Commuting to work, 1 month as of today.
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 794
Likes: 0
From: Nashville TN
Bikes: Trek 7.3FX, Diamondback Edgewood hybrid, KHS Montana
Commuting to work, 1 month as of today.
Yes indeed, as of today I've been commuting on my bicycle every work day for one month.
It is a mixed mode commute, 14.5 total miles. I'm getting about a 9.5 middle lift from the local MTA, so it's approx. 10 miles on the bike roundtrip.
My goal is to be riding into work, the full 14.5 most if not every day, by the end of the summer (if not sooner).
I've learned quite a few lessons in this short amount of time. One of which is; I actually prefer the downtown, narrow, urban streets to the roads in the suburbs. Some suburban streets can leave little to no margin for error, with no bike lane, no shoulder, narrow lanes and 40mph+ speed limits.
My practice is to follw the guidelines as published here: Bicycle Safety document on the Metro Nashville website
I've had only a couple of horn blowing instances, but nothing major.
Two weeks ago, my car was driven a total of 33 miles for the week. That included taking my wife to a doctor appointment that was 16 miles of that total. Last week, the car was only driven 27 miles. Personally, outside of the doctor trip, I've driven less than two miles in two weeks time.
I'm enjoying the daily ride, especially in the mornings. I feel better physically. In fact, I was taking over the counter medication for the arthritis in my knees. The pain has stopped altogether, i don't need the medication.
So far, I consider the decision to purchase a bike and start commuting to be a success.
It is a mixed mode commute, 14.5 total miles. I'm getting about a 9.5 middle lift from the local MTA, so it's approx. 10 miles on the bike roundtrip.
My goal is to be riding into work, the full 14.5 most if not every day, by the end of the summer (if not sooner).
I've learned quite a few lessons in this short amount of time. One of which is; I actually prefer the downtown, narrow, urban streets to the roads in the suburbs. Some suburban streets can leave little to no margin for error, with no bike lane, no shoulder, narrow lanes and 40mph+ speed limits.
My practice is to follw the guidelines as published here: Bicycle Safety document on the Metro Nashville website
I've had only a couple of horn blowing instances, but nothing major.
Two weeks ago, my car was driven a total of 33 miles for the week. That included taking my wife to a doctor appointment that was 16 miles of that total. Last week, the car was only driven 27 miles. Personally, outside of the doctor trip, I've driven less than two miles in two weeks time.
I'm enjoying the daily ride, especially in the mornings. I feel better physically. In fact, I was taking over the counter medication for the arthritis in my knees. The pain has stopped altogether, i don't need the medication.
So far, I consider the decision to purchase a bike and start commuting to be a success.
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 821
Likes: 0
From: You have really nice furniture
Grats. That is my goal as well. I was able to do my ride for 7 straight work days but my legs gave up a bit on me and with kids and other family responsibilities I have had to drive the last few days but it works out because my dog gets to come to work with me and my boss loves it so there is that.
I hope to see you on the other side of the "commuting all the way everyday" road.
I hope to see you on the other side of the "commuting all the way everyday" road.
#4
The Rock Cycle


Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 17
From: Western Colorado
Bikes: Salsa Vaya Ti, Specialized Ruby, Gunnar Sport, Motobecane Fantom CXX, Jamis Dragon, Novara Randonee x2
Keep on riding. It will soon become a normal habit and getting in the car will feel like a chore.
__________________
Gunnar Sport
Specialized Ruby
Salsa Vaya Ti
Novara Randonee x2
Motobecane Fantom CXX
Jamis Dakar XCR
Gunnar Sport
Specialized Ruby
Salsa Vaya Ti
Novara Randonee x2
Motobecane Fantom CXX
Jamis Dakar XCR
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,835
Likes: 1
From: Incheon, South Korea
Bikes: Nothing amazing... cheap old 21 speed mtb
Three months of commuting with zero use of the car/scooter so far for me. My body feels fantastic, but energy levels are starting to get low on a Friday after commuting every day and training rides 6 times a week (4:30am start). Still, its the best decision I ever made in regard to my physical condition. I don't think I've been this fit since I was training in wrestling, Karate, and going to the gym in my last year of high school 20 years ago. Even managed to drag my 25kg daughter, myself, and 30kg of groceries up the steep hill home yesterday. Thats about 160kg including the heavy bike.





