dhender02

Finally Rode Bike to work!!!!

I've been wanting and planning to do this for a couple of years now. Initially, I had job that was too far to bike commute, 92 miles one wqy, so I commuted on Amtrak instead. Finally got a gig that was somewhat manageable, 35 miles one way, but only 12 miles to train station, so I was planning to bike to the train station everyday, and possibly bike all the way in Friday's. When I came up with this idea, it was late fall round Thanksgiving, so instead of starting in the winter, I decided I would wait until spring. As luck would have it, my job contract ended before spring. Next gig was too far, 60 miles one way. Fast forward, now I have a new gig that is only 12 miles away. So instead of waiting until spring, last night I decided I was just going to go for it..... And I DID!!! I lLUV IT!!


But I do have a couple of takeaways I hadn't previously anticipated:


1. To go from Superman to Clark Kent, (and vice versa) took way tooooo long. I gotta shorten my departure routine from the house, and shower routine at work; and my clothes change routine in the evening. I'm hoping within the next few rides I'll settle down on an efficient routine

2. The "lightly traveled" back roads I ride on the weekends and late evenings, are VERY busy early morning and during evening rush hour. Seems as though everyone knows about the "lightly traveled back roads" LOL!! Not much I can do about this except leave earlier in the morning with the hope of leaving work earlier in the evening. However, not sure this would be a realistic option for me because of my job demands. Any other route would be on the heavier traveled roads. Although its not me I'm worried about in rush hour traffic, it's car drivers drinking coffee, checking email, calling the office, haggling with the kids, etc., I just have to suck this one up stay alert and prayed up...

3. Although I installed a rack on my bike during my previous plan to commute, I never got around to buying a pannier, So I had to carried a backpack which felt like 10+ lbs!!!, Not sure I can pack much lighter, a suit, shirt, under garments, laptop, shoes, wallet, and bike lock. Shoulders and back will get a workout until I get a pannier.


The main thing is I enjoyed this as much as I thought I would, can't wait to commute tomorrow... Gonna try to keep doing this for 3 days a week, weather permitting. Here is a picture of the bike in the parking garage after I got there. Not a great picture to look at, but I love it because I RODE AND PARKED MY BIKE AT WORK!!!!!!

Papa Tom

Congratulations! Commuting by bike is, by far, the coolest thing I have done in my life as a worker.

You will work out all the kinks you described. Leave some clothes at work. Get a set of panniers and pack them the night before. Pull out Google Maps and find a route that uses neighborhood streets, the alleyways behind stores, etc. I remember when the types of problems you are describing seemed insurmountable to me. Within the first few commutes, they were all resolved.

Good luck, and don't be afraid to ask specific questions of other commuters on this forum. People love to help.

dhender02

Thanks!! I'm quite sure I will have more question as I continue...

JoeyBike

Congrats! Feels good don't it!!

dhender02

yes!!!!!

alan s 

jfan

I've been commuting for 4 years. This time of year the weather can vary quite a bit, and it's a good time to dial in your cycling apparel. Write down what you wear and the weather conditions (Temp, wind speed and wind direction) for each commute. Then note your own condition when you arrive at work (overheated, cold hands/feet, etc.) Soon you'll have an accurate database and know exactly what layers to wear for any forecast.

alias5000

You could attach a milk crate on top of your rack so that you don't have to pay for a pannier.

BobbyG

go, Go, GO! Your pre- and post-ride routines will get faster and smoother, until you miss a few days...then it's like starting all over again (at least that's been my experience over the years).

In case it helps, here's how I carry my backpack on my rack:

rumrunn6

you're a badass now

mkblackwell

Good job, keep it up! As others have said, keep stuff at work so you don't have to lug it around every day (even if it means driving in once in a while - that's okay!).

You'll want to look into fenders soon - looks like your bike has enough clearance for "full length" fenders. Even if you don't plan on riding in crappy weather it has a tendency to catch you by surprise, and fenders will make your commute much more pleasant!

And as the days are getting shorter, you're going to be commuting in the dark soon (if not already). More lights! Always more lights!

But most of all, have fun! My days always seem better when I commute by bike, because instead of stuck in traffic or on the subway - hey, I got to go for a bike ride!

noglider 

As @Papa Tom says, you will work these things out over time. It's interesting how in our culture, bike commuting isn't engrained into our minds, so working out these details is complicated and different for everyone. I carry very little on my commute, partly because I've worked out what I need and don't need and partly because I don't have to dress very "fancy" at work. I also sweat less than most people, so it's often OK for me to wear one set of clothes all day.

I keep my gear in one place by the door, including trouser bands, cycling gloves, helmet, and mirror.

I go back and forth between panniers and a backpack. I've preferred a backpack lately. I have a cycling-specific backpack which is narrow but does not pinch my shoulders together the way many others do. I don't find the weight to bother me, even when my load is well over 10 lbs, and that's not often. It does make my back sweaty, but sweat doesn't bother me.

I also refer to the change as Superman to Clark Kent! In the summer when I sweat more, I change in my office, and I rub myself over with witch hazel. That cools and dries me rapidly. It's a mild astringent which doesn't dry the skin.

On my saddle, I hang my tool bag which I rarely need. It has tools and a spare tube. I hang my blinky tail light from this bag. I have several bikes, and this bag moves from bike to bike.

My favorite bike has a dynamo-powered set of lights, and I leave it on day and night. It's nice not needing to charge my lights. My front hub provides the power.

Someone else here keeps a spreadsheet of which clothes work well for which weather conditions. I thought that was going a bit too far, but I started doing the same, because I forget, and at the times of year when the weather changes, I need to remember, or else I'll be hot or cold.

pdlamb

+1 more, but with a question. Is Superman the guy on the bike, and then you turn into a mild-mannered [whatever your job is], or are you a mild-mannered cyclist turning into Super[fill in the job title]? I'm not quite certain which way my transformation goes...

joelcool

I've been riding to work for over 5 years now. Wednesdays are my laundry day so I normally drive that day and bring 4 days worth of clean clothes and bring my dirty laundry home. We have showers here at work, so my first stop after parking my bike is my office where I grab the days clothes, walk down to the shower and I'm back at my desk is 15 minutes, ready for the day. It's a routine now that's easy for me. I do remember the first few times were like "OMG what do I do now???" but like others have said that's a very short lived thing. The ride more than makes up for the small inconveniences.

Korina

Yay you, and yay for not waiting! I agree with what the others have said; panniers, fenders, and all the lights. Pre-loading your work clothes also sounds like a good idea; the less you have to carry, the better. As far as cold weather clothing goes, I find layers work the best. Have fun working out your route; I love seeing new places.

And have fun! Make your co-workers jelli when they see your big stupid grin. (I may be projecting, as I get a big stupid grin when I ride.)

And keep us updated on your progress. I, for one, love seeing others' rides.

Harhir

Congratulations. Cycling to work is awesome. And 20 miles is some workout. I only have 5 miles but occasionally when the weather is great I make detours to get some extra miles. I have been doing it for about 3 years now. Initially twice a week. Now daily. Meanwhile I only take the car if I really have to. Once I week I bring a set cloths for the week in a little trailer. On the other days I just carry a laptop in a pannier.
I can leave my stuff in a locker at our gym. When I come in I spend another 30 min or so in the gym on strength exercises recommended by my physical therapist. I am already sweaty so no need to change for the gym. Then shower and off to my desk.
I just love being outside in the fresh air. No matter if rain or shine. And the exercise feels good.

preise

Kudos.

92 mile commute

RubeRad

Yah, I've been bike-commuting long-enough and regular-enough that now my once-in-a-while car days are all discombobulated. I usually forget my badge or wallet or something else, and I feel weird showering at home (on a work day) and putting on work clothes at home instead of riding clothes.

Darth Lefty 

no motor?

Congrats! We all feel a little out of sorts when switching from bike commuting to driving or vise versa, and I'm still learning after doing this for over 10 years. I still get that feeling of excitement I did at first on some days, and even the3 bad days are usually more fun than driving.

dhender02

That's a good idea!! Today I left my shoes, you're right I could leave my lock along with my shoes... I was wondering why I noticed a couple of U-locks on the rack without a bike attached, now I know why... I really don't have a place to keep my clothes since I'm in one of those newfangled open seating arrangements..,

Thanks for suggestions....

dhender02

You're right about weather varying this time of year... Yesterday morning was rather chilly 38 degrees, so I had on two layers (long sleeve under Armour and jersey) in addition to my heaviest cycling jacket, I was comfortable on the ride. On the return trip home it was mid 60's so shedded a layer...however I was hot when I arrived home (I didn't check weather). Today was warmer than yesterday, my morning commute was in the low 50s, so I had on two layers (under armour and short sleeve jersey) along with my windbreaker jacket, I was still rather warm by the time I got to work. On the ride home I kept layer configuration, but I was VERY hot when I got home... so I checked the temperature, it was in the 70s!!! One thing for sure, if I just check the weather report prior to leaving in the morning and on my return I would be in position to make adjustments. Keeping a log, would definitely help me to dial it in! Thanks

dhender02

Different, hadn't thought of that....

alias5000

Here are a few pictures with a U-Lock holder on the crate. I also mounted a rear light to it - plastic is easy to drill.
Raised a new winter commuter bike [long-ish post]

dhender02

That was my original plan when I decided to just for it, I was going to strap my backpack to the rack with bungee cords! However the morning of the inaugural ride, my 15 seconds attempt to strap it down didn't go well, straps from the back pack where dangling everywhere possibly getting entangled in the spokes, and I was afraid the backpack wouldn't stay steady, hence slipping and possibly falling, so I just put it on my shoulders. Thanks for sharing the video, I will re-watch this weekend to see if I can duplicate what you've done and see if I feel comfortable riding with it strapped down like yours (nothing falling)....