The Anticipation is Killing Me!
 

In a week or two I start a new job that will see me return to daily bike commuting after an 18 month hiatus.

The business I worked for closed at the end of 2020 and I began freelancing from home while looking for work. My main goal was to secure a regular, full-time job with benefits. As much as I wanted a job that would be bike-able, I couldn't let that color my decision. I considered positions 60 miles away in Denver, where perhaps incorporating mixed-mode commuting. And others on the outskirts of Colorado Springs that were 20 miles from home, that might see me buying an e-bike.

Being 59, and now 60, I knew I looked ancient to interviewers in their 20s and 30s. I did get some smug satisfaction when I would ask about indoor bike parking and they'd ask if I intended to bike to work. In every case where the commute was bike-able I would use the potential jobsite as a destination for my daily ride so I could answer their question with, "Yes...it's only X-miles and takes about XX-minutes. In fact I rode here and back home the other day."

I was hired for this new job by some one closer to my age, who I've know professionally for quite a few years.

While I will exhale/celebrate on my first day at the new job, I will drive to work the first few days. The real celebration will be that first official bike ride to work.

I keep thinking about how long and difficult it was to get back in shape and back into commuting after a non-cycling injury kept me off the bike for a year when I was 48.

This return to bike commuting was difficult in a different way, and I know how fortunate I am to have been given this opportunity.

The anticipation is killing me...I think I need a ride right now!

That’s got to be a relief

In so many ways.

Congratulations.

Next, anticipate the "Are you crazy?" comments from your new coworkers.

Especially when it snows!

So don't leave us hanging! What kind of amenities do they have?
Secure Indoor parking?
Locker room, locker room with shower?
Any monster climbs to or fro?
There really is hardly any better to stay in shape than riding to work, especially for geezers. :innocent: :lol:

Will report when job begins.

Congratulations! Definitely give us a report when you start, so some of us can live vicariously through you. :D

I've kept my commute bag intact on top of my bike-gear cubbies in my closet where it's always been. I keep my bike glasses, gloves, sun and rain gear, headlight and batteries in it as well as my office toiletries. When I need something I take it out, then return it when done, just like I did on my non-commute rides. And for the last 18 months, all rides were non-commute rides. Last spring when I wasn't sure of the temperature, and there was a good chance I needed my rain gear, I just brought the bag. It was the first time in over a year I did that.

This morning when I went in the closet to get some clothes for today I saw the bag and realized that soon, soon I will be using it again!
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...81ce9151a0.jpg

:thumb: Remember to charge your lights.

Congratulations on both counts.

I am in my 60's, to counter the old guy image I try to ride my bike to the interview.
Seems to be effective.

fat biker

Congratulations BobbyG !
How does your new route campare to the old one ?

After 28 years on the old route I was all about variety, and had three major groupings with variations, but the average was 9 miles.

This new commute will average 7 miles and two of the obvious routes will contain 1/3 to 2/3 of some of the previous routes. I will also explore a third approach that adds an extra mile or two.

Having lived and biked in Colorado Springs for 30 years, none of the routes take me anywhere I haven't ridden before.

The biggest issue will be a section of MUP near the office where homeless people tend to spread out over the trail.

Last night in bed, I was running through possible routes and there is one that would be 80 to 90-percent MUP which would provide the least amount of traffic interaction, but half is not paved, so wet weather and snow would be an issue, and it is usually crowded on the weekends...no idea about commute times. The last time I did ride it, before 2020, there was some encroachment from homeless camps...like on the trail itself.

Except for the 'third approach' it would be flatter than my old commutes, and with only half the elevation change.

I expect 30 minutes in and 35 home as opposed to 40 in and 40-50 home for the old routes.

My first day starts in 90 minutes and I hope to start riding next week!

Congratulations. I'm your age. At work I carry around my bike helmet when I arrive in the morning and leave in the evening. I also get to ride a bit over lunch. That helmet gets a lot of attention and has a positive affect on age discrimination.

Happy HAPPY! Joy JOY!!!!!!

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4662a4c64.jpeg

I was able to clear space today to park the bike in my shared office. There are two places I can change, but no showers.
I get a company car and a gas card for when I have to meet clients at their place of business, same as before, so I can ride any day I want.

I plan to ride Monday.....

I have a route like this and take my hardtail. There's more fun to be had.

I'm happy for you.

I've worked mostly in offices. In my last office job, I had a private office. I kept spare clothes at work in case I needed them. I never showered. If I was really sweaty, while changing clothes, I wiped my body down with witch hazel. That would cool me and stop the sweating. Consider this if you need it.

My next job will be in a school, so I'm not sure what I'll do. It will probably be a long commute, so I probably won't commute by bike every day. I'll take the subway on non-bike days.

+1 for witch hazel, both the Dickinson brand wipes and bottles.