Awwww man- no more commute for me

[Tri Girl]

I got a new job (yippee!! :) ) that pays more than my last (double yippee!!! :) :) ) but it's 30 miles away by highway, so after trying to figure it all out, I can't commute anymore (boooo hoooo:( ). I'm happy and bummed at the same time. I hated my old job, and think I will really love my new one (which will present me with many more opportunities). My old job was 4 miles away and I rode all the time. Now that it's a 2+ hour commute by bike one way, I just don't think I can do it. Not when I would have to leave at 5:30 to be there by 8 to get changed and presentable for the day to be ready to start work at 8:30.

Oh well- I've talked with DH and hopefully we'll make it a few more years with this car then get a hybrid.

I've thought about driving one way, riding home, then riding back and driving home- but the roads just aren't that safe- either too crowded with traffic or old lonely country roads w/speed limits at 50+.

Don't know why I posted- I guess I'm just getting it off my chest and I know you all would understand...

I'm sending back my cute messenger bag that I ordered (all that fuss over the fit and now I'm not going to need it). When I do run errands locally I'll just use my backpack.

[7rider]

I have a neighbor who works in Virginia (on the other side of Washington DC from us), who does a "mixed commute" - he drives his car part way, parks it at his synagogue, and rides his bike in the rest of the way.

Perhaps that would ultimately be an option for you??? You'd just need to (1) make sure your new office is bike-accessible, and (2) find some place where you can safely stash your car for the work day that provides you with a good route. Just a thought...

edit: oh, but I see the roads around the new office aren't that great?
Bummer....Well, maybe there's a sneaky back way in that you've yet to discover.
Just trying to be optimistic here! :)

[Tri Girl]

I have a neighbor who works in Virginia (on the other side of Washington DC from us), who does a "mixed commute" - he drives his car part way, parks it at his synagogue, and rides his bike in the rest of the way.

Bummer....Well, maybe there's a sneaky back way in that you've yet to discover.
Just trying to be optimistic here! :)

That may work- hadn't thought of that.... there's a thought. And maybe there is a sneaky back way (through neighborhoods perhaps) that could take me in safely.... hmmmm... I need to drive all around down there to see if there's any other back way in/out. See- you ladies are always full of good ideas. That's why I come here. Never thought about a halfway commute... ;) Thanks, Regina!

[onimity]

What a bummer (though congrats on the better paying job! :) ) Is there public transport that runs any portion of the way? Or the idea of riding+driving is a good one. Good luck finding a route that works for you!

Anne

[Kimmyt]

I do a half-commute. I park in a lot off a trail, ride the trail halfway in and then the rest on the roads. It cuts out most of the traffic and keeps my commute manageable at 14 miles (more, now that they took the dang bridge out). It doesn't save as much gas as a full commute, but it also enables me to do my grocery shopping on the way home since I have my car (and if I stop at the rock gym I don't have to worry about it getting dark out and riding).

You should see if you can finagle something like that...

K.

[Geonz]

Move!

[GLC1968]

I was going to suggest the half commute as well. My husband also has a 30 mile commute by highway, but he finally found a small park about half way between us and his work. He drives there, leaves his car, and bikes back roads into work. It's taken him about 6 months to refine his route to where he's happy with it, but he loves it now.

He does get jealous that I can leave my car in the garage, but at least he's getting to ride (and cutting the car distance in half). I'm jealous that his route is 90% country roads, where I have no choice but to commute through town/traffic. There are benefits to both ways!

Oh, and congrats on the new job! :)

[madscot13]

Congratulations on the new job. I want my next job to be commuter free but literal beggars can't be chosers now can they?

What is the area around your new job like? Maybe if it doesn't work out to commute there, it may have some nice trails or lanes worth biking around after work for? Hey maybe this new job can open up some new biking areas for you to throw off some monotony.