Originally Posted by
hubcap
I have a daughter that turned 5 today and a son that is 7. My advice is that you need to talk with your wife about what her expectations are. If she is good with you riding everyday and her taking the child to/from daycare, then ride on. You do need to re-asses this situation in a few months to see if it is still working out for her and be willing to change your commuting pattern if necessary to keep everyone sane.
You don't mention how much more time you spend commuting via bike vs car. That is usually the biggest family issue.
The ride itself - to work, short route - takes about 35 minutes. The ride iteslf - back home, short route - takes roughly the same, maybe 35 to 40 minutes. Driving to and from work takes about 15 minutes both ways... so half an hour total.
Winter involves putting on layers, which takes a little longer to get ready.
Here is my winter routine right now:
5:50 am - wake up, eat a quick bite, get dressed
6:20 to 6:25ish - leave for work
7:00 am - typical time I arrive at work
4:15-4:30pm ish - ride home
5:00-5:15pm ish - back at home.
by the time 5:30 rolls around, I am changed from my bike commuting clothes (yes, I gear up - 10 miles to work, 11 miles home - requires, for me, bike specific clothing).
Maybe I'm just trying to assure emyself. I do need to talk with the wife though. I'm not 100% sure what she's thinking. I like the idea of bike commuting for a month or two, then touch base later to see if it's working out.