dcrowell

I moved from out in the 'burbs to the city center to live the car-free lifestyle, even if I haven't sold my truck yet.

I don't miss the passes on the right. I don't miss the angry shouts and blaring horns. I do miss the mileage. My commute went from a 33 mile round-trip to about 7.5 miles.

So, I had a job interview on the east end of town yesterday. It's not a bike friendly area, but through creative routing I found a way to avoid the worst streets and will make for a 25 mile round trip. So far, so good.

After the interview I rode about 3 miles to a friends house in the vicinity. The carefully-planned route wouldn't work. I had to ride on a crappy multi-lane divided road with 45mph speed limits (Hurstbourne Lane for the locals). I took the right lane and dealt with it.

I was passed on the right by a gravel truck moving at high speed on the shoulder. He was followed by a pickup truck. Then another truck passed me safely in the next lane over, but honked and gestured at me.

This all happened in less than three miles. There wasn't an alternative route that didn't triple the mileage. I guess I won't be going that way.

Luckily, if I get the job, I do have an easy route for the commute. It doesn't involve travelling on Hurstbournce Lane or Shelbyville Rd, the two worst in the vicinity. My lunch choices will be rather limited, unless I bring my own.

Sundance89

Speaking of your lunch, definitely bring your own. You can/should pack a healthier meal and you are not subject to rushing on your bike to eat at some place far away within an hour. Packing your lunch also allows you the freedom to ride to any close relaxing place to eat and enjoy your lunch too.

Bud Bent

25 miles round trip is a good commuting distance. In my 9 years on this job, I've eaten lunch out 4 times.

dcrowell

I've been working downtown for the last eight years, giving me wonderful lunch options. That has, unfortunately, led to some bad eating habits. Ah well, this could all be for the better. (I did bring lunch today).

dcrowell

... and I didn't get the job.

So, I'll continue working downtown. It's a short commute, but I feel much more comfortable riding in the city center, plus have my great lunch choices nearby. I did bring leftovers today.

I may have been trying to escape my job, but I'm glad I have it.

GrantH

Why not just route your commute differently to gain 5 or 10 miles if you are wanting a longer commute? You can surely make it longer on purpose...

dcrowell

I have before. I just find it hard to do on a regular basis. I have motivation issues in the morning.

bragi

I have a 2.5 mile commute to work, and I never, ever try to make it longer in the morning; time is precious at that time of day. However, my evening commute can be as long as 20 miles...

I'm sorry you had such an unpleasant experience during your trip from the interview. I've had a few rides like that in suburbia myself. I find that a certain degree of bloody-mindedness, or at least outward calm and confidence, are good ways to defuse potential problems. Most people won't mess with a person who isn't afraid of them.

Sundance89

You do live in a very promising cycling city though. It aint Portland yet, but you got some strong advocates for cycling infrastructure and are doing a great job.

dcrowell

I have more free time in the morning, at least when I get up on time. I have issues getting up.

I've ridden through suburbia plenty of times, just not that stretch of road. I did remain calm and didn't react to the idiots. I hate the adrenaline sickness I feel after I do get riled up, so I try not to.

dcrowell

Yep, cycling is pretty good here in the city center. Outside of town, rural Kentucky and southern Indiana are wonderful areas to ride. It's the suburbia between the two that's not great.

A friend of mine who used to live in Minneapolis and has toured the west coast, invited some friends from around the country to tour Kentucky with him. He told me that everyone was treated well on tour. He was proud of his new home state.

dynodonn 

Whenever I take a new commute route or a route that I haven't used in quite some time, I expect a lot more motorist harassment/indecisive driving at first, then it seems to settle down somewhat after more motorists become accustom to me.

Bud Bent

It's the same here. Dowtown Fort Worth has become bike friendly. In the old residential part of town, some of the streets are rough, but there are plenty of neighborhood streets that go through, providing lots of options for finding a bike friendly route.

But the suburbs are full of neighborhood streets that don't go anywhere and arterial roads full of suburbanite drivers who all seem to work 50 miles across the DFW metroplex from where they live and who drive like maniacs. I have to cross some of that to get from Crowley to the old part of Fort Worth where I work.

zandoval 

You might find as you ride the same route at the same time the regulars will be a bit more friendlier - Even the truckers might get to know you...

harry2110

I would rather ride shelbyville any day over hurstbourne and in fact I prefer it over bardstown or baxter, Hurstbourne is worse than the 2nd st bridge. But man that is one bad commute is there no alternative?

dcrowell

The commute didn't involve Hurstbourne. That was to get to the friend's house after the job interview. I didn't get the job anyway, but I had a nice route to get there. I didn't want to ride Shelbyville through the Watterson interchange, so I went out Westport. Much better.

Funny you bring up the bridge. I used to ride over that (taking the right lane) twice a day when I lived in Indiana. No big deal.