Daily Commute

I know I'm going to hear a thousand tiny violins, but I just started a much-needed four-weeks off. What's the biggest problem? I miss my commute. I used the necessity of getting from home to work and back as a motivational crutch. Now, I actually have to block off time for a ride. That just feels weird.

cgchambers

I had the same problem. When I am out of the office on vacation or work travel I desperatley miss my commute. Seem to drag all day if I don't ride in the morning. Worst part of it for me is when I get home and start my commute again, ahhh the burn of the muscles remembering what they need to do

Jarery

I just got back from a month in Florida. Eating in restraunts 3 times a day on full expense account (means i ate way way way more than i would of had i been paying myself). And mon-thur the hotel had free beer from 5-8 at night. So i spent a lot of time after work around the pool drinking free beer

They had an exercise rom with a stationary bike.....but sitting on a large cushioned bike seat, staring at the wall, just didnt cut it. My brain said 'this is exercise' and I had zero motivation.

That daily 'need to get to work' and 'need to get home' has to be the best motivational aid for actually getting in a couple hours exercise a day ever.

Sunny florida was nice for a change, but next time im taking my bike

LittleBigMan

Last time I took a recreational ride to Stone Mountain, GA, I realized I was so used to riding to work that I needed an activity planned at my destination to make it feel complete, even if it's just stopping to eat, and maybe even take in the view at the top.

Only problem is, the mountain is only 3 miles away.

DataJunkie

I can only imagine the seperation anxiety I will be submitted to in January. I will be taking a week off to visit family in WA state. Going to jog instead. ugh!

LittleBigMan

Last year I visited family in Richmond, VA. They asked me to go ice-skating, and I went along even though I hadn't skated since I was a kid. I figured it would be a nice thing to do for my family, even though I wasn't looking forward to the inevitable crooked ankles, slipping and falling...

Once we got on the ice, it wasn't long before I was racing around the rink, though my form was probably nothing to write home about. Afterwards, my wife lectured me about how I was so busy having fun skating that I ignored everyone else, who had given up after a few minutes and clung to the wall, or sat down.

I discovered that skating uses a lot of the same muscles as cycling. (try skating if you don't like jogging, though it will cost you a little.)

grolby

I have some idea of how you feel... I was only working one day a week at the job that I had a real commute to, but it was my primary motivation for getting out and riding further than just around campus. Now that's gone. I don't miss the job, but I do miss the ride.

On the other hand, I now have lots of time to daydream about my personal ultimate commuter bike! MmmmMMmmm.

DataJunkie

My home town is Richland WA on the south east side of the state. I would be suprised if they have actually built a skating rink.
oops
Just remembered they have a hockey team. Maybe ice skating is possible. hmmmm

jyossarian

I've been skating at lunch since the beginning of November and aside from using the quad muscles when I skate fast or go backwards, I think I end up using a bunch of different muscles than the ones I use for cycling. The hips and inside leg muscles get more of a workout than on a bike. And it's fun! Possibly even more fun than cycling!

huhenio

Not riding to work lately, but driving. I am enjoying my well deserved rest and the safety that the cage provides.

I am the slowest driver out there ... and I am breathing harder going uphill

scottmorrison99

I took my vacation at a state park in Marin County, CA. I rode more miles on vacation than in a normal week by far. There were bike trails all around, paved and not. All the major roads had bicycle signs and the drivers drove predictably and safely around my kids and myself as we rode. Now that's a vacation!

Longhorn

I was thinking the same thing today. I haven't ridden in four weeks because of Thanksgiving, a week on a cruise, a week of being sick, and a week of finishing the fall semester. And now I have another month before the spring semester begins.

I'm just going to have to hit the elliptical because I've never really been good at riding just to ride by myself, with no destination or purpose in mind, especially if the weather isn't pleasant. But I do miss it and I worry that I won't get back to it. So I keep reading this board for inspiration. Thanks, Y'all!

Jarery

Thats exactly how I am. without a destination its exercise, with a destination its a mode of transportation, and my brain is fooled into doing it

I always find a really good coffee shop about 15 miles away, and go have a latte and pie or something

GTcommuter

I've been doing a lot of this recently. I've got a bunch of reading and writting to get done right now, so I'll take off and ride for an hour or so to a far away quiet spot and spend the rest of the day working before I head home.

I've got plans in the works for an epic trek to a BBQ restaurant south of town. If any Atlantians eat BBQ and ride bikes, let me know if you want to join in.

Daily Commute

I went out on a trek for a decent pair of <0F mittens today. It took me to two parts of town. I got a pair of Outdoor Research Snowline Mittens to put over Ski Gloves or Am Fibs. I also bought a few chemical handwarmers in case things get real bad.

There is one bummer about non-commute destination cycling--it usually involves going somewhere to spend money, whereas commuting involves going somewhere to make money.

GreyGoat

try breaking a leg!... been six weeks now since i snapped the fibula....I think I'm losing my alleged mind...

Daily Commute

Sorry to hear that. Good luck for a less-than-excruciatingly-slow recovery!

bokes

Why don't you folks next time just go on a long distance cycling vacation? Like riding 50 miles per day thru stunning scenery in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado... Heck if you have a month off how bout New Zealand? then the problem would be RETURNING to you commute when it's over!
here's a great organization for long distance touring
https://www.adv-cycling.org/

capejohn

My last two business trips, I rented a bike for the week. Upstate NY and Triangle NC.
Rode every day. In NC I rode or walked from the hotel to Nortel every day. Then rode to Durham for lunch on the Tobacco trail.

maximum01

Same here. I've been away on business in San Fran for 12 days and I'm itching to get home to resume my riding activities. It's amazing how much I miss the pain and exhiliration of my cold winter commutes.