I started a new job on November 28. (Yay!) Today was the first day I rode my bike to work. Until today, I was taking the subway. (I’m in NYC.)

The route is the same as it was for me in 2014 through 2017. My workplace is very close to the workplace I had back then. It’s 13 miles each way, and that’s a bit much for me. Five years ago, I did the route only two or three days a week, and if I can get up to that level, I’ll be very pleased.

I put it off because I wanted to create a good track record of arriving at work on time. I’m now working in a school, and of course, teachers must be on time, reliably. I’ve been on time every day so far. That’s an improvement for me, though in my previous jobs, punctuality was less important than it is now. I prepared my bike last night and kept it in the apartment. I also prepared my lunch and my clothes at night. I got up early. The bike ride takes a bit longer than the subway ride.

I was five minutes late, but it’s in the 15 minute margin between the time we are supposed to arrive and the time we need to be ready for the kids, so that five minute difference is inconsequential.

The route is almost entirely flat. It’s so flat that I really noticed it. I’m not used to such a flat route. It’s right along the edge of the Hudson River, and it can get very windy. The wind was quite calm today, so it didn’t slow me down. The weather was cold, and I decided to err on the side of dressing too warmly. That worked out well, especially since I had forgotten my undershirt.

I did have to pedal at a pretty vigorous rate the whole time. If I want to do it at a more leisurely pace, I’ll need to allow for extra time. And there was no margin for anything to go wrong, and I should build one in.

Overall, I’m pleased. The school said they can’t provide me with any space inside to put my bike. I locked it up onto a signpost outside. I’m not happy about that. I’ll ask again and explain the risk of theft and vandalism. I really think they could find room in a closet or something.

My GPS tracks: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/110759379