I'm about to make my first commute!
 

I am a newbie to road cycling and after reading some of the posts in this forum I have decided to commute to work tomorrow. I have a change of clothes waiting for me at the office. It is only 5 miles or so and there is only a 20% chance of rain. I figure that is good enough for me. Wish me luck gents! :)

Good luck... My first was last week, first time I have enjoyed exercise in a long time.

Rots of ruck... Have fun!

I'm hoping to make my first commute tomorrow on my fixed gear. . .22 miles each way. . .I'm probably going overboard. . .oh well.

Good Luck

I'll give you about 3 round trips and you'll be addicted FOREVER!!

Man just get at there and ride, you'll never look back. I know I don't miss the car.

Congrats man. Hope it goes well! I'm starting work mid-August, and I'm really hoping to be able to commute.

good luck dont fret the rain, think of it as a giant sprinkler just don't play in it too long you will be late for work ;-/

have fun! It's great, and a healthy addiction! You'll be glad you took this step, i'm sure.

keep us updated!

Good resource site
 

If you're just getting started, here's a good site with lots of practical commuting advice.

http://www.biketoledo.net

I know when I first started about a month ago... during my inaugural ride, thoughts that went through my mind ranged from "What the heck am I doing?" to "I should've just stick with transit all the way or drive". From "I think I may be in over my head here" to "OK I am clearly lost... which way should I go". From "Hmm.... never noticed these wild flowers before" to "I'm here already?"

Just do it. :thumb:

It worked out great. The entire trip only took 5 minutes longer than by car, which is surprising because there are not a lot of stop lights and such for me. I suppose that is just because of time spent parking in the garage and walking to the building and such.

I left way early because I had no idea what kind of shape I would be in when I got here. 5 miles is nothing but I did not know if my helmet would mess my hair terribly or if I would be way sweaty. I really wasn't in that bad of shape. I showered before I left, wiped down with wipes when I got here, put a little hair putty on my head and I am good to go. :)

Congrats! I've lost weight since I've started commuting even while I've started to eat more. Just take it easy and enjoy the ride.
Ernest

I give you a week before you start looking for a LONGER route!

Heh, funny you should say that because I have already mapped out a 10 mile ride home today :)