50+ Commuters: Say Something...
04-19-15 | 08:54 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Tortoise Wins by a Hare!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 7,393
Likes: 945
From: Looney Tunes, IL
Bikes: Wabi Special FG, Raleigh Roper, Nashbar AL-1, Miyata One Hundred, '70 Schwinn Lemonator and More!!
50+ Commuters: Say Something...
About your bike, your commute, or your philosophy on life.
Post something you feel the youngin's ought to know. Don't be shy, they look up to us... even if they don't realize it yet!
Post something you feel the youngin's ought to know. Don't be shy, they look up to us... even if they don't realize it yet!
04-20-15 | 03:59 AM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,119
Likes: 159
From: Kalamazoo, Mi.
Bikes: Sam, The Hunq and that Old Guy, Soma Buena Vista, Giant Talon 2, Brompton
All the youngsters who have been introduced to the sport via television coverage of the Tour miss out on a valuable experience. Most that I meet don't commute because they are afraid they might hurt their bike, get it stolen or have to shower and carry a change of clothing. I've been commuting for 40 years, have never had any of those problems and do have a whole lot of fun worked into my daily routine. The more I've commuted, the less use I have had for a car. My auto usage is down to around 2k miles per year. I can honestly say that I have always looked forward to going to work. Not always the job, but GOING.
Marc
Marc
04-20-15 | 04:40 AM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,381
Likes: 219
50+ Commuters: Say Something...
What do you say? But since you asked, I’m introspective about my cycling lifestyle, and I use Bikeforums as my journal. From previous threads:
About the bikes, from ”How many bikes do you own?':
From, ”Describe your commute”:
Route: Reverse commute from downtown on four different routes of a minimal distance of 14 miles, each defined by a different hill; can expand to about 30 miles to train
The philosophy of life question is more ethereal. This is probably my most profound answer re the cycling (commuting) lifestyle. From, ”what makes cycling so much fun?:
If interested I wrote my cycling autobiography as my Introduction to Bike Forums, updated since 2008. 
About the bikes, from ”How many bikes do you own?':
The Road Bike is a Specialized S-Works, and the Mountain Bike is a Connondale; I forget the model (not currently here at my workplace). I also own the remains of my beloved, unrideable Bridgestone RB-1 totaled in an accident. The police are asking me what I want them to do with it.
Kenmore Square, Boston to Norwood over 30 years
Route: Reverse commute from downtown on four different routes of a minimal distance of 14 miles, each defined by a different hill; can expand to about 30 miles to train
Environment: In order of hill difficulty: Gritty urban, pleasant suburban, pleasant urban, ritzy suburban
Hills: One moderate hill on each route, then smaller hills; estimate only about 1-2 miles flat
Frequency: Variable over the decades; currently about 50% in winter; 75% nice weather (work is an obstacle)
Bike: Specialized S-WORKS CF Road Bike; Cannondale beater mountain bike (fenders and Marathon Winter studded tires) Bike name: NA
Cargo: Ortlieb panniers on the Cannondale; backpack on the S-WORKS
Helmet / Mirror: yes and yes (left and right Take-a-Look eyeglass mounted mirrors)
Destination:Parking: inside about 100 feet from my desk, directly through a door from the outside
Cleanup: shower facilities; place to hang clothes, and a table fan available to dry; for most of the time I wear surgical scrubs
Amenities: coffee shop and cafeteria on site; almost all my personal service needs like barbershop, dentist, dry-cleaner/tailor, supermarket and drugstore, and good take-out restaurants are all within walking distance of work, or a short hop on the bike; bike shop two blocks away
Alternative Transportation: train, car, bus, taxis, car rentals, Zipcar, place to stay comfortably overnight.My magic moment when I realized what makes cycling fun (important) to me was at a lunch with two doctors about 20 years ago. We got to talking about the vicissitudes of life, like sudden death, or trival symptoms as harbingers of a serious disease. We eventually came around to that old chestnut to live life to the fullest everyday.
As we were leaving, the surgeon, a marathon runner, said, “Well, any day with a run in it is a good day for me.” I was already an avid cyclist and cycle commuter, and that clicked with me, any day with a ride in it is a good day for me.
As we were leaving, the surgeon, a marathon runner, said, “Well, any day with a run in it is a good day for me.” I was already an avid cyclist and cycle commuter, and that clicked with me, any day with a ride in it is a good day for me.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 04-20-15 at 04:46 AM.
04-20-15 | 06:33 AM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,896
Likes: 7
From: Raleigh, NC
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
I'm 61 and started bike commuting 8 years ago, although I've been cycling since college days. That's actually when I first started bike commuting because my 10-speed was my primary means of transportation throughout college. I went to UGA, which has a very spread out campus, and a bike was the only way I could get to many classes on time. I also couldn't afford a car.
I started bike commuting again during "Bike to Work Week" in 2007, thinking I would try doing it on Fridays. Pretty soon I was riding my bike to work almost every day. My office moved downtown a few years ago, increasing my round trip commute from about 22 to 31 miles, so I initially wondered if I could keep it up. However, I'm bike riding to work as much as ever -- weather permitting. The longer route makes it a real challenge on days when it's raining, sleeting or otherwise nasty, so my commute frequency is highly dependent on the weather.
I've commuted on a bunch of different bikes, starting out with an Italian racing bike that was fun to ride but less than ideal for carrying loads or using larger tires and fenders. I then switched to a touring bike and added a sport tourer and cross bike along the way. Riding different bikes is one of the ways I make my commute interesting, and I choose my ride based on the weather, how far I plan to ride, how much gear I want to carry and the route.
In contrast to many cyclists, who seem attracted to the sport due to racing, the Tour de France, etc., my initial interested in cycling was more utilitarian -- commuting and touring. I ride a number of bike tours every year, ranging from weekend to weeklong trips, and I would love to ride across the USA some day. That is part of my motivation for commuting -- keeping myself in shape for bike tours. I just completed Cycle NC at the coast last weekend, and I've got several more tours planned during April, May and June. My big trip for this year will be riding the GAP - C&O Canal trails from Pittsburgh to Washington DC in May.
I started bike commuting again during "Bike to Work Week" in 2007, thinking I would try doing it on Fridays. Pretty soon I was riding my bike to work almost every day. My office moved downtown a few years ago, increasing my round trip commute from about 22 to 31 miles, so I initially wondered if I could keep it up. However, I'm bike riding to work as much as ever -- weather permitting. The longer route makes it a real challenge on days when it's raining, sleeting or otherwise nasty, so my commute frequency is highly dependent on the weather.
I've commuted on a bunch of different bikes, starting out with an Italian racing bike that was fun to ride but less than ideal for carrying loads or using larger tires and fenders. I then switched to a touring bike and added a sport tourer and cross bike along the way. Riding different bikes is one of the ways I make my commute interesting, and I choose my ride based on the weather, how far I plan to ride, how much gear I want to carry and the route.
In contrast to many cyclists, who seem attracted to the sport due to racing, the Tour de France, etc., my initial interested in cycling was more utilitarian -- commuting and touring. I ride a number of bike tours every year, ranging from weekend to weeklong trips, and I would love to ride across the USA some day. That is part of my motivation for commuting -- keeping myself in shape for bike tours. I just completed Cycle NC at the coast last weekend, and I've got several more tours planned during April, May and June. My big trip for this year will be riding the GAP - C&O Canal trails from Pittsburgh to Washington DC in May.
04-20-15 | 06:33 AM
#7
Thread Starter
Tortoise Wins by a Hare!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 7,393
Likes: 945
From: Looney Tunes, IL
Bikes: Wabi Special FG, Raleigh Roper, Nashbar AL-1, Miyata One Hundred, '70 Schwinn Lemonator and More!!
Wave.
To other cycle commuters
To motorists
To the police
To the cute joggers…
But not to roadies.
To other cycle commuters
To motorists
To the police
To the cute joggers…
But not to roadies.
04-20-15 | 07:04 AM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Kissimmee, Florida
Bikes: 28,000 mi. Denali road bike, some yellow Raleigh with Reynolds 531c frame, 1991 Specialized Sirrus Sport
Do it for your health. And make it fun. And to save on gas money. And because chicks dig reflective vests.
04-20-15 | 10:03 AM
#9
It's MY mountain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,172
Likes: 4,229
From: Mt.Diablo
Bikes: Klein, Merckx, Trek
It is a great way to wake up in the morning and de-stress in the evening. I only go 3.5 miles each way but on the few days when I have to drive I absolutely hate sitting in traffic... I don't know how people do it.
04-20-15 | 10:22 AM
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,441
Likes: 235
Age 52 here, having commuted by bike (fair weather only) for about five years.
Bike commuting introduces an element of "play" into my often unsatisfying work day. It has replaced the excitement of my "old" jobs in a big way and has made my current 8 to 4 MUCH more of a positive experience.
The first few times out, it seemed that getting up a little earlier, putting together two sets of clothes, filling my water bottle, remembering to transfer my keys, my lunch, etc to the bike was way too much of a hassle. Within days, I had worked out simple solutions to all of these issues and now, it's just a matter of getting on my bike instead of in my car after breakfast.
If you, like me, have logistics problems (i.e. moving large equipment to/from work) on certain days, we will all understand if you have to drive a couple of times a week. But at least TRY to ride a few days and I can almost guarantee you will soon be trying to figure out how to ride the rest of the days, too.
PS: As noted elsewhere on this forum, I am currently experiencing a horrible, debilitating case of Vertigo, which has kept me out of work for several days. It's the worst thing I've ever been through and I'm really concerned about the long-term effect, but the thing that's killing me most is that I'm missing the first few good days of the cycling-to-work season!
Bike commuting introduces an element of "play" into my often unsatisfying work day. It has replaced the excitement of my "old" jobs in a big way and has made my current 8 to 4 MUCH more of a positive experience.
The first few times out, it seemed that getting up a little earlier, putting together two sets of clothes, filling my water bottle, remembering to transfer my keys, my lunch, etc to the bike was way too much of a hassle. Within days, I had worked out simple solutions to all of these issues and now, it's just a matter of getting on my bike instead of in my car after breakfast.
If you, like me, have logistics problems (i.e. moving large equipment to/from work) on certain days, we will all understand if you have to drive a couple of times a week. But at least TRY to ride a few days and I can almost guarantee you will soon be trying to figure out how to ride the rest of the days, too.
PS: As noted elsewhere on this forum, I am currently experiencing a horrible, debilitating case of Vertigo, which has kept me out of work for several days. It's the worst thing I've ever been through and I'm really concerned about the long-term effect, but the thing that's killing me most is that I'm missing the first few good days of the cycling-to-work season!
Last edited by Papa Tom; 04-20-15 at 10:25 AM.
04-20-15 | 10:37 AM
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis
Bikes: 2011 Surly LHT, 2007 Specialized Roubaix, 2004 Giant Cypress, 1990 Simoncini Super Professional
I'm on the far side of 62 and plan to work until 70ish. The thing I'll miss most in retirement is my daily commute.
My #1 reason for cycle-commuting is the love of riding. The fitness, savings, eco-responsibility, and freedom from traffic jams all come in a distant second.
My #1 reason for cycle-commuting is the love of riding. The fitness, savings, eco-responsibility, and freedom from traffic jams all come in a distant second.
04-20-15 | 11:13 AM
#13
Pedaled too far.
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,851
Likes: 9
From: La Petite Roche
I ride a quarter-century-old steetified solid-frame mountain bike, slicks, fenders, lights, rack and panniers. I've been commuting by bike since I was in elementary school. My current commute is 8 hilly miles, about an hour to work and an hour and a half returning. Sometimes I combine riding and the bus which drops me off at the top of a twisty fast hill. I ride all year, but haven't had to invest in studded tires yet. I walk to work if necessary.
The best way to motivate yourself to bicycle commute is to not have a car available. Plan ahead, make your home close enough to work. Live in an area where all the basic stores you need are close by.
Have two bikes minimum capable of making the trip. Stock up on tire repair supplies. I carry a pump and patch kit with me, but no other tools. In some jobs I carried a change of clothes and arrived 15 minutes early to wash up in the restroom, I've never had an employer with a shower. I always try to arrive 15 minutes early so that I have a margin in case I have a flat on the route.
The best way to motivate yourself to bicycle commute is to not have a car available. Plan ahead, make your home close enough to work. Live in an area where all the basic stores you need are close by.
Have two bikes minimum capable of making the trip. Stock up on tire repair supplies. I carry a pump and patch kit with me, but no other tools. In some jobs I carried a change of clothes and arrived 15 minutes early to wash up in the restroom, I've never had an employer with a shower. I always try to arrive 15 minutes early so that I have a margin in case I have a flat on the route.
__________________
"He who serves all, best serves himself" Jack London
Last edited by Artkansas; 04-20-15 at 11:18 AM.
04-20-15 | 11:58 AM
#14
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,106
Likes: 2,758
From: Fredericksburg, Va
Bikes: ? Proteous, '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, 'Litespeed Catalyst'94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster
IT looked somewhat like this, which is what it looked like when I started using it for commuting 10 years later:
[IMG]
PA160495w by superissimo_83, on Flickr[/IMG]It and I have changed over the years so it looks more like this when I am hauling extra clothes/food, except it has a Brooks Pro saddle.
[IMG]
Truck with packw by superissimo_83, on Flickr[/IMG]It has about 3500 miles on it.
My commute is 10.9 miles one way with nearly 15Ft difference depending on direction. It is along the Potomac River along the George Washington Parkway toward Mt Vernon. I drive by Reagan National Airport, cross the 14th street bridge, see the Pentagon, Jefferson Memorial, Bureau of Engraving, Department of Agriculture, Smithsonian and work across the street from the FAA with the Air and Space museum within site. Great ride, especially during the Cherry Blossoms. Of course I see the Capital, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and a host of other famous buildings and memorials riding down Independence Ave.
Philosophy: Be accepting. You are not the only one that exists on this planet. Most people do not share your values or outlook on life, don't force your views on others but learn from others. Covey's 7 Habits are good to practice. Learn to understand what it means to be a systems thinker (Peter Senge and 5 Disciplines).
What you should know: As much as you can. Follow your passion.
Don't stop biking! If you have to commute to stay on the bike, do it. Don't save it for the weekend because often it isn't enough. Biking, and staying in shape is work, just do it. I took a break for 30 years and regret it deeply. I attribute a lot of my good health to the exercise I got when I was in my 20's riding a 25 lb+ bike 50 miles in less than 3 hours, two or three times a week. Riding is great therapy for your mind and your soul, get introduced to yourself!
__________________
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
04-20-15 | 12:03 PM
#15
multimodal commuter
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,810
Likes: 597
From: NJ, NYC, LI
Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...
Hi.
__________________
www.rhmsaddles.com.
www.rhmsaddles.com.
04-20-15 | 12:21 PM
#16
Thread Starter
Tortoise Wins by a Hare!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 7,393
Likes: 945
From: Looney Tunes, IL
Bikes: Wabi Special FG, Raleigh Roper, Nashbar AL-1, Miyata One Hundred, '70 Schwinn Lemonator and More!!
Philosophy: Be accepting. You are not the only one that exists on this planet. Most people do not share your values or outlook on life, don't force your views on others but learn from others. Covey's 7 Habits are good to practice. Learn to understand what it means to be a systems thinker (Peter Senge and 5 Disciplines).
What you should know: As much as you can. Follow your passion.
What you should know: As much as you can. Follow your passion.
04-20-15 | 12:27 PM
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 105
From: Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
Bikes: 2017 Salsa Carbon Mukluk frame built with XT, 2018 Kona Rove NRB build with Sram Apex 1,2008 Salsa El Mariachi, 1986 Centurion Ironman
56-y-o. Commuted years ago in seminary in the Twin Cities during the five years when I didn't have a car. Then there was getting married, moves, kids, etc. I continued to ride, but put commuting on the shelf. I was preparing for a summer sabbatical three years ago that started with a five week canoe trip in MN and Canada. A friend in my congregation mentioned one of his favorite quotes from running guru George Sheehan: "First, be a good animal." After the sabbatical I started cycle commuting again so that I could use my body not just for play or exercise or enjoyment. I get cranky now when I have an offsite meeting or hospital call that requires me to drive in. Being a good animal grounds me in a way that I need to be grounded.
__________________
Don't complain about the weather and cower in fear. It's all good weather. Just different.
Don't complain about the weather and cower in fear. It's all good weather. Just different.
04-20-15 | 12:58 PM
#19
Dart Board
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 1
From: Happy Valley Oregon
Bikes: 13 Super Six EVO Red, 2005 Six13, 2024 TREK DOMANE SL 6 GEN 4, 1986 COLNAGO Master
Don't just commute by bike- go and join a advocacy! Be responsible and create a generation of wellness and vitality. Pay it forward! There are those that would have you pay to get around by your own power, and if you work you are already paying. Speak loudly and proudly.
V
V
04-20-15 | 01:43 PM
#21
commuter and barbarian
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,494
Likes: 3
From: Potomac, MT, USA
60 years old here.
As for commuting by bicycle:
It's not too hard.
It's not too dangerous.
It's not too dark.
It's not too long.
It's not too hot.
It's not too cold.
It's not too rainy.
It's not too early.
It's not too late.
Also, ride what you got and wear what you got when you're doing it. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks, especially those who suggest you are crazy. You very well may be. Why let it stop you?
As for commuting by bicycle:
It's not too hard.
It's not too dangerous.
It's not too dark.
It's not too long.
It's not too hot.
It's not too cold.
It's not too rainy.
It's not too early.
It's not too late.
Also, ride what you got and wear what you got when you're doing it. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks, especially those who suggest you are crazy. You very well may be. Why let it stop you?
04-20-15 | 03:35 PM
#22
Unlisted member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 435
From: Chicagoland
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock
You guys beat me to most of what I was going to say here (including get off my lawn), but I'd ad riding makes me feel younger and more alive most days.
My bikes another commuterized Hardrock that looks much like sjx426's and has changed much over the 9+ years I've had it.
My bikes another commuterized Hardrock that looks much like sjx426's and has changed much over the 9+ years I've had it.
04-20-15 | 03:42 PM
#23
Squeaky Wheel
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,681
Likes: 116
From: Newcastle, WA
I'm 54 years old. Been bike commuting fulltime since 2008. My current commute is 40 miles RT but most of it is on paved MUPS which makes it pretty pleasant.
I've driven my car to work maybe ten times since 2008. Hated it each time.
I've driven my car to work maybe ten times since 2008. Hated it each time.
04-20-15 | 03:48 PM
#24
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Bhaaaston
Bikes: Trek 7000 Old Grey Mare, Marin Larkspur
PS: As noted elsewhere on this forum, I am currently experiencing a horrible, debilitating case of Vertigo, which has kept me out of work for several days. It's the worst thing I've ever been through and I'm really concerned about the long-term effect, but the thing that's killing me most is that I'm missing the first few good days of the cycling-to-work season!
Take heart... all things will pass and so will this. I hated the antivert meds but I found a solution that worked for me. I had to retrain my brain as it were but this worked for me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTZfIv165sY
04-20-15 | 04:03 PM
#25
Unlisted member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 435
From: Chicagoland
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock
That commute does sound pleasant. I went on a ~15 mile ride on a different MUP last week and was thinking how pleasant much of it was. My typical commute has involved a lot of stop and start riding, and being able to ride for longer on a nicer path made me think about stopping and enjoying the scenery if I was going to commute on it.