Originally Posted by
guisar
I've been off the bike for a couple of years and want to get back to commuting so as to lose weight. My commute is about 31mi each way. Should I strive to do this both ways a few days a week or is that too much of a stretch to be be reasonable? Riding one way is no problem but that doesn't avoid driving and usually results in logistics problems with clothes etc. I'd have to do this by myself unless there's someone here who wants to commute from around Nashua, NH to Burlington, MA.
I do have other options- taking the train or a commuter bus but each of these options would run about $10 a day and require me to ride a folding bike. I do have a folding but but it's not really fun to ride. My commute at each end of the train or bus ride would on the order of 10 miles so taking the bus/train really only knocks about 8-9 miles off the ride and would likely take an extra half our or so.
I am in your "neighborhood."
31 miles is on the outer limits but is certainly doable. As has been said, depends on your fitness and commitment. While not exactly a flat commute, you have no real killer climbs to deal with.
As an aside, I can often beat my wife in her car from Lowell to Nashua, as long as she has to navigate a few lights. I observe all traffic controls, but I usually filter forward at lights too. That can give the bike a huge advantage.
Lot of folks commute around here...mine is much shorter than yours, but I have riding buddies who commute from Lowell to Burlington and Westford to Burlington.
I suppose it all boils down to what part of Nashua to what part of Burlington, and what kind of facilities do you have a work to change/shower.
Me, I bring in sets of clothing for the week, so I don't have to commute with clothes, but not everyone in is the same boat.
Let me know if I can be of further help or assist with roads and routes.
PS, I just noticed that you are in Pepperell. While I don't take them, you have both the Nashua River Rail Trail and the Minuteman Rail Trail at your disposal. Both are significantly shorter than driving on the roads, and neither involve hills of any kind. Don't know if either would help your commute, but certainly worth a quick check.
zac