Pulling the trigger ...
 

So I recently relocated and a commute by bike is doable, some street riding, much of it on a dedicated MUP.

Sunday I bought a 2012 Kona Jake. Got a great deal on it, still new, etc. I ride a roadie as well, but quickly realized the roads here were not going to be kind to the roadie. AND I'm hoping to do CX either this year or next.

There's a gym downstairs from my office, which I've joined so I now have access to a shower when I get here. I'm also going to workout several days a week.

All the pieces (waiting on my pack though) are in place.

Was it hard for you guys to actually "start" commuting?

Was there some initial trepidation?

Or is it just me?

I started from not having ridden in this town EVER which meant that I hadn't been on a bike for at least 10 years. So yeah, a lot of hesitation but you have an advantage over me in this respect. Maybe you want to ride your commute on a weekend when time isn't an issue and you can take your time to get to know the route.

lots of things go into it. one guy I used to work with was a real ass and had no clue. how many miles you looking at?

I actually did that ... well, did half of it, just to get a feel for it. It was the home to halfway part, and all in all, it wasn't bad. One street closing that was easily navigated.

And the week before I drove (sort of) the work to home route (obviously didn't ride on the MUP but followed it closely) and that's probably the easier part of the ride.

I think it's just that "unknown" of how it will go and the lack of a routine for when I arrive at work that has me hesitant.

11 miles one way.

Granted, I've lost a little fitness (I gave up the past three months of riding to coach little league) but I did 10 mile rides the last two days and I'm doing just fine in the aftermath. :)

Most days it will go great. Some days you'll get a flat in that shady part of the woods where all the mosquitoes hang out. Other days you'll ride into a headwind in the morning and it will turn around and give you a crosswind on the way home. And other days you'll forget to pack underwear and have to go commando (It happens to all of us at least once).

Don't worry about the unknowns. About half the things that don't kill you will make you stronger, the other half will make you wiser. Anything that does kill you, you won't need to worry about a second time. ;) As for the routines, etc. those you pick up by trial and error. You can learn a lot by searching through the old posts in this section of the site.

It took me a lot of time for everything, the first commute, the first commute after Sunset, the first commute in the rain, in the cold, in the snow, etc.
I took it one step at a time and now I'm unstoppable :thumb:

We have the same commute....11 miles one way, 22 RT.

I think everyone goes through the same things you are going through but yes, it does get easier. For me, I wanted to ride in all weather which means an investment in panniers that do not leak (ortliebs), the right clothes for winter and making sure I can see (awesome strong lights) and also be seen (ie neon vest, etc).

You will start to encounter things that are "special" to commuters versus weekend road riders. There are awesome special things that you will notice all year around and them you may encounter some not so awesome things but that is what commuting is fun.

Commuting is not about speed, it is about survival. We are much different people and the riding style is so much different then the weekend roadies.

This is so damn true

11 miles, that's near perfect distance for me, maybe 2 miles short but I'd jump at that situation. you are golden my friend!!!!! if you haben't done the trip yet - do it on a quiet Sunday to start. I always liked alternating my work hours to avoid the bulk of the cagers. if you're boss is into it, that's great, if not, no worries just keep in mind you will be putting in extra hours, meaning you'll be leaving earlier and and arriving home later. use your car once a week to stock up on food and clothes. start by bike commuting one day this week, 2 days next week etc and slowly build up adding consecutive days. avoid bad weather if you can to start but you will find that is impossible especially in the summer. you WILL be caught in the rain, so prepare for that. fenders rule ... ;)

Sounds like you have it covered...bike, job and way to carry stuff...what is the concern? Get lights, fenders, rack, bike clothes and other stuff to make the commute more enjoyable, as needed.

Well, the backpack is arriving today, so it looks like my first commute might be tomorrow. Weather forecast is perfect for the entire rest of the week. I stocked up on food yesterday (plus I have a Trader Joes literally steps from my office so I can always swing down there for anything I might want/need). Think I'll ride tomorrow, and then again on Friday.

My boss basically said I can come and go as I please. So far I've been working 8-4, working through lunch. I know I'll need to give myself at least an hour for the ride, so if I leave by 6:30, arrive here by 7:30 gives me plenty of time to shower and get settled into a routine.

Honestly ... looking at it all I'd be a fool NOT to commute by bike :)

hope you have figured out which way to carry that pack on the bike without wearing it, while riding,
from all the prior discussions of the misery of carrying it and sweating profusely underneath the pack.

You have arrived my friend!!

LOL ... that's not really a concern for me. One, I'm riding a bike, in the summer, at a fairly decent but not quite vigorous pace. Sweat is inevitable and will be mitigated by the post ride shower. Two, my pack isn't going to be that heavy.

Oh ... and I'll either be wearing a jersey or a wicking t-shirt. No worries

I did it :)

OMG what a way to start the day. Was sunny and 60, not much wind, streets were kind and virtually empty. Took me about an hour for 11.99 miles. Slower than my roadie for sure, but respectable for my first day.

So far just one minor issue ... FORGOT MY WATER BOTTLE! LOL

Had to stop at a gas station for a squeeze bottle of water

Congrats!!!

The danger with bike commuting is that it's addictive. Soon you won't be able to stop...

Great run for the first one. I do an 11 mile one way also in 55 mins (summer) and 1hour, 10 mins (winter). Not sure what your location is but summer is always a good time to start as its just easier.