Phase 1: Test Riding the Route to Work
 

Today was the day. I was nervous.... about so much. I was nervous that I was riding in a not so nice area and was nervous that I would know how to get back. I was a nervous wreck.

So I drove to my work in Camden and was ready at 11 am in front to meet Stan from my LBS. He is a mechanic and a great guy. We met up and started off. The ride was a little fast but I kept up. He is an expert at riding with traffic and is fast. For example, he would draft of vehicals going down hill. His bike handling abilities are amazing. But he has been doing this all his life and never owned a car so it makes since.

The route: I cant believe it..... it is so safe. We are not in Camden that long and in a safe area of it. We ride a little in Camden, hop on a bike path by the water, get off, ride down Park Av along with Cooper River and then hop on another bike path and then hit some back streets. To the bike shop was 10.75 miles. I was tired when I got to the bike shop... head wind and the speed was tough and the nervousness set in that I would have to find my own way back but luckily, Stan wrote down the directions back.

Off I went.... found my way back too! It was a great ride to and from and I will be doing more of that soon.

Got back to the truck, loaded stuff up and headed to the hoagie shop to buy Stan lunch and bring it to him at the bike hsop. I must say.... exceptional customer service. I mean what other mechanix would meet you somewhere, plan a route, show you the route on the bike and support you. Wow.

Ya might not wanna try this...:p Like pilots there are old cyclists and bold cyclists, but very few of the combination.

Congrats on taking the step. There'll be no going back. :eek: Being a cycle-commuter is one of the great satisfactions in my life. It takes stamina, tenacity and planning. I would only wish you'd come to experience the moment on a cold or rainy morning and power through the resistance. Builds self-respect. :thumb:

What are you taking through Camden? Pine St to the trail along Admiral Wilson or are you going down to Kaighns Ave?

Jet: I will write up the directions tomorrow. I did hit Amiral Wilson and went on two different bike paths and down Park Av. It was a real nice ride.

Congrats! You'll love your new commute. And outstanding customer service from Stan.

May the rubber always be on the road and the wind on your back!! Enjoy the ride!

You need to give that shop as much business as you can afford. The shops around here would just point out links on their websites...

i am a chef and hook them up with food all the time. Food is what makes people do great things! :)

Sounds like a great bike shop.

It's amazing what a difference your route can make in bike commuting. I held off commuting for years because I thought it wasn't safe because I was thinking in terms of the roads I drive on to work. Finally it dawned on me that I didn't have to bike to work on the same roads that I drove to work. I started studying maps and found some lightly traveled roads that avoid most of the traffic, test rode the route one weekend (like you), and was surprised at how nice it was. I actually feel safer bike commuting than driving to work, in part because I drive more aggressively than I cycle.

tar: good point. I agree. I felt great with the route. Peaceful and such, at least on Sunday. I know it might be different on the weekdays. We will soon see.

Congratulations on your first commute. Prerunning the route is a great idea, and once you get used to your route you can start looking for alternatives for more scenery, a change of pace or for when your regular route can't be riden.

Hey chefisaac, thanks for that write up, just something about the way you write made me happy, and Stan... may you enjoy many rides :)

Awesome report. I grew up in the Cherry Hill area, and it's great to see this kind of improvement. 20 years ago Admiral Wilson Blvd was nothing but strip clubs, sleazy motels and liquor stores. This commute would have been impossible. Glad to see the conversion to green space really paying off.

Paul

When the Republican National Convention came to Philadelphia, most of the clubs/motels/liquor stores along Admiral Wilson magically disappeared.

Yeah I am in that phase step one plan I am still waiting for step two ride. Have Funn!

Ha, I might get a new job where the commute would either require riding through North Philly from end to end or taking a two-mile detour around North Philly. I tried the route on Tuesday and some guy asked if I wanted to buy drugs.

form: it might make you faster! On a serious note, if you are looking for a different way and dont know what way to go, Stan is freaking awesome in Cherry Hill. Let me know if you want me to hook you two up.