Originally Posted by BillyBob
I have come to the conclusion that if I want to get out more regularly on my bicycle for exercise that I am going to have to either commute or ride in the dark most days before or after work.
Ideally, I would like to ride 20 to 30 miles per day.
My one-way commute to work is 25 miles. On the face of it, it would be ideal to one-way commute to get the exercise in the daily routine.
The obsticle is fear of commuting along 18 miles of 50-mph 4-lane highway. The highway, route 31 in Birmingham Alabama, has right turn lanes the length of the highway (sprawl at its finest). I figure I can ride along the left edge of the right turn lane. Taking the lane on this road is not an option. During rush hour no one will be going 50 mph and on several sections of the road, I will as fast as traffic.
I am planning to outfit my hardtail mountain bike for commuting. Although it won't be as fast as my road bike, I think I will feel a little more secure on it. Plus, if I look poor enough perhaps people will take pity on me and not be as abusive? la la la la la lalalalallalalala la la
I think it is great you are commuting and 25 miles in a long way. Good job. I don't think people will take pity upon you though for the type of bike you ride. When I ride ghetto bikes and when I commuted on any old bike I would find and attempt to make workable for commuting people just told me to buy a car. What they didn't know is I couldn't afford a new bike and I would rather buy a new bike than a car. So, they didn't feel bad because I should have been driving anyway. So, I don't think they will take pity on you, but I think it is super cool you are commuting on bike. And I don't care what bike it is, it is good! I have to admit the mountain bike is eaiser for me to balance my coffee on the way to work then maybe another bike is, but you could go back and forth. Ride the mtn bike one day and road the next. ok, later skater, it is cool you are do'in it.
I would like to read about any experiences of people faced with a similar commute and any encouragement would be welcomed.