shmulb

I just finished the first half of my first commute. Rode 11.5 miles with my friend who has been commuting for years. Temp was mid 30's and route has some medium hills. Did it in 45 minutes and feel great.
The weaher this afternoon should be high 60,s. I am trying a different route home. Tommorrow I'll be on my own, but I think I am hooked.

Beverly

I always wanted to commute by bike but it's just not possible with my daily route. Besides....I'm retiring this year and won't have the daily drive

ajk03

Congratulations! Welcome to the club.

I can't say I'm a hard core commuter, but I'm going to try and do more of that this year. Only 4 round trips last year, which is much less than some years. Right now, I'm waiting for a little more daylight in the mornings. I'm also waiting for the Illinois Prairie Path (crushed limestone rail trail) to dry out. It's about one-third of my commute, and it's still pretty wet from the spring thaw.

I have been commuting only on Fridays in the past, but I hope to go to at least one more day per week this summer. Tuesdays are out; that's the night for the company golf league! Can't see myself doing a 35 mile round trip carrying clubs!

Al

cranky old dude

Congrats.

Now remember, the bike will work regardless of the weather. Now that
you're on the bike, don't get off...and before you know it you'll be a
hard core commuter and will feel guilty each time you drive your car.
This is a GOOD thing. Welcome to the club.

tsl

Commuting is a great excuse to go for a bike ride. Why, I've used it as an excuse 66 times so far this year.

aubinmg

Great! My first one today too, 15k (just short of 10miles) and 1 degree C. cool but no problem. I plan to go 3 days a week until the legs agree to five and then on until the end of October, like last year. The world looks better from atop a bicycle.

shmulb

As a follow up, I took a different route home. The dynamics in the afternoon are very different from early in the morning . Much heavier traffic, some wind and learning a new route. Although it is 3 miles longer and has a 350ft climb for the last 1.5 miles it only took 10 minutes longer.
This morning my ride buddy was off so I did my first solo in. I have already ordered a Fenix flashlight, my $15 light is simply not good enough.
I bought a Topeak Dynapak for my stuff, love it, it's great for carrying a few things, I can even fit my Nikon D50 and lens in.
I have just realised, my bike is a moving ad for Topeak, A Dynapack, Micro tool kit, Allay Saddle, Road Morph G pump .
I am feeling really good. Looking foreward to the ride home.

gear

I would like to suggest that you look into Dinotte's tail light. It will help when it comes to drivers seeing you in time to alter their course before they pass you.

tsl

+1 It's the only light that'll do that in bright sun too. I run one of my DiNotte headlights in in blink mode during the day as well. It helps keep people from turning in front of me.

late

Did my first commute of the year yesterday. Think I will do it again manana.
Even though my commute is only a few miles. it seems to be especially effective at
improving my conditioning. Prob something to do with not sitting on my butt during the days that aren't Saturday

tsl

Stoplights make automatic interval training. I can also sprint like the dickens thanks to stoplights and commuting.

ad6mj

shmulb, Congrats!
Beverly, when you retire just pretend you're commuting and ride to someone else's workplace.

BengeBoy 

Another vote for Dinotte (both front and back).