Stujoe

Did my first real commute to work on an actual work day today. I have test run it a couple of times on my days off. It was 9 miles one way. And, on the way home, I stopped at the gym and worked out for 40 minutes before riding the 9 miles back home.

The ride in the morning was a blast. Made awesome time. Was spinning real good. A little humid but cool. I probably had a slight tail wind. I felt great when I got to work. The ride home was not as much fun. lol

After working out, I started the ride and had a 10-15 mile headwind the entire way. Upper 90ies for temperature and in the 100's for heat index. Hardest 9 miles I have ever done. Wore me out more than a 30 plus mile ride. I figure, until it rains on me, I can't possibly have much worse conditions to ride in and I was able to do it.

After showering and eating and re-hydrating, I am feeling pretty good now.

(51)

Glad you fought through it. One reason I don't commute is a would be a sweathog by the time I got to work.

Stujoe

Thanks. I actually had to push thoughts of calling my wife out of my head a couple of times. lol

I am lucky in that I have a shower available at work. I rode in gym clothes and keep my work clothes at work. I didn't sweat too bad this morning, though. This afternoon, I probably left a couple gallons between the gym and home. lol

CastIron

Stick with it. Commuting is #1 in mechanism for a healthy change IMHO. I started with 1 day a week mantra in spring and come winter had no choice 5 days a week. It flat works.

Stujoe

Thanks! I am thinking it could be a great way to add to my fitness level. And a great way to find the time to get some extra miles on the bike. I hope to get to the point where I can do it 4 days a week with Monday being my replenishment day (clothes, shower stuff, etc.)

Bizurke

The ride home seems to always be worse than the ride to work. In my case it was not only because I was tired after working all day but because it was up hill the whole way home unless I took a detour on a trail that added another 3 miles to the trip. After a while of doing the ride every day it just becomes a part of you and it doesn't even phase you.

bdinger

Sounds much like my rides today! Stick with it, like others said, it's great. You'll start to crave it, trying to find reasons to drive instead of reasons to bike. I need to start doing the whole storing clothes at work thing, as trying to pack them daily is the one thing that's "getting old" for me.

51 - I'm in the same boat, but I found ways around it. You'd be surprised what some sani-wipes and a sink can do for you. I think the key is to shower IMMEDIATELY before leaving the house, then clean up right as you get to work.

Stujoe

Got poured on today on the way home and I must say that it wasn't as bad as the heat. lol Forst time I have ever ridden in the rain and it wasn't all that scary after the first mile.

unixpro

Rain isn't bad if you have the right gear. Living in Seattle, if I want to commute, I *have* to have rain gear. J&G puts out some outstanding stuff. For warmer days when its raining, open the vents. For colder days, put on some SmartWool.

You did well! I do my gym routine at lunch M-W-F and commute 14 miles each way 5 days a week. My co-workers think I'm some sort of lunatic, especially since I'm almost 50 years old. I'm in better shape, even though I'm a short clyde, than just about everybody else here. The only exceptions are also riders.

Stujoe

My work is supportive but many of the folks think i am crazy(er) since I started commuting this week. Even more so when I rode to the gym and then rode home. My ride is only about 9 miles and they look at me incredulously when I tell them that is a short ride for me and that 25 to 30 is my normal ride on the weekends and that I hope to be up to 50 mile rides by the end of summer. I haven't even broached the subject of a century yet. lol

After doing 3 commutes this week, I am already getting comfortable and in a routine as far as what I have to take, when I have to leave, how will I deal with traffic, how hard it is going to be, etc. I am lucky in that the route is easy (with a couple gentle hills to get the blood flowing) and I can change, shower, etc at work.

I can tell you rain will never be a fun option for me but I am much less scared about getting caught in an unexpected downpour on my commute. One more hurdle down. Next will probably be cold weather. Need to think about gear for that...but I think I have a little time.

b_young

Keep it up it will get addictive.

I really look foward to my commute. If I don't get to do at least 3 days a week I can feel a huge difference in my health and stress level.

sumguy

Same here. Started commuting since my car broke down and feel SO much better at work-relaxed but energized and a much better mood. Don't have rain gear yet and hate getting rides but that will change soon enough. I'm the only commuter and my coworkers think I'm crazy for not wanting to drive or even get a car any time soon. 4.2m each way with a couple overpasses. Lost 10lbs over 45 days, 30lbs more to go. Some of the weight less is from only buying enough groceries to fit in a day pack. Joined a gym a while ago and once my commuting gear is complete it will be a detour on the way home.

Monroe

Stujoe, out of interest, which of the two bikes you list are you commuting on?

Roody

It sounds like stujoe is doing great.

I don't see how people can find enough time to exercise without commuting. It is the greatest imesaver I know of!

Stujoe

I am using the Hardrock which I have pimped out a bit with rear rack and bag, skinny tires, reflectors and soon I will need lights.

I really only ride the Schwinn maybe once a week on a weekend ride. I am still getting used to it.

Stujoe

That is a big part of it. My only real time to ride otherwise is early on Sat/Sun mornings and that just isn't enough for me!

UtRacerDad

I've been commuting for about 4 years now, it is very addictive. There are days that I wake up and would much rather commute on my bike than drive the car.

joelpalmer

Ah, gonna have to disagree with you. I used to love my commute home. When I was in CA I did a straight shot to work and a long detour on the way home. That was my me-and-the-bike time and I loved it. Then I moved to Baltimore, a city very unfriendly to biking and have had to hunt for decent rides since. One of a few reasons I'm hoping to move far away from here in the not too distant future.

(Of course I have to add that my ride to work was at 430 in the morning, which might have had something to do with the dislike)