Been a while, but good news.
03-28-13 | 04:18 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Central California
Bikes: Giant TCR C1
Been a while, but good news.
Hey guys, been a while since I've posted; haven't had time to browse the forums like I used to... But wanted to share something with ya'll - in that I've had recent success in influencing others to start bike commuting.
Like many of you, I started riding in by myself - about 2 years ago. At the time, most people called me crazy, said that biking was unsafe, and that it wouldn't be long before I got back into a car or bought a car.
Anyhow, in the past 3 months, I've had three new riders from work join me on my commute 2-3 days a week (8-11 miles each way depending on the route):
-One gentlemen is in his mid to late fifties - just loves to get out and ride
-Another gentlemen, recovering from a massive heart attack (early fifties) - used to ride century's in his prime
-Woman in her late 30's who is trying to get in shape - she's actually pretty fast
We ride pretty safely in a pack, blinky lights every where - we've coordinated meet up times and so far it's been extremely smooth. Although I've had to slow the pace down, I've found group riding as enjoyable as having the quiet time that I had before. Once a week, we leave a little earlier, grab coffee on the last 1/4 mile of our commute, and enjoy our beverages on an outdoor patio. It's a little chilly out (for car dwellers) - but we're all warmed up after riding the 8 miles. It's so much damn fun! Then we cruise in to work, jolted up on caffeine and cooled down. It really makes the day that much more enjoyable.
(Disclaimer: I used to be opposed to group riding - but now I enjoy and benefit from it)
Also, this past week - I saw two new bikes in cubicles - newbie commuters who are trying to commit to getting in shape. They both mentioned they saw our group riding in the mornings - which has motivated them to start biking in.
It's awesome seeing this happen.
Also, the negative comments I used to receive: no longer. People now often say "must be nice" - or "what a great idea" as we're walking out the door.
Like many of you, I started riding in by myself - about 2 years ago. At the time, most people called me crazy, said that biking was unsafe, and that it wouldn't be long before I got back into a car or bought a car.
Anyhow, in the past 3 months, I've had three new riders from work join me on my commute 2-3 days a week (8-11 miles each way depending on the route):
-One gentlemen is in his mid to late fifties - just loves to get out and ride
-Another gentlemen, recovering from a massive heart attack (early fifties) - used to ride century's in his prime
-Woman in her late 30's who is trying to get in shape - she's actually pretty fast
We ride pretty safely in a pack, blinky lights every where - we've coordinated meet up times and so far it's been extremely smooth. Although I've had to slow the pace down, I've found group riding as enjoyable as having the quiet time that I had before. Once a week, we leave a little earlier, grab coffee on the last 1/4 mile of our commute, and enjoy our beverages on an outdoor patio. It's a little chilly out (for car dwellers) - but we're all warmed up after riding the 8 miles. It's so much damn fun! Then we cruise in to work, jolted up on caffeine and cooled down. It really makes the day that much more enjoyable.
(Disclaimer: I used to be opposed to group riding - but now I enjoy and benefit from it)
Also, this past week - I saw two new bikes in cubicles - newbie commuters who are trying to commit to getting in shape. They both mentioned they saw our group riding in the mornings - which has motivated them to start biking in.
It's awesome seeing this happen.
Also, the negative comments I used to receive: no longer. People now often say "must be nice" - or "what a great idea" as we're walking out the door.
03-28-13 | 04:30 PM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Redding, CA.
Bikes: Giant trance II MTB, Centurion Accordo
Hey guys, been a while since I've posted; haven't had time to browse the forums like I used to... But wanted to share something with ya'll - in that I've had recent success in influencing others to start bike commuting.
Like many of you, I started riding in by myself - about 2 years ago. At the time, most people called me crazy, said that biking was unsafe, and that it wouldn't be long before I got back into a car or bought a car.
Anyhow, in the past 3 months, I've had three new riders from work join me on my commute 2-3 days a week (8-11 miles each way depending on the route):
-One gentlemen is in his mid to late fifties - just loves to get out and ride
-Another gentlemen, recovering from a massive heart attack (early fifties) - used to ride century's in his prime
-Woman in her late 30's who is trying to get in shape - she's actually pretty fast
We ride pretty safely in a pack, blinky lights every where - we've coordinated meet up times and so far it's been extremely smooth. Although I've had to slow the pace down, I've found group riding as enjoyable as having the quiet time that I had before. Once a week, we leave a little earlier, grab coffee on the last 1/4 mile of our commute, and enjoy our beverages on an outdoor patio. It's a little chilly out (for car dwellers) - but we're all warmed up after riding the 8 miles. It's so much damn fun! Then we cruise in to work, jolted up on caffeine and cooled down. It really makes the day that much more enjoyable.
(Disclaimer: I used to be opposed to group riding - but now I enjoy and benefit from it)
Also, this past week - I saw two new bikes in cubicles - newbie commuters who are trying to commit to getting in shape. They both mentioned they saw our group riding in the mornings - which has motivated them to start biking in.
It's awesome seeing this happen.
Also, the negative comments I used to receive: no longer. People now often say "must be nice" - or "what a great idea" as we're walking out the door.
Like many of you, I started riding in by myself - about 2 years ago. At the time, most people called me crazy, said that biking was unsafe, and that it wouldn't be long before I got back into a car or bought a car.
Anyhow, in the past 3 months, I've had three new riders from work join me on my commute 2-3 days a week (8-11 miles each way depending on the route):
-One gentlemen is in his mid to late fifties - just loves to get out and ride
-Another gentlemen, recovering from a massive heart attack (early fifties) - used to ride century's in his prime
-Woman in her late 30's who is trying to get in shape - she's actually pretty fast
We ride pretty safely in a pack, blinky lights every where - we've coordinated meet up times and so far it's been extremely smooth. Although I've had to slow the pace down, I've found group riding as enjoyable as having the quiet time that I had before. Once a week, we leave a little earlier, grab coffee on the last 1/4 mile of our commute, and enjoy our beverages on an outdoor patio. It's a little chilly out (for car dwellers) - but we're all warmed up after riding the 8 miles. It's so much damn fun! Then we cruise in to work, jolted up on caffeine and cooled down. It really makes the day that much more enjoyable.
(Disclaimer: I used to be opposed to group riding - but now I enjoy and benefit from it)
Also, this past week - I saw two new bikes in cubicles - newbie commuters who are trying to commit to getting in shape. They both mentioned they saw our group riding in the mornings - which has motivated them to start biking in.
It's awesome seeing this happen.
Also, the negative comments I used to receive: no longer. People now often say "must be nice" - or "what a great idea" as we're walking out the door.
03-30-13 | 11:32 AM
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: New madrid Mo
Bikes: diamondback outlook turned commuter/ bike packer And a tour easy recumbent for on road touring
keep it up soon the whole office will bike in and biking to work /exercise productivety is doubled by the group plus you aren't as drained by mid afternoon either but awesome that is a very good ride..
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