending a friends funeral. We had similar lifestyles and at 53, one morning he didn't wake up. Massive heart attack. A month later, the bus company announced a revamp of the fare system that effectively doubled the fare for city residents, while reducing it by as much as $5.50 per trip for suburban riders. That pissed me off and sent me to the bike shop. (Which conveniently, was right on a bus line.)
I don't have three things, but Thermonic Scott summarized my feelings best when he said, "I ride to work just because I enjoy it, but I keep getting told it’s for other reasons". I was completely unprepared for the twice-daily jolt of joy that bike commuting brings me. It's probably the reason that after a year or so, I was able to stop anti-depressants. I'd been on them for over two decades. There were always squirrels in the attic, probably always will be, but cycling keeps them in check.
As for Rochester weather, my extremes are
When I started, I always rode by the most direct route. It was 2 miles at the time. These days, well I transferred to another branch farther away, in order to lengthen my commute. I find I feel best when I do at least 50 miles, spread over the week. The direct route is 4½ miles now, which gives me 36 miles before errands and other running around.
I ride that 4½-mile commute only in particularly foul weather--snowing, heavy rain, winds over 30 mph. My two preferred routes are a hilly 9½ miles through three parks, the cemetery and the university, and a flat 16¼ miles that starts by heading six miles the wrong way and overshoots work by two miles on the other end. Lately I've been doing the long loop both ways for about 115 miles a week on my four-day work week. My par time for that is 55 minutes without the panniers, 60 minutes with them.
And as for that lifeguard position in SoCal, how do I apply?
There are too many posts for me to reply individually and still make it to work on time today.
Yes, I think it was easier for me since I'd already ditched the car. In one sense, I was simply replacing one car-free transit mode with another. But, it was a still a complete lifestyle transformation for me. I came into cycling at age 49, having been so sedentary I was practically inert for the majority of those years. I was also a pack-a-day smoker, and had been for 35 years. I had a bum knee, an arrhythmia (although a fairly common one), and beyond the damages from smoking, I have functional use of only 1½ lungs due to a motorcycle accident in my teens.
On m first bike ride, home from the LBS, I had to stop and rest halfway home. I've since measured the distance: 0.67 miles. Yes, I was completely tuckered out after one-third of a mile, or a half-kilometer. (And I've measured the grade too, -1%. Yes, slightly downhill.) It was a couple of months before I could ride my complete commute--two miles at the time--without resting.
So I may not have had the convenience of a car and its siren song singing in the driveway, but I had other things to overcome.
My motivation has changed significantly over time. What drove thinking about exercise was attending a friends funeral. We had similar lifestyles and at 53, one morning he didn't wake up. Massive heart attack. A month later, the bus company announced a revamp of the fare system that effectively doubled the fare for city residents, while reducing it by as much as $5.50 per trip for suburban riders. That pissed me off and sent me to the bike shop. (Which conveniently, was right on a bus line.)
I don't have three things, but Thermonic Scott summarized my feelings best when he said, "I ride to work just because I enjoy it, but I keep getting told it’s for other reasons". I was completely unprepared for the twice-daily jolt of joy that bike commuting brings me. It's probably the reason that after a year or so, I was able to stop anti-depressants. I'd been on them for over two decades. There were always squirrels in the attic, probably always will be, but cycling keeps them in check.
As for Rochester weather, my extremes are
- 97°F with a dewpoint in the upper 70s,
- -4°F with bitter winds off the lake (Thanks, Canada!),
- sustained winds of 45 mph with gusts to 60 mph (with the panniers on),
- heavy rains with standing water over the bottom bracket
- dark of night,
- light of day.
When I started, I always rode by the most direct route. It was 2 miles at the time. These days, well I transferred to another branch farther away, in order to lengthen my commute. I find I feel best when I do at least 50 miles, spread over the week. The direct route is 4½ miles now, which gives me 36 miles before errands and other running around.
I ride that 4½-mile commute only in particularly foul weather--snowing, heavy rain, winds over 30 mph. My two preferred routes are a hilly 9½ miles through three parks, the cemetery and the university, and a flat 16¼ miles that starts by heading six miles the wrong way and overshoots work by two miles on the other end. Lately I've been doing the long loop both ways for about 115 miles a week on my four-day work week. My par time for that is 55 minutes without the panniers, 60 minutes with them.
And as for that lifeguard position in SoCal, how do I apply?
07-18-13, 08:52 AM
#29
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Props!
07-18-13, 08:53 AM
#30
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Studded snow tires. I use Nokian Hakkapeliitta W106 in the 700x35 size. The snow is never too deep on the roads. We have snowplows here. 
Studded snow tires, BTW, aren't there to help get going in the snow, like you use them with a car. If I get stuck, I can just carry the bike. They're there to keep the wheels from sliding out sideways from under you.
From March 2008:
Studded snow tires, BTW, aren't there to help get going in the snow, like you use them with a car. If I get stuck, I can just carry the bike. They're there to keep the wheels from sliding out sideways from under you.
From March 2008:
07-18-13, 09:06 AM
#32
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that is an impressive record 7 years straight in ROCHESTER no less doubly impressive. thanks for the inspiration.
07-18-13, 09:51 AM
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Way to go, TSL.
Thanks for the share. Very inspirational to others.
Pedal On !
Thanks for the share. Very inspirational to others.
Pedal On !
07-18-13, 09:53 AM
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Impressive.
You're a tougher guy than I. I bailed out when there was an impending thunderstorm threatening to roll in yesterday. I wouldn't say I'm car free, at least not when I have to feed a teenage nephew when he's around (carting groceries is easier in a car), but I'm gonna try to get there.
You're a tougher guy than I. I bailed out when there was an impending thunderstorm threatening to roll in yesterday. I wouldn't say I'm car free, at least not when I have to feed a teenage nephew when he's around (carting groceries is easier in a car), but I'm gonna try to get there.
07-18-13, 09:55 AM
#36
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07-18-13, 10:10 AM
#37
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Brilliant! Congratulations and thanks for the inspiration!!
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07-18-13, 10:19 AM
#38
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Congratulations, Bruce! Seven perfect years is inspiring. 
The more I commute by bike, the more annoying it gets if I have to drive the car to work for logistical reasons.
The more I commute by bike, the more annoying it gets if I have to drive the car to work for logistical reasons.
07-18-13, 11:05 AM
#39
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That's great, congratulations! I remember you being one of the regular posters here when I first started looking for advice and ideas on how to bike commute, and I know I've benefited from your advice over the years. One of my friends in the head librarian in the town I practice in, and if she ever takes me up on my offer on showing her how to get to work by bike I'm going to show her some of your advice.
Interestingly enough, I found some newspaper articles about the "new boom in bike commuting" my Mom sent me a while ago. I read them again, and then noticed they were from 2008! I'm not quite sure how long I've been bike commuting, but it was kind of interesting to reread them and see how some things change and others don't.
Keep up the good work!
Interestingly enough, I found some newspaper articles about the "new boom in bike commuting" my Mom sent me a while ago. I read them again, and then noticed they were from 2008! I'm not quite sure how long I've been bike commuting, but it was kind of interesting to reread them and see how some things change and others don't.
Keep up the good work!
07-18-13, 11:14 AM
#41
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On my first bike ride, home from the LBS, I had to stop and rest halfway home. I've since measured the distance: 0.67 miles. Yes, I was completely tuckered out after one-third of a mile, or a half-kilometer. (And I've measured the grade too, -1%. Yes, slightly downhill.) It was a couple of months before I could ride my complete commute--two miles at the time--without resting.
07-18-13, 11:52 AM
#43
Plays in traffic
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Library books are an occupational hazard. When the time comes, have her skip the backpack and trunk bag phases, and go directly to Ortlieb waterproof panniers. I use the smaller ones deigned for the front. Each one will fit one or two hardcover novels in the U-lock pouch. Leaving plenty of room for the week's worth of work clothes, lunches, and snacks.
07-18-13, 11:58 AM
#44
Plays in traffic
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It’s the ill effects of the rain on bike components, bearings, cables, etc… which supplant any desire for me to purposely ride in the rain. I tend to pamper my bikes so they’ll hopefully last for the remainder of my time on this earth (at which point I’m taking them with me 
)
)As for the drivetrain, I'm on my second middle chainring, second three-seasons cassette, and I replace the chain and the cables at the end of every March, just because it's so nice to have fresh ones for the spring. Disc brake pads every couple of years--I don't really keep track.
07-18-13, 12:04 PM
#45
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Very, very cool!
Congrats!
Congrats!
07-18-13, 01:10 PM
#46
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I don't know about that. Only this week I replaced the headset and BB in the Portland after seven Rochester winters. And even then it was more of a preventative maintenance thing than a real need. The newer sealed bearing stuff just plain works.
As for the drivetrain, I'm on my second middle chainring, second three-seasons cassette, and I replace the chain and the cables at the end of every March, just because it's so nice to have fresh ones for the spring. Disc brake pads every couple of years--I don't really keep track.
As for the drivetrain, I'm on my second middle chainring, second three-seasons cassette, and I replace the chain and the cables at the end of every March, just because it's so nice to have fresh ones for the spring. Disc brake pads every couple of years--I don't really keep track.
As a side note I take very little care of my winter bikes (which were junkers to start) and I get 2 years out of components before they rust and seize up.. cables once a year. I think I've done 4 winters now.. but at $20 - $40 for a bike, I don't really care.
07-18-13, 01:22 PM
#47
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I misread this as don't you shower with your bike! 
Interesting idea, didn't think of this before. My son would like my old Norco which I rode last winter a few times. I could fix it up, get rid of the effects of last year's winter riding and pass it on to him with an eye open for a cheap beater. Thanks!
Interesting idea, didn't think of this before. My son would like my old Norco which I rode last winter a few times. I could fix it up, get rid of the effects of last year's winter riding and pass it on to him with an eye open for a cheap beater. Thanks!
07-18-13, 02:36 PM
#48
Senior Member
That's a great, educational, and inspiring post, Bruce, thanks so much!
I started cycling in 2006 too but didn't start daily bike commuting until 2008 which in then stopped last year due to personal stuff. 2 weeks In started again on my new CX bike.
I started cycling in 2006 too but didn't start daily bike commuting until 2008 which in then stopped last year due to personal stuff. 2 weeks In started again on my new CX bike.
07-18-13, 02:45 PM
#49
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