New commuter
 

I just got hired for a new job and plan on commuting to and from work for the first time in over 25 years. The commute is about 8 1/2 miles with 840 feet of climbing to work and 700 feet of climbing from work. My start time will be 6:00 am and I will get off at 2:30 PM so while there will be trafic it will not be the heart of rush hour. My commute will be half two-lane roads and half four-ane roads with only about a mile of dedicated bike lanes.

I currently do recreation rides of ~120 miles a week. My bike is a "comfort-hybrid" but I will consider buying a different bike for the commute. I appreciate any advice you-all can provide to make my commute a possative experience.

Thanks
Mark

Most hills have 2 sides to them?

- Andy

Since your start time is 6:00am, make sure you have bright front and rear lights and a reflective vest or some sort of reflectorization beyond just a standard front and rear reflector.

2:30pm, while not rush hour, could have a good amount of traffic. I'd recommend testing out route options early on a Saturday or Sunday morning to see what it will be like. Pay particular attention to challenging intersections and areas of poor visibility. Give a good honest attempt to come up with a variety of routes. Once you start using a given route, the route will quickly become routine. Now is the time to find an optimally safe route. Use google maps' satellite view to seek out secret cut throughs. I discovered a condo complex that I could cut through, allowing me to bypass a dangerous road for my work commute.

I ride down into the hallow and back up the other side.

Duh___! I plead da fif! :o

Duh, OK! :o

https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/2997879296/hF8274B58/

- Andy

I go "uphill both ways" too ;)

Down into the valley into the city, then back up out of the valley to the north burbs. Then turn around and do the opposite going home.