On commuting by car for a couple of weeks....
 

2 weeks ago: was on a trip abroad with students = no bike time (I tried to rent a bike share bike n Paris but none of my cards would allow it!!!)

Last week: just back from Europe trying to re-adjust to work = a lot of sleep & not going into work early via bicycle

This week: I AM RUNNING A MARATHON ON SUNDAY!!!! First ever, and as I tapered down my runs I decided. Should also not ride at all this week as a precaution and give myself time to rest.


Driving to work SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCKS.
I just can't even imagine doing this every day. Any of you ever go on a commuting vacation, by choice or otherwise?

Comments / insults about me being a wimp etc. welcome. :thumb:

Wimp (joking)

Yeah, I agree. Drove to work on Monday and Tuesday this week. Rode back and forth on Wednesday, into work today. Get to take the truck again tomorrow, to pick up the bike (flat tire, wrong sized tubes)...but maybe can commute on the bike all next week. It DOES suck...

Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL

I was in Paris for a month in Feb and used Velib all the time. The main drawback, as you noted, is the kiosks only accept chipped cards, but you can purchase a day/week/year membership online or from a smartphone with a US card (I had an unlocked iPhone and bought a French SIM to get 3G). Not that it matters much now, but for future reference...

I've been on a bit of a hiatus the past couple weeks. Between a visit from my folks, not feeling well, and starting back up on a hefty weightlifting routine I've only been riding in 2 days a week instead of 4. I'll get back to it, but I don't concern myself with it really. Even on days that I'm not commuting in by bike, I'm doing something.

yeah, driving is depressing as hell...I'd invest in a high performance folding bike (tern or BF) if I'm traveling often

Also, on tapering:
I tapered for a week before my first marathon, really though you just need enough time for your muscles to fully heal and to load up on carbs...3-5 days should be enough (2 days to overcome accumulated muscle fatigue/microtrauma, during which you can do light cardio, and 3 days to carbo load)

I took the month of October off when I sprained my wrist at the end of September; couldn't even shift to drive our car so had to borrow another that first week.

Taking advantage of the car to drive to all kinds of crazy places for lunch (vs usually bringing my own) for that month was not a Good Choice.

I had to drive for a while when I got mono..

It was ok, since I was so worn out anyway. It was kinda nice listening to the radio, and traffic isn't usually bad when I'm commuting.

I was happy to start riding again though. Paying for gas and parking was getting expensive. and I feel better when I'm riding.