Originally Posted by Longhorn
I think my husband and I are going to try the highway route in a couple of Sundays and see how it goes.
At the time of day I will be commuting (before or after morning and before evening rush hours) I'd say there are probably five to six cars per minute?
When Mr. Longhorn and I checked it out yesterday, I saw that there's a three to four foot shoulder about 80% of the way. The other 20% has about a foot of pavement on the other side of the white line, then some gravel and grass. No sharp drop-offs so I actually would feel safe walking it. I could switch to my mountain bike instead of the hybrid if it seems safer to ride this rougher area. Thanks for your input!
Excellent points, all! I do carry a cell phone and it works the entire route. Right now, I have a Cate Eye EL500 headlight, a front LED blinkie, a rear LED blinkie, and another rear LED blinkie attached to my Camelbak. And as noted above, I have a Flash Flag and wear Alert Shirts.
Interesting, a few comments:
1. 1 foot shoulder is different than no shoulder, I'ld try the shorter route on Sunday with hubby and see how you like it. If you watch commute times, it might be doable.
2. Mtb would not be safer. If worried about flats get amaradillo or marathon tires.
3. Lighting: what color is front LED blinkie? yellow? You don't want a red or white blinkie here as it will confuse drivers. Alert shirts are what? will they do anything at twilight? I'd add a cateye cd1000 so people see you in enough time to react. They are at speed and you want the best rear visibility. The camelbak blinkie is a great idea.
4. flash flag: I would remount so it's vertical instead of horizontal. For 20% of the ride you have limited side clearance and think it is too inviting to texas bulls to have such a nice target.
5. You also should consider side visibility, either side marker lights or reflective tires, or reflective tape.