My first commute report: 26 mi. RT.
06-15-07, 04:55 PM
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My first commute report: 26 mi. RT.
I'd like to thank everyone again who sincerely responded to my query a few days ago regarding my first bike commute preparations. Everything went really well today.
Here's a map of my route:
https://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united...over/476155191
Start and end points are approximate for privacy reasons. About 13 miles each way, it took me 54 minutes on the ride in and 52 minutes to get home.
This morning it was nice and cool (just under 50 F) so I didn't sweat much at all, and the birdbath in the bathroom at work was perfectly adequate. I left much later than I had planned - nearly 7 am instead of 6:30. Gotta give myself some more prep time in the morning.
Route 155 on my trip gets some decent traffic during rush hour, and the road shoulder varies from excellent (a few feet) to 6". There was a lot of speeding going on and I think I'm definitely going to get a mirror I can mount on my sunglasses to help me keep an eye on what's coming up behind me. I hear the Take a Look mirror is pretty good by members of this forum.
Once I got onto Packers Falls Road, traffic was minimal and the scenery was beautiful, with farms, ponds, and streams. I'm definitely going to take some photos along this road.
I saw a couple of cyclists on the way in and maybe eight or so on the way home. Everyone waves or says hello when passing, including runners. UNH is nearby and so there are a lot of young, active people in the area.
I do use hand signals when coming to intersections, whether there are cars behind me or not. I figure it's a good habit to get into, and noted that I could use some practice on it, especially when pedaling up steep hills (bike gets a bit squirrelly).
As I mentioned, cleaning up was no problem. I can keep my bike in my cubicle, and many coworkers wanted to check it out and were impressed that I was willing to ride a bike in over such a distance.
I definitely see a few ways I can leave more at work and not have to carry anything other than my standard repair kit and pump.
It was a great feeling coming home and knowing I had done nearly two hours of riding. I feel good but not good enough to do another ride tonight, but I'll definitely be out on the bike again tomorrow!
Scott
Here's a map of my route:
https://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united...over/476155191
Start and end points are approximate for privacy reasons. About 13 miles each way, it took me 54 minutes on the ride in and 52 minutes to get home.
This morning it was nice and cool (just under 50 F) so I didn't sweat much at all, and the birdbath in the bathroom at work was perfectly adequate. I left much later than I had planned - nearly 7 am instead of 6:30. Gotta give myself some more prep time in the morning.
Route 155 on my trip gets some decent traffic during rush hour, and the road shoulder varies from excellent (a few feet) to 6". There was a lot of speeding going on and I think I'm definitely going to get a mirror I can mount on my sunglasses to help me keep an eye on what's coming up behind me. I hear the Take a Look mirror is pretty good by members of this forum.
Once I got onto Packers Falls Road, traffic was minimal and the scenery was beautiful, with farms, ponds, and streams. I'm definitely going to take some photos along this road.
I saw a couple of cyclists on the way in and maybe eight or so on the way home. Everyone waves or says hello when passing, including runners. UNH is nearby and so there are a lot of young, active people in the area.
I do use hand signals when coming to intersections, whether there are cars behind me or not. I figure it's a good habit to get into, and noted that I could use some practice on it, especially when pedaling up steep hills (bike gets a bit squirrelly).
As I mentioned, cleaning up was no problem. I can keep my bike in my cubicle, and many coworkers wanted to check it out and were impressed that I was willing to ride a bike in over such a distance.
I definitely see a few ways I can leave more at work and not have to carry anything other than my standard repair kit and pump.
It was a great feeling coming home and knowing I had done nearly two hours of riding. I feel good but not good enough to do another ride tonight, but I'll definitely be out on the bike again tomorrow!
Scott
06-15-07, 04:57 PM
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Outstanding!
06-15-07, 05:34 PM
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Cycle Year Round
Oh, you need to convert that railroad to a rail-trail. What an amazing route that would be. Your route now is a great ride as well.
06-15-07, 05:40 PM
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CRIKEY!!!!!!!
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Outstanding! congrats on your first of many.
__________________
"Surely one can love his own country without becoming hopelessly lost in an all-consuming flame of narrow-minded nationalism" - Fred Birchmore
"Surely one can love his own country without becoming hopelessly lost in an all-consuming flame of narrow-minded nationalism" - Fred Birchmore
06-16-07, 12:36 PM
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Welcome to the bike commuting world. Congrats on a first ride. Here's hoping you have many many more.
06-16-07, 04:00 PM
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34x25 FTW!
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I'm jealous -- that NH seacoast area is beautiful. To commute each day... it's going to be great. Keep up the good work and ride safe!
