After a month and half . .(another NOOB reporting in)
 

So, after years of threatening to but a bicycle and start commuting to work, I finally took the plunge. I lurked the forums for a while, and decided to get a giant FCR-1. I admit I don't know a lot about bikes, but I absolutely love this one.
So, with a few exceptions I have commuted to work every day. My commute isn't as impressive as some on here. It is about 2.5 miles. A little bit on the street, but mostly on a MUP.
Low points:
My first flat tire, just as I left the house. I quickly discovered that the pump mounted on my frame is completely ineffective! On top of that, I literaly destroyed a floor pump, so for that day I was screwed and had to drive.
That day I was absolutely miserable and tired. Not fun.

High points:
Having fun! I love feeling that I have actually done something. I am energetic and motivated at work. I haven't had to buy gas.
My first rain storm is a high point. I had a blast.
Also that day (and oddly a high point) my first wreck. I went down, but it was nothing major and I had fun.

So to sum it up, I am addicted. I am getting closer and closer to completely eliminating the car. I go anywhere I can on the bike.

It has been so helpful for me because I honestly spend 10 hour shifts sitting in front of the computer.

So, to sum it up, I am so glad I finally decided to start commuting!
I want to thank everyone on the forum for the great advice you give. Just by lurking here I have learned so much. And maybe now I will continue to post on the forums.

So, thanks! You all helped me without you even realizing it :)

Welcome to the club kclantz.

Bike commuting will become an addiction for you. Although it sounds like you're already there.

Ride on and keep on riding, even when the going gets tough!

Addiction is right! My girl friend held an improptu intervention for me because all i talk about for the last 2 months is bikes. I jsut started commuting on my FCR3 about 8 months ago. I ride to and from work and school 5 days a week, usually about 20 miles a day or so depending on if i run errands afterwards or go out to the bars downtown. On the weekends.... I go for nice long rides 30+ miles, just to get the hell out there and ride! IS there a 12 step program or something like, "Hi im Eddie and Im a cycleholic"? How do you like your FRC1 by the way? I thought about getting the FCR2 for a little extra cash but I liked the slightly fatter tires of the cheaper models because the raods are awful where i live and i sometimes go for short tours on it. I have added all the other extras since then like bar end grips, clipless pedals, ect... what did u pay for yours?

You ever get snow where you are in Utah? You sound like you'd enjoy riding on studded tires in winter. I think the FCR1 probably doesn't have the clearance though...

Welcome to the club. Everyone is invited.

Good. Now you can join HHCMF and help us win the war on donuts. :D

That FCR1 looks like a really nice bike. You'll probably be looking for a longer route to work any day now.

About the same time commuting for me as well. So far I've driven three times since I started bicycle commuting, all times when I had meetings in the next town after work, upping the distance to something beyond what I can reasonably do in the time allotted. I can't see going back to driving regularly, to the point that I am planning to sell my car, and figure out a way to make the out of town meetings work or go away. Still won't be entirely car free, will be keeping my wife's car, but we have been reducing mileage there as well.

So far, no flats on the commute (knock wood), and the pretty marginal weather around here has not deterred me. I need to sell the car before winter, so i don't get tempted to backslide then!

I can tell the addiction is coming, if it isn't already here. Seriously, those days where I have to drive to work or seriously miserable! They are my bike withdrawal symptoms I guess. Sometimes I do wake up and not want to bike, but that is the most important time for me to do it. I am finally know where I don't even give it a second thought, I just get on the bike and go.

I am really loving the FCR1 I think it was a really good choice to me. It is an absolute blast to ride. So easy. I am absolutely shocked every time I go up a hill just how easy it is. I could only imagine how it would be on a higher end bike.

We do get some snow here. some times you will wake up to 6 inches, but it usually is melted by noon. So, I definitely plan to continue to commute in winter, though I am thinking I will get a cheaper bike that can take some beating!

I already am adding miles on to the commute--not so much the commute in because going in is always harder--but after work I try to extend it all across town, for fun, and for things like groceries etc.

It's amazing the progress I have seen in just a short time. I seriously feel better. Work is more enjoyable, I am more focus, and I feel healthier. Granted, I am still out of shape, but I feel so much more energetic.

Also, I have come along way with traffic. At first I was absolutely terrified of the road. if I did get brave enough to ride on the road, I would always chicken out and go through the crosswalk rather than waiting for the light. Now I can just sail through the light like any other vehicle.

My other favorite thing is seeing the shock everyone has. I go a short three mile trip and when I arrive everyone is absolutely shocked that I biked it! 3 miles!!!! So, if nothing else, this is good for my ego.

I do have to apologize for the content of this post. I am writing after I took ambien, so I can't garauntee it will be coherent!

Welcome, although with just a 2.5 mile commute you should've done that way sooner.

I know! But I did talk about it for over a year. I just finally talked myself in to it, and now I really wish I had acted a lot sooner.

How about 20 mile each way to my work and to home? That's would be 40 miles at least per day, but I has not ride or buy bike yet, still driving car. Though I'm order and I should get this end of June, I hope, http://www.terratrike.com then after that I will try car-free even it's 40 miles from and to Home/work at least a day, I hope you guy dont make funny at me for riding three wheel, but this should be lot help in winter and snow cover on road, hopeful I will have a good time ride thsoe someday, but two wheel bike, I wont ride because, it's hurt my back, butt, feet and can be tired for me 20 mile each way, I'm working as Custodian, I have to spend lot of energy at work.

Exciting. I should get a trailer. I need to take a weed eater and a shovel to work today. Hard to get on my commuter!

That flip side of learning to really not want to drive isn't mentioned much but is very real. I use about 3/4 tank of gas a month. Unless I take a trip somewhere. Most of that I could avoid if I had more capacity on my bike.

The other weird thing I see happening to people is taking their bicycle when they have to drive - try to get a few miles in. I used to do that on consulting jobs. Find a motel with adjacent country roads. Even in cities I could find somewhere to do intervals.

Have fun.