I rode to work for the first time this morning! Left my house at 7am, still a little dark out. The sunrise was really gorgeous. On Saturday, I sort of did a test run of the route I was planning on taking, so I knew that most of the ride was okay (I went all but the last two miles, had some stuff to do that wasn't downtown). I have to cross two bridges that are a pain but other than that it was really pleasant.

The worst thing that happened was getting stuck behind a semi truck when I got downtown or catching fumes from cars at stoplights. Not bad at all. And also not being able to find the entrance to the other parking garage at work where they keep the bike rack (it's in a separate garage where the executives park) - I ended up having to just drag my bike over a curb to get in there.

I also need to practice riding with my panniers full more. It throws my balance off just a little.

The ride was 9 miles and took me 46 minutes. I got a little sweaty but not so sweaty I need a full shower. I think I will keep a blow dryer at work though just in case.

It's supposed to rain the rest of the week so I don't know if I should try to ride in or not since I don't have any rain gear.

I've been commuting for a while, but made my first ride in "real" rain this morning. Surprisingly, it wasn't too bad. My average speed was down, due partly to the rain and then partly to the train that I had to wait for. Without fenders, your back will get that nasty road grime all over it.

I'd suggest a cheap rain jacket. And stay away from ponchos.

Oh, and by the way, congrats on your first commute. It'll be hard to stop, now.

Congrats! Keep it up and it will get alot easier. The hardest part I find is getting up earlier. Welcome to the Club!

Congrats and welcome to the club! I must warn you that this can lead to a bicycle commuting compulsion. I started back in May and am now bummed out on the days I can't commute by bicycle!

Also - Boston Terriers are the best dogs; even grumpy ones!

Thanks for the encouragement! And hankbrandenburg, I agree. BTs are the best!

Welcome to the HHCMF Amber! We are a fiscally conservative bunch that profits from bike commuting by investing our gas money into donuts which are then used to fuel us and are traded for favors at work allowing us to build our empire. Congratulations and enjoy being the a powerful, but benevolent dictator.

Hahah thanks!

Congratulations!! It is a cheap way to add up miles. I do not have a lot of free time so riding to work only adds a 1/2 to 1 hour to my day, but I get in 20 miles each time.

Congrats for taking the plunge! I started commuting in May and have been hooked ever since!

Congratulations Amber! I started bike commuting November of last year.

Congrats on your first commute Amber! As stated you'll work out the logistics better & better as time goes on. Yeah, nothing like having the sun rise while on your commute.

Congrats on your first commute. Dontcha just love how the rising sun really sets off the colors of the fall leaves?

Congrats, Amber. Give it a couple of weeks and you will soon annoy your coworkers to no end with your early morning alertness and cheery disposition.

Thanks guys, and yes the sunrise and the leaves were gorgeous.

How cold is it? You could drive one day with a whole bunch of work clothes, shoes, and a towel. If it's cold enough, a wool sweater will keep you from being chilled despite being wet. I did this in Oregon last winter before I could afford good rain gear. It also gave me a chance to evaluate what would and wouldn't be useful to me. Fenders make a huge difference and aren't too expensive.

No cheery disposition here, just my usual grumpiness and the occasional roar of "WHO STOLE MY SAUSAGE MUFFIN, DAMBIT!"

I don't even want to think about what you're like when you have to drive in, Chip.

There is a sign on my office door that says: Don't poke da bear!

Having your clothes, food and stuff pre-staged at work means you ain't got to carry so much...and if you have shower, getting wet from a rainy ride is no biggie. +1 on the wool...keeps you warm even when you are wet.

It's actually not cold right now, it would be in the low 60s during my commute. Should I definitely wait until I get fenders to ride in the rain? I don't mind getting wet, but I think I would get pretty pissed if I had oil and crap from the road splattered all over me.

I commuted in the rain/sleet/snow last year without fenders. It's not the end of the world, but I am very happy to have them now! A cheap and efficient way to make it in to work without looking like you were playing in puddles. I would definitely suggest riding in the rain.(I do, without a raincoat, stupidly. I can't seem to find a decent, cute and cheap one). Rain rides are quite refreshing.
Congrats on joining the commuter club!

Yay! Congrats and welcome to a very nice forum group.

I am only a sporadic bike commuter, but I feel much camaraderie with this gang.

Bike commuting makes you strong yet humble, brave but also smart.

Much sage advice and useful shared here. Also check the Winter Cycling group, if ya get chilly.

Great to hear. It will get better with each ride.

We don't care about you getting slopped up, darlin...wimminz look good all wet and sloppy, especially when wrasslin other wimminz. The fenders are to protect the bike.

Don't wait. Just go ahead...btw, congrats on becoming a cycle-commuter. It's the best. Go ahead and get wet. Yeah, you'll be pissed about the road grime and crap, but as long as you can change clothes and dry off you'll feel better than if you'd driven. Invest in fenders and rain gear, but know that you're going to get wet. Whether it's from the rain or sweat depends on the quality of the rain gear you select. 45 min for a 9 mile commute is pretty good time. Would suggest changing clothes completely when arriving at work and leaving your cycling garb inside-out as it will dry much more completely for the ride home. Hooks, hangers, etc. Change everything right down to your socks and...well...everything. It may seem like a bit of a pain at first, but it'll become 2nd nature after a couple of weeks. Keep an emergency set of clothes at work for mishaps or forgetfulness.

Congrats, I started back in may and hate when I can't commute, The best commutes are in the fog I think, you stay cool and its just so fun to be going fast in the fog, I can't explain it but you will know when you do, its so refreshing. My commute to school is only 3.61 miles but the way home I take a detour which takes about 32 mins and the longer one takes about 48. I started commuting to and from school and work every day from september 24 and now it is oct 22 and I've gone 255 miles on my mtb with street tires. I go to and from work and school which are right next to each other every day. I was shooting for 300 within a month but idk if that will happen. I've gotta go 45 miles in 2 days, Thats not too easy because I just went on a hard ride 2 days previously. STICK WITH COMMUTING ITS ADDICTING!!!