Originally Posted by
guisar
Thanks for all the advice so far. Sounds like i'ts smarter to do the alternate day thing which isn't that big a deal as my wife works nearby and would have to drive anyway. The ride over to her is only five miles over back roads so that's ok even if I'm tired or it's wet.
The public transit here only allows folding bikes (except on weekends) so it's basically useless. If someone knows a way to get the MBTA to accept full-size bikes I'm all ears. I used to do the commute regularly (one way) when I worked a bit (22mi) closer and it wasn't bad. I wanted to get a gauge on whether, if I were in that shape again, a metric century was reasonable as a goal. Sounds like not...
I don't mind the time commitment since it's really only about 30min difference from driving each way. For those in the area, my route used to go down either 119 to Concord or 225 to Bedford for most of the way. Not ideal roads but OK. It's going to be warm tomorrow so I think I'll pencil in a ride home. Riding home I don't have clothes issues and I'm less tired.
Commute with your wife! It's a double bonus. You get to spend some quality time with her, makes the commute less stressful for both of you, and that last 5 miles is an ideal bike commute length.
As for 119 and 225, you can easily find side roads that avoid those secondary roads. I don't mind 119 mid day, but at commute time it is a nightmare. I think 225 would be the much better choices. In your area it is a bit better paved and has wider shoulders. But really neither are fun at rush hour.
EDIT for those who say it is too far, well everyone has a different threshold. My commute is only 2 miles, but I often take the 40 mile "shortcut" on the way home. I ride early mornings too, 50-80 miles 3 days a week and am home before the kids go to school. Yeah I have been doing this for years, but it is certainly doable, just depends on your level of commitment (or whether you should be "committed.")
Hey, Good luck! let us know how it works out. I like the option of commuting in with her and riding home several times a week. But don't just wait for the warm weather: Riding in the winter isn't so bad, you can dress for the cold as long as you can keep your feet/hands and head warm; Riding in the rain sucks, Riding in the snow is peaceful, but difficult and I certainly wouldn't want to do 31 miles on those roads in the snow; However, riding in a headwind is the worst, and we are headed into wind season right now, so don't get discouraged if you end up with an evening commute into a 20mph+ headwind the entire way.
zac