Hi! I'm relatively new to the world of biking, having been a runner for most of my life. This is my third year commuting by bicycle in the wilds of Middlesex county, NJ - land of psycho mini-van drivers. My commute is about 10 miles each way; it's difficult due to the sheer volume of cars and a personal quest for the perfect women's saddle, but extremely rewarding in ways that other cyclists surely understand. I hope to be a real bike geek one day and I'm so far, I'm learning a lot from the real professionals here. Thanks and see ya in the forums!

~M

Welcome Minerva to bikeforums!!!

Well done - what sort of bike are you riding? 10 miles is a length of commute you can boast about. Have you found a shop that will let you swap saddles if it doesnt fit you after a few days riding? Maybe adjustment to the handlebar height or reach could improve saddle comfort.

Thanks Andrew. I'm riding a Trek 7200FX. It's a sturdy bike and hasn't given me any problems so far. Yesterday, I went to the bike shop and bought a new saddle, which so far seems to be comfortable. Thankfully, the return policy is lenient and the store owners understanding. I did also adjust the handlebars today before my ride home, and It has seemed to help. I am slowly learning more about bike culture, and so far, I really like it. Cycling has a geekiness factor that running just doesn't offer - my bike is starting to look like the dashboard of the intrepid... uh oh.. someone stop me from buying cool acessories!!

You don't really think for one minute that we are going to stop you, do you ?

We're here to encourage that 'enjoy life whilst cycling' attitude, not to tell you to stop .

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

Welcome! I'm in Edison if you want to ride around here.

Driving in Middlesex is a horror, much less riding a bike (I work in Monroe).

I try to avoid Middlesex as much as possible.

Yeah... the stress relief comes in the fact that nothing else during my workday is as hair-raising as the commute. I have to say though, I enjoy the challange and my reflexes have become razor-sharp as a result. For the most part, drivers in Middlesex county are okay so long as you can get their attention away from the cell phone and they can see you while perched atop their giant Escalades and Hummers. I have always liked Monroe though - still many roads that are country enough to be able to relax and enjoy the ride.

The roads in Monroe are indeed nice, they're very wide (and flat, mostly). But the drivers can be pretty clueless.

Addendum: Stay away from Clark! The drivers there are psychos...

"If it doesn't help me go faster, I don't need it." That's my motto, hope it helps.

I grew up, and learned to ride in Essex County, Middlesex is a dream land.