I almost always took the car to a ride start. The rack was permanently on the trunk so it was easy. Since my 17 yo Son started to take the car to school, the rack has been off. It's so annoying to put it back on and off all the time that it has stayed in storage. Aside for joining the start of a big ride (centuries, doubles, or BF rides) I have started all my rides from home for the last year or so. It's more of a challenge climbing back home, especially after a long one, but also a good training.