ecovelo

Currently, 98% of my cycling is commuting and errand running. A number of years ago I had trouble fitting in long bike rides. A co-worker suggested I commute to work by bike. My ego spoke up and stated that the <4mile trip to work was "hardly a worthy bike ride" (as I'd had a long history of much longer rides.) Meanwhile, by body got heavier and my life got busier.

I finally did a gut check about my expectations and my values - I value more contributing to the welfare of the planet - I value cycling advocacy - I value being visible as a cyclist and setting an example. When I started commuting regularly a few years ago, the <4mile trip was a bit of a (physical) challenge - I'd gotten so out of "bike" shape. My work is often physically demanding - so I still have nights where my ride home is a bit of a physical challenge. But I absolutely love it!!

Committing to commuting actually got me back on my bike. I dropped the attitude that I needed long hours in the saddle to call it "cycling". And dropping that expectation has awarded me the freedom to ride all kinds of bikes, all kinds of distances, and for many different reasons.

I recently tore some tendons in my elbow - and riding my commuter aggravated the injury more often than not. My road bike was even worse. A part of me was willing to give up the riding altogether for the duration of the healing (long time) when I realized my full-suspension mountain bike had been sitting unridden, many months, neglected. I've found that riding it did not irritate my elbow nearly as much - so I transferred all of my commuting "accessories" over to the behemoth FS MTB - and it's a blast!! The funny thing is... with such a heavy bike with big tires, I keep expecting to be late to work - and as it turns out... I keep hauling a%! on that thing and I keep getting to work too early!! And it is sooooooooooo comfortable!!

When my elbow is healed... I will eventually get back to an occasional long ride. If I want to "fit in" all the things I value in life... love, family, friends, contributing in some way, healing the planet.... and cycling, the cycling will often need to be in 20 minute bursts of joy.

xray1978

The vast majority of my bike rides are for commuting or running errands. However, I still love taking my bike out after work or on the weekends to get a long ride in.

The commute is the ride I enjoy most. It wakes me up in the morning and allows me to blow off steam if I have had a rough day at work.

dygituljunky

99% of my bike rides are for commuting/utility purposes. About 9/10 of my commute legs are by bike but I do wimp out occasionally when I hit my wall and call my brother or take the bus.

As of two weeks ago, we have no car ourselves so I have no excuse at the house. (Car totaled by other driver, DW is ok; no room in the budget for a new car payment, for now.)

Someone recommended the Car Free subforum; I highly recommend the Utility subforum.