Why did it take this long for me to start taking my bike to work? I've been riding "seriously" for over 20 years in many disciplines. The other day I took my CAADX to work and you know what? It was totally awesome! Something like 12 miles each way, about nine of them are on a MUP that goes along a river. Mountain bike shorts so I get the chamois but don't look full fred, t-shirt, helmet, shades. It seriously takes me about 20 minutes longer than driving.
Besides all the standard pros of bike commuting, like price of fuel, vehicle wear and tear, it's good for you etc. I think the biggest pro for ME is that I can show my kids that we can do things to help the environment. Really trying hard to be a positive influence on them, it's hard but very fun and rewarding. And a topic for another forum.
However, on my first ride in I flatted so my ride home was a bit sketchy as I had no spare. But now I have a pump and patch kit at work.
Here's a nugget of wisdon I have gleaned from the kanza, almanzo guys and I'm sure I'm not reinventing the wheel here but...
I got the Banjo Brothers Saddle Trunk. That baby is cavernous! Wallet, book, phone, banana, granola bar, yogurt, tube, inflator, lever, severed head. Worth it's weight in gold.
So there you go, bike commuting, how awesome is that?
Just kidding about the severed head...

I'm right there with you. I purchased my first hybrid last year with the intentions of riding to work several days out of the week only to procrastinate the hell out of it. This year I finally did it and love it. Now I need some more practice un clipping my shoes from my pedals so I don't fall like I did last time lol. It's definitely a pleasure if in the right area.

It's 4 years for me this month. Love it.

You know you need another bike, you know, just for commuting, right?

Its a bad disease, sorry to hear you've gotten it.

You mean you fit the whole body in there?

[QUOTE=hodag;15723178]Why did it take this long for me to start taking my bike to work?/QUOTE]

Don't feel bad. You have a lot of company in this department. I'm still shaking my head about lost opportunities before age 50.

We wouldn't keep doing it if it sucked.


I actually like commuting more than any other kind of riding. It gives me about 10 times more purpose than any other kind of riding.

A carradice is actually probably the most ideal bike bag for commuting unless you need to carry a laptop. It is usually just enough space, is the least weight compared to a rack+even just one pannier, and is easily transferable between most types of bikes. I wish I had chosen a carradice style bag for my bike bag.

I'm 53 and I have been riding for 40 years of those with a 7 years period of not riding. I used to commute from the start and done so in snow, wind and rain. Taken my bike on deployments around the world and done touring, execersise and commuting around the base.

Almost a year and a half ago, I started to commute again, after 7 years of not riding. I was 45lb over weight (I'm 5'8"), slow and commuting in South Florida (read "no regard for cyclist) when I started to commute again!

Well, after a year and a half of riding 14 days out of the month to work, 25 mile round trip with a train ride in the middle, I have renew my excitement for commuting. Lost 35 out of the 45, feel better than I have in such a long time and loving every minute of it.

My bike is my gym, my heart doctor, therapist, friend and wheels! It is a great thing!

Welcome to the purpose cycling world of commuting! Double O

I ride about 13 miles each way, have been since 2006 I think it was. The one big thing that has made it even more pleasureable for me is good commuter tires.

totally agree. I love commuting. It's a different style of riding.

I came to the same realization 6 years ago. After a few weeks of commuting, I kept thinking "why haven't I been doing this all along?" What kept me from bike commuting sooner was the mindset that I had to ride to work the same route that I drove. When I finally started investigating alternatives, I found a route that largely followed neighborhood streets and lightly traveled roads. It was about 2 miles longer than my driving route, but I viewed that as a plus.

One of the big advantages with bike commuting, is the amount of time it frees up if you were previously trying to ride or otherwise work out after work. I used to try to squeeze in rides or go to the YMCA after work, and that would frustrate my wife, who likes to eat dinner right away. Now, all of my exercising is done when I get home from work.

True that!

I used to get so aggravated with my weekly flat (like clockwork), that I almost gave up. Got a pair of Gatorskins and haven't had a flat since in the 7 months I've had them. The extra money they costs has been completely offset by the fact that I'm not buying new tubes and patch kits every month.

You're not the only one who's been locked into that mindset. It's funny how we can't see it until we do it.

I'd have a spare tube - I usually don't have enough patience to patch properly when flatted on the road.

I usually have both. First flat gets a new tube. Second and subsequent flats get patches.

Really? Either you have a totally wonderful commute . . . or you don't get out much. I enjoy my commute okay, but there are lots of cars and trucks to deal with, traffic lights and stop signs. I do it, and it's quite do-able, but I much prefer:

1. Riding my road bike up on the mountain roads, centuries or double centuries.
2. Riding my mountain bike on fire roads and single-track
3. Riding my fixed gear bike on MUP's other flat-land areas
4. Riding my touring bike almost anywhere (except the city)

I do commute to work by bicycle because I think it's the best way to transport my self from home to work and back . . . but it's for sure not the most enjoyable of my riding miles/hours.

Rick / OCRR

perfect distance