How do you convince yourself to commute EVERY day?
12-06-16 | 12:15 PM
#76
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From: Toronto, CANADA
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We've haven't even considered the health benefits of riding to work, and there are plenty.
Most of us tend to seek the easiest route to anything. Doing something more difficult, more challenging pays off in the long run, but most people of incapable of seeing that far ahead.
Most of us tend to seek the easiest route to anything. Doing something more difficult, more challenging pays off in the long run, but most people of incapable of seeing that far ahead.
12-06-16 | 12:16 PM
#77
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From: Columbia, SC
Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 Rival; 2014 Cannondale Trail 7 29; 1972 Schwinn Suburban, 1996 Proflex 756, 1987(?) Peugeot, Dahon Speed P8; 1979 Raleigh Competition GS; 1995 Stumpjumper M2 FS, 1978 Raleigh Sports, Schwinn Prologue
I don't! As nice as fall is to ride in, I find commuting to be a PITA with significantly colder morning temperatures than afternoon temperatures. If it were just a one way ride, or I am out riding for fun, it's great weather.
My riding tends to dip off around this time of year anyway. There's often a lot going on, all group rides are pretty much done with, and it's nice to take a break and on Saturday mornings do other things
My riding tends to dip off around this time of year anyway. There's often a lot going on, all group rides are pretty much done with, and it's nice to take a break and on Saturday mornings do other things
12-06-16 | 01:00 PM
#78
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From: Chicago
Bikes: Marin Four Corners, 1960's Schwinn Racer in middle of restoration, mid 70s Motobecane Grand Touring, various other heaps.
I don't! As nice as fall is to ride in, I find commuting to be a PITA with significantly colder morning temperatures than afternoon temperatures. If it were just a one way ride, or I am out riding for fun, it's great weather.
My riding tends to dip off around this time of year anyway. There's often a lot going on, all group rides are pretty much done with, and it's nice to take a break and on Saturday mornings do other things
My riding tends to dip off around this time of year anyway. There's often a lot going on, all group rides are pretty much done with, and it's nice to take a break and on Saturday mornings do other things
12-06-16 | 01:17 PM
#79
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From: Columbia, SC
Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 Rival; 2014 Cannondale Trail 7 29; 1972 Schwinn Suburban, 1996 Proflex 756, 1987(?) Peugeot, Dahon Speed P8; 1979 Raleigh Competition GS; 1995 Stumpjumper M2 FS, 1978 Raleigh Sports, Schwinn Prologue
12-06-16 | 07:21 PM
#80
Day trip lover
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From: capital city of iowa
Bikes: '16 Giant Escape 3 (fair weather ride), Giant Quasar (work in progress), 2002 saturn vue (crap weather ride)
12-06-16 | 07:36 PM
#81
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From: Toronto, CANADA
Bikes: ...a few.
My own commute is 20 km. I used to find it short, so much so that I'd do an extra 20 before arriving there. Now I just to straight there, and there are many days when I wished it was half that.
12-06-16 | 09:02 PM
#82
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From: Chicago
Bikes: Marin Four Corners, 1960's Schwinn Racer in middle of restoration, mid 70s Motobecane Grand Touring, various other heaps.
For most people 10 miles is a long commute. And averaging 24 km/h isn't as easy as that, factoring in the wind, weather, etc. But sure, if you've been doing it for many years and in good physical condition then 10 miles isn't all that long, but it certainly isn't short, which was my point.
My own commute is 20 km. I used to find it short, so much so that I'd do an extra 20 before arriving there. Now I just to straight there, and there are many days when I wished it was half that.
My own commute is 20 km. I used to find it short, so much so that I'd do an extra 20 before arriving there. Now I just to straight there, and there are many days when I wished it was half that.
12-06-16 | 10:59 PM
#83
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From: Central PA (USA)
Bikes: 2014 Carbon Quest XS (Velomobile), 2014 Catrike Road (Trike), 2013 Easy Motion Max 700+ PCS (E-bike), 2011 Lynskey R340 (Road), 2011 Surly Moonlander (Fatty), 2010 Santa Cruise Tallboy (Full Suspension)
Commuting is how I get my exercise everyday without having to go to a gym and get to work and conduct as much business as possible (self employed), its exercise that is "built into my day" and making good use of my time to do it. My commutes are 18 miles each way except when its really bad out and I need the studded tire bike, then its 12.5 miles each way (but more climbing than the 18 mile one way route).
Riding a bike is like meditation for me and good for my soul, sometimes the hardest thing "is getting on the bike", once out there I am glad I am riding a bike. It will be 6 years on January 9th 2017 since I missed a day riding a bike, that was also the last day I rode a trainer. I told myself I am going to ride a bike every day. The only reason I missed that day 6 years ago was because I said I could miss a day once and a while. So much for that.
Riding a bike is like meditation for me and good for my soul, sometimes the hardest thing "is getting on the bike", once out there I am glad I am riding a bike. It will be 6 years on January 9th 2017 since I missed a day riding a bike, that was also the last day I rode a trainer. I told myself I am going to ride a bike every day. The only reason I missed that day 6 years ago was because I said I could miss a day once and a while. So much for that.
12-07-16 | 07:31 AM
#84
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From: San Diego
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Although if there is a forecast of multiple days of rain coming up, I will probably break down and drive for those days after maybe getting wet once. But in San Diego, that's very rare.
12-07-16 | 12:14 PM
#85
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How far is your commute? What kinds of facilities?
Americans way over-complicate bicycling — thus 'the routine'. Outside of the US, where massively more people ride bicycles for transportation, you don't see all of the complications. There is no prep or routine or extensive planning or pretending to be a race car driver. You get dressed, get on your bike, and get to wherever you're going, all in normal clothes.
As others have said, you don't need to ride every day. I'll ride in rain but not heavy rain or lightning. I'll ride just about any distance down to about freezing and I'll ride a mile in just about any weather. If it's 0F, cloudy, windy and I've got 5 miles each way then I'll drive — with zero guilt for doing so. I'll also mix modes on bad weather days like ride a Citibike to the train, train for the bulk of my journey, and then Citibike to my destination.
On sketchy weather days I'll often not make the mode choice until time to leave. Riding is my default but, depending on distance, if it's raining hard or extremely cold I'll drive. Since I'm wearing the same clothes either way I need only choose a warmer jacket or rain suit on my way out the door if necessary. For light rain an umbrella works quite well.
BTW, good comment from [MENTION=5694]PaPa[/MENTION]tom, if I'm on the fence I'll ride and almost always be glad I did once I get going (though there have been a few times I wished I'd driven).
Americans way over-complicate bicycling — thus 'the routine'. Outside of the US, where massively more people ride bicycles for transportation, you don't see all of the complications. There is no prep or routine or extensive planning or pretending to be a race car driver. You get dressed, get on your bike, and get to wherever you're going, all in normal clothes.
As others have said, you don't need to ride every day. I'll ride in rain but not heavy rain or lightning. I'll ride just about any distance down to about freezing and I'll ride a mile in just about any weather. If it's 0F, cloudy, windy and I've got 5 miles each way then I'll drive — with zero guilt for doing so. I'll also mix modes on bad weather days like ride a Citibike to the train, train for the bulk of my journey, and then Citibike to my destination.
On sketchy weather days I'll often not make the mode choice until time to leave. Riding is my default but, depending on distance, if it's raining hard or extremely cold I'll drive. Since I'm wearing the same clothes either way I need only choose a warmer jacket or rain suit on my way out the door if necessary. For light rain an umbrella works quite well.
BTW, good comment from [MENTION=5694]PaPa[/MENTION]tom, if I'm on the fence I'll ride and almost always be glad I did once I get going (though there have been a few times I wished I'd driven).
12-07-16 | 12:19 PM
#86
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Joined: Oct 2016
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Commuting is how I get my exercise everyday without having to go to a gym and get to work and conduct as much business as possible (self employed), its exercise that is "built into my day" and making good use of my time to do it. My commutes are 18 miles each way except when its really bad out and I need the studded tire bike, then its 12.5 miles each way (but more climbing than the 18 mile one way route).
Riding a bike is like meditation for me and good for my soul, sometimes the hardest thing "is getting on the bike", once out there I am glad I am riding a bike. It will be 6 years on January 9th 2017 since I missed a day riding a bike, that was also the last day I rode a trainer. I told myself I am going to ride a bike every day. The only reason I missed that day 6 years ago was because I said I could miss a day once and a while. So much for that.
Riding a bike is like meditation for me and good for my soul, sometimes the hardest thing "is getting on the bike", once out there I am glad I am riding a bike. It will be 6 years on January 9th 2017 since I missed a day riding a bike, that was also the last day I rode a trainer. I told myself I am going to ride a bike every day. The only reason I missed that day 6 years ago was because I said I could miss a day once and a while. So much for that.
12-07-16 | 12:33 PM
#87
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From: Chicago
Bikes: Marin Four Corners, 1960's Schwinn Racer in middle of restoration, mid 70s Motobecane Grand Touring, various other heaps.
12-07-16 | 08:30 PM
#89
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Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Minneapolis
Bikes: various
I've bike commuted 5 days a week since July. This cold is starting to break me. Next week we are looking at highs around 10 degrees all week. I'm worried that I'm going to break my streak. Sometimes the streak alone is what puts me on the bike in the AM.
12-07-16 | 09:05 PM
#90
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Noting that you ride through Cambridge (in the usual commuter direction), that's also a burden, IMO. When I ride there, usually on a weekend as part of a road ride, I'm fretful about my usual riding "style" because I've heard the police are strict on scofflaws.
On low traffic-volume times, I like to make progress, and there's a lot of traffic lights on Mass Ave, especially past Harvard Square.
12-08-16 | 11:07 PM
#91
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From: Boston
Bikes: Death machines all
Yes, the Cambridge coppers are pesky in warmer weather during busy hours, and non-existent during the cooler seasons and off-hours. I noticed that the Somerville police stepped it up this summer, but they are now apparently in hibernation.
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02-27-17 | 08:38 PM
#97
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From: Puget Sound
Bikes: 2007 Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30 (bionx), 2015 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Ultegra
Once you have commuted by bicycle for so long, it doesn't really take any convincing... it's just how you get to work. It's just part of the morning routine... shower, brush your teeth, put your clothes on, and get on your bike. If you're skipping part of the routine, it means you've probably decided you're not going to work.
Rain/snow mix for me this morning... the only thing I thought about was "how many layers under the rain gear."
Rain/snow mix for me this morning... the only thing I thought about was "how many layers under the rain gear."
02-27-17 | 09:19 PM
#98
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From: Kent Wa.
Bikes: 2005 Gazelle Golfo, 1935 Raleigh Sport, 1970 Robin Hood sport, 1974 Schwinn Continental, 1984 Ross MTB/porteur, 2013 Flying Piegon path racer, 2014 Gazelle Toer Populair T8
Once you have commuted by bicycle for so long, it doesn't really take any convincing... it's just how you get to work. It's just part of the morning routine... shower, brush your teeth, put your clothes on, and get on your bike. If you're skipping part of the routine, it means you've probably decided you're not going to work.
Rain/snow mix for me this morning... the only thing I thought about was "how many layers under the rain gear."
Rain/snow mix for me this morning... the only thing I thought about was "how many layers under the rain gear."
I basically needed to make a commitment to how I would commute. A bike, and now an e-bike checked the most boxes for my needs, I made my choice and that's that.
02-28-17 | 11:06 AM
#99
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 1958 Schwinn Traveler
I visualize the traffic I would have to sit in if I drove a car. The gas I would waste just sitting in lineups, the wear and tear that short repetitive trips put on my car (and our roads here are terrible). The quiet discontent that sets in when I realize I'm sitting in a stationary metal box, separated from the vitality of the world around me.
Then I picture the feeling of freedom that comes from zooming past a line of cars in the bike lane. I think about how invigorating the fresh air feels, and how I'll be saving my car from depreciation and instead making my body healthier by exercising during a time that most people are sitting down. I try to cherish the idea of accepting a challenge to stave off ennui. I try to have fun.
...and sometimes I still drive. Because we're all human, and the air isn't always invigorating. A warm car is inviting during the winter. Sometimes I slept to late. Just commit to doing better the next day, and the next week : )
Then I picture the feeling of freedom that comes from zooming past a line of cars in the bike lane. I think about how invigorating the fresh air feels, and how I'll be saving my car from depreciation and instead making my body healthier by exercising during a time that most people are sitting down. I try to cherish the idea of accepting a challenge to stave off ennui. I try to have fun.
...and sometimes I still drive. Because we're all human, and the air isn't always invigorating. A warm car is inviting during the winter. Sometimes I slept to late. Just commit to doing better the next day, and the next week : )
02-28-17 | 11:52 AM
#100
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From: Wichita Falls, TX
Bikes: 2019 Giant Defy Advanced 3
I don't have a car. Plus the busses in town are on an hour loop vs 30 mins anywhere else, so, it's faster, and more convenient, to ride across town.
Also, North Texas weather is rarely dreary/grey, so it's usually nice to be out in the mornings and evenings. Once it starts hitting 90° by 9 a.m. I'm usually stopping somewhere in the middle just to get out of the heat. Chinchilla baths in Gold Bond also help.
I get a little better overall everyday, and that's what keeps my on the bike 300+ days of the year.
Also, North Texas weather is rarely dreary/grey, so it's usually nice to be out in the mornings and evenings. Once it starts hitting 90° by 9 a.m. I'm usually stopping somewhere in the middle just to get out of the heat. Chinchilla baths in Gold Bond also help.
I get a little better overall everyday, and that's what keeps my on the bike 300+ days of the year.