Well, after much discussion and not enough action, I finally took the plunge and rode the bicycle in to work today. It wasn't easy (I'm a clyde at 5'11, 235)-- a bit over 5 miles, and a few hills, but I did it. The turbo diesel truck is parked at home (talk about overkill for 5 mile commute!!
). I've always dreamt of being courageous enough to do it (laziness is a powerful deceiver--it is SO easy to sit in a comfy truck, slip in a CD, and cruise to work); my bulging waist line and my heart demand it, though.
There were a couple spots where I was thinking "what the heck am I doing? Why suffer? I can turn around and drive the truck," but I pushed through, and then started enjoying it.
Couple things:
The biking shorts under my work pants are a huge plus--no sore rear at all (I know, 5 miles, but still--not any discomfort whatsoever).
I need to leave the mountain bike at home and ride the road bike (yeah, I chickened out an grabbed the MTB--I need to not worry what others think about a big guy on a road bike... ). Those tires that are so good on the trail make for slow-rolling anchors on the asphalt climbs.
I need to bring the lights--even though it will be daylight both ways for now, it was a bit overcast and I can see where I'd want to be more visible.
Cagers fooking suck some times! lol! Two cars "buzzed" me in anger. Hey, I belong on the road too!
I'm not gonna lie--I wanted to catch one particular truck and smack the crap out of his mirror. But I decided that discretion was the better part of valor...
I need a bigger back pack. I overwhelmed my Fox Camel-Back pack with stuff. I need to find a comfy pack that is still relatively light...
I need to use more bike appropriate upper clothing (it started out chilly, but got warm soon enough and I couldn't open my sweater enough to let air in).
Thank goodness I can pull the bike into my office (I'd hate to have to park it outside in the city I work in...).
I really am hoping to commit to 5 days a week for the foreseeable future. Hopefully my excuses don't over power my desire to improve.