This forum made me finally get going and make my first test ride to work. My drive is 7.7 miles one way on the highway, but my ride is only 5.6 miles one way through town. The funny thing is the 20 minutes it takes to drive in traffic is only 10 minutes quicker than riding. Now I need to get a rack and lights(I work 7am to 7pm), and I'm going full time commuting by bike. Free exercise during what was previously wasted time and no gas to pay for? What a concept. Only had 1 irate driver honk at me for not riding on the sidewalk(idiot). Enjoyed saying hello to dogwalkers and neighbors and seeing all the things you miss flying by in a car. Now I remember why I always loved riding when I was younger.

Welcome, scottmorrison99. Where in the Great State of Nor Cal do you live?

Fairfield, between Sac and SF on I80

Ah. Good luck with that westerly wind! Anyway, congratulations on discovering our little secret: we don't pay for gas, we don't pay for parking, and we never turn down a second piece of pie!

Hehe...in a month or two, your 20 minute commute by car will take 20 minutes by bike. Then you can amaze friends and family alike.

Or actually be able to get there faster on the bike, than you can in the car. I love the ride home... Speed down long hills, and filter past the traffic.

Given that, it does take me a bit longer to get to work, but it's a good workout and energises your day.

Don

Congrats!! I'm on 4th week and loving it...

Does someone have pie?

Did someone say pie? Who said pie? mmmmm pecan pie

Pumpkin pie, man! It's October and it's the law!

mmmm....chicken pot pie...

Heh, I was thinking the same thing, except that the 20-30 minute return trip will turn into an hour or more from adding a loop somewhere. Welcome to the OP! You've realized what I (and others no doubt) tell our friends and family -- biking is the only way to get to work where you actually spend ZERO time commuting -- you're getting your exerercise and happen to end up at work in the morning.

Pretty soon you'll be investing in waterproof panniers. burley trailers and gore tex clothing so you can do your grocery shopping in torrential downpours on the way home from work. And if you're like me, you start looking at delivery guys and thinking, hmmm...I wonder if I could do that as a part time job so I could ride AND get paid? It's addictive I tell ya!

Funny you should say that. I did add a couple miles to the return trip to stop by the LBS and visit some friends.

We got one more, folks. A quick learner, too.

Congratulations on your decision on making your commute the most enjoyable part of the day.

For some odd reason, my commute is getting longer ... in mileage that is. All those nice roads to explore!!!

I have also rediscovered the desire to explore. It is amazing all the stores and other cool places you find while on a bike. Most days it is "wow. I didn't know that was here"

That and varying my route is almost a given. It is much easier to do this on a bike rather than a car.

I work inside in an office in downtown Toronto. I'm so jealous of the bike couriers. I wish I could do that for a living.

Time is money they say, so all that $ you're not spending on gas and ensued car repairs is free time for you. The exercise and fun's what it's all about though.

Welcome!

You can! If you don't mind the cut in pay...
I'm thinking of moving to Toronto. Got a job for me?