Biking to Work

[Deborajen]

Anybody else "discovered" biking to work in the last week or so? I rode today for the second time - first time was a week ago when gas prices hit their all-time high - it was awesome! Can't believe it took $3+ per gallon gas prices to convince me to go ahead and give it a try. It's only 5 miles and although the area I work in is a little rough, I found a beautiful route that follows the river and arrives at the office on the opposite side of the worst stuff. Along the river are all nice homes and quiet streets so it's safe and peaceful - very pleasant. The best part of all is that most of the drivers are actually going out of their way to be courteous. That never would have happened even a month ago when gas prices weren't as high. Some of my coworkers are actually talking about giving it a try, too.--

Maybe this cycling thing will finally start getting a little respect - has the time come? :)

Deb

[Trek420]

I've noticed more cyclists too. I commute occaisionaly for a few years now, not as often as I would like. There seem to be more now, and co-workers are asking me about it. I answer questions when I can and of course steer the women here (hello? anyone here work for da'phone co? Maria? hi!!)

Most won't do it, at my job attendance policies are so strict that one flat tire....so if you don't know how to plan a route it's scarey. Plus most of my peers are very sedentary but keep riding all of you, it's inspiring to all and some may keep it up.

I rode on Thursday and took my mountain bike (a GT hardtail that's usually in the indoor trainer). Could not wipe the grin off my face, now i think I'll get it cleaned up and ride that in the future.

[JanT]

My friend's husband is a cop, and he said they've noticed alot more bikes on the road. I hope that drivers will be more courteous because of it, but I'm a little afraid the reverse may happen. If people who normally don't ride much suddenly take to the road, but don't follow the rules/laws, drivers are going to be ticked off. And then they might not be too kind to those of us who are obeying the laws. What I'm hoping is that more people will start bike commuting, and then perhaps the cities will build bike paths into the new roads so that we can be safer.

[kayakergrrrl]

Hi,

Good for you, Deb and other commuters, too.

Just this week I was bitten by the commute bug. :> I'm 10 miles from work. The length is doable, but the route... Oh, the route baffles me. But the local SmartRide organization offers a Bike Mentor program, and I'm going to see if a mentor can help me sort things out. I wish I'd started this spring, when the days were lengthening rather than drawing shorter. But hey, it's always a good time to try!

Best,

Margot

[charlenelue]

Anybody else "discovered" biking to work in the last week or so? I rode today for the second time - first time was a week ago when gas prices hit their all-time high - it was awesome! Can't believe it took $3+ per gallon gas prices to convince me to go ahead and give it a try. It's only 5 miles and although the area I work in is a little rough, I found a beautiful route that follows the river and arrives at the office on the opposite side of the worst stuff. Along the river are all nice homes and quiet streets so it's safe and peaceful - very pleasant. The best part of all is that most of the drivers are actually going out of their way to be courteous. That never would have happened even a month ago when gas prices weren't as high. Some of my coworkers are actually talking about giving it a try, too.--

Maybe this cycling thing will finally start getting a little respect - has the time come? :)

Deb
just one more reason to ride, a great way to start the day

[LBTC]

What I'm hoping is that more people will start bike commuting, and then perhaps the cities will build bike paths into the new roads so that we can be safer.

Well, today the British Columbia government announced they are throwing a whole bunch of money into cycling lanes across BC. YAY! There will be 31 more lanes for cyclists in, it looked like, about 20 communities across the province. The town I'm in now is, of course, not on the list, but the town we're moving to as soon as I can get a transfer, is. YAY!

Currently, I walk to work. It actually is better fitness for me as the walk is 15 minutes one way, whereas the bike is only 4 minutes! :)

Namaste,
~T~

[trigurl]

I rode to work a couple of weeks, then all of the sudden last week it was in the low 50's in the mornings, before it was in the upper 60's!!!!! 50's are too cold for me :( I do miss riding to work now.

[Trek420]

there's no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate cycling clothing :cool: ;) :rolleyes: another excuse to shop! :D :)

[Jo-n-NY]

Well, today the British Columbia government announced they are throwing a whole bunch of money into cycling lanes across BC. YAY! There will be 31 more lanes for cyclists in, it looked like, about 20 communities across the province. The town I'm in now is, of course, not on the list, but the town we're moving to as soon as I can get a transfer, is. YAY!

Currently, I walk to work. It actually is better fitness for me as the walk is 15 minutes one way, whereas the bike is only 4 minutes! :)

Namaste,
~T~

hmmmm i wonder if any money will be coming long islands way (bill that congress recently passed). there are no bike lanes anywhere that i know of.

jo ann

[bouncybouncy]

there's no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate cycling clothing :cool: ;) :rolleyes: another excuse to shop! :D :)


I like the way you think, trek!!!! i will be commuting by-cycle upon my move to NC...until then it is in a gas-guzzler (well not so much - i just bought a little Focus in order to economize a bit)

I am determined to ride ALL year (aside from lightning) which i heard is few and far between...only because my Florida-native, cold-fearing, only-wants-fleece-items-for-birthday&Christmas-from-all-family-members, never-lived-higher-than-1/2mile-above-sea-level thinks i am going to freeze to death....hahahahahaaaa I will show him!!!!! I am from NCalifornia and I know what I am getting my self into...check these out for those who live where it snows...

http://www.icebike.com/Equipment/tires.htm

Pedal on Gals ;)

[NorCalGal]

I'm glad you started this thread, Deb, because I was thinking the same thing! I recently began cycling to work and it's great! Not only do I love getting out on my bike, but I'm doing my small part on the gas price deal.

I'm about five miles from work, riding on flat country roads, so it's easy. Since my husband and I work together, he brings a change of clothes for me and our lunches, so I don't have to worry about that part of it. It DOES take some extra organization the night before, though! And I'm just not too good at that...... :rolleyes:

[Trekhawk]

[QUOTE=bouncybouncy
I am determined to ride ALL year (aside from lightning) which i heard is few and far between...only because my Florida-native, cold-fearing, only-wants-fleece-items-for-birthday&Christmas-from-all-family-members, never-lived-higher-than-1/2mile-above-sea-level thinks i am going to freeze to death....hahahahahaaaa I will show him!!!!! I am from NCalifornia and I know what I am getting my self into...check these out for those who live where it snows..

[url]http://www.icebike.com/Equipment/tires.htm[/url

hey bouncybouncy - Im going to try and ride all year and yep that website is a pearler. :)

[bouncybouncy]

Hey Trek...where in Nevada county are you??? I have a friend in Gardnerville, NV (I know it is in another state... :p ) anyway...they do a ride on the pass from Heavenly to Gardnerville (I believe it is called "assault on kingsbury") they started it themselves as a challenge...have you heard of it? I grew up on Beale AFB...i do miss that part of the country and wish i was into cycling while i was there...i would have legs for hills if i was :rolleyes:

i would definitely be commuting by-cycle if i was there...i hope asheville is as wonderful (or better ;) :p :rolleyes: hehehe

[SJCzar]

I enjoy riding to work as well. Unfortunately I need a car for work some days so I can't bike everyday. With the sun not coming up until later I also have to skip the days that I start early.

The route that I take... to avoid higher crime and traffic areas and also so I can enjoy the scenic parkways and bike trails...is 14.5 miles each way.

I definitely see more bike commuters now that the gas prices are up. At my LBS they said they've had a number of people bringing in old bikes that haven't been ridden in years for a tune up so they can bike to work.

[Trekhawk]

[QUOTE=bouncybouncy]Hey Trek...where in Nevada county are you??? I have a friend in Gardnerville, NV (I know it is in another state... :p ) anyway...they do a ride on the pass from Heavenly to Gardnerville (I believe it is called "assault on kingsbury") they started it themselves as a challenge...have you heard of it? I grew up on Beale AFB...i do miss that part of the country and wish i was into cycling while i was there...i would have legs for hills if i was :rolleyes:

Hey bouncyboucy Beale AFB that must make you a military brat (only joking on the brat) thats where Hubby works. Im thinking of taking my bike down there and get in a few rides on the flats. It would be nice to know how long I could hold a speed without those pesky hills. :D

PS I havent heard of the ride but hey that doesnt mean much Im only a newbie and pretty much find out everything from you girls. If it has assault in the title then it is probably way over my head. :)

[Deborajen]

Like some previous posts I, too, hope that drivers don't get peeved with too many wreckless cyclists on the road. I'm lovin' my rides to work - yes, great way to start the day! (Wish I could do it every day instead of once or twice a week!) But yesterday, while driving home (in my car), I ended up behind cyclists twice - both on two-lane two-way roads that weren't especially wide and were busy with rush hour traffic. There wasn't enough room to pass them without crowding their four feet safety zone which, of course, people were doing. While it's great to see people out cycling, I hate to see them risking their own safety like that and hacking off drivers by holding up traffic during rush hour. I didn't see either of them today so hopefully they found better (and safer) routes.--

More bike lanes would be good - I do agree.--

Deb

[susiej]

Y'all are right, I've seen more cyclists during rush hour around Philly now that the heat's broken.

This week I've also seen three pre-teen or young teen boys cycling to school every morning. It's a two-lane 25 mph/45 kmh zone (everyone doing 35 mph/60 kmh) with sidewalks but no shoulders, and feeds into a two-lane state road, so lots of commuter traffic. I cringe when I see them: so young, so fragile! It's great that they're biking, but the road isn't as safe for them as I'd like it. They shouldn't be on the sidewalk, but the road isn't wide enough for a biker, oncoming cars and passing cars.They ride two abreast in front, one in back, so they are more visible, but ... Argh! On the other hand, I was looking out for them today; they do ride at the same time each day, so maybe the other drivers are becoming acclimated to them too.

I'm hoping to join the commuters again in a couple weeks. :D I'm changing jobs :D and will be downtown :D, so I can drive (which seems so stupid somehow) to Fairmount Park, bike into West Philly on the fabulous trails :D, then get to work :D. Philly's has lots of bike lanes, and West Philly is where the universities are, so the drivers won't be surprised by anyone on a bike. They might be surprised when I don't run the red lights, but that's another story.

I will, of course, be putting photocopies of my ID and insurance into my bike frame and jersey. If I keep it up I'll get lights. The cell phone will go into the jersey pocket. I'm torn on the mace/pepper spray. Like some other posters, just thinking I may need it because I could be an "easy target" aggravates me.

--SJ

[bouncybouncy]

Hey bouncyboucy Beale AFB that must make you a military brat (only joking on the brat) thats where Hubby works. Im thinking of taking my bike down there and get in a few rides on the flats. It would be nice to know how long I could hold a speed without those pesky hills. :D


Be careful out there... when i lived there the speed limit was 15mph/25mph and those military cops can be ruthless ;) I had a friend get a speeding ticket ON HIS BICYCLE!!!HAHAHA we were all of 12 or 13 i think :D

is your hubby military??? i miss the base...it was so quiet and rural!!! like i said maybe i will find that is NC :p



The assault ride is near Heavenly, Tahoe area...you may not hear of it cause it is just a little thing they do amongst friends...i will get the info and post it everywhwere!!! hehe won't they be shocked when all these people show up :eek: :confused: :D



***thread hi-jacking is done...get back to work ya'all... :p

[Trekhawk]

hey - bouncy

Yes he is but RAAF not USAF.
I will remember about the speed if I go to ride down there but Hey going too fast is not normally a problem for me. :D

[annie]

I've been riding my bike to work 3-4 days a week this past summer. Had more to do with exercise than saving gas money, but now, I am enjoying that part, also, and trying to do even more by bike, instead of car. Running errands, going to visit friends, things like that. I've discovered I really have to plan my route and my time. Sometimes, it is almost as quick to bike as drive, but not always!! Depends on distance traveled and roads available for bikes. I don't live in a BIG city, so I can't imagine what it's like for those of you who do....... Traffic is bad enough in a small one! :eek: I had a couple of stops to make before I came into work today, and I didn't judge the time very well. :rolleyes: Pedaled as fast as I was able and was only a couple minutes late, but hopefully, learned from it and will give myself more time from now on. My commute is very short, and I start fairly late, so I try to get in extra miles before work. I get off late in the evening, so then can go straight home. It's been a great experience. I don't LIKE it when I have to drive, for whatever reason. So - after all this rambling - here's my question for you experienced commuters who live in colder climes. How do you keep yourself going on the bike when it gets cold and snowy? Is it still worth the effort? I don't want to wimp out this winter. I want to continue to ride the bike. Encouragement may be needed. :D

annie

[runner2]

First, hat off to all commuters, it takes courage and skill to make it happen.
I notice there are more guys than gal riders, don't ask me why, I bike to work too. I don't ride in the dark or rain or snow, whatever u do, make it home safe.
How u individual DRESS to commute? :rolleyes:
Thanks.

[susiej]

How u individual DRESS to commute? :rolleyes:
Thanks.

When I commuted last summer (two to four days a week), I wore khakis and a t-shirt, or bike shorts and a t-shirt. I'd change to a polo shirt (and pants if I wore shorts) in the women's room. However, the biking part of my commute was very short: one mile to train, train ride, three miles to office, reverse. The commute was so short that no one would notice I'd done any exercising, except for the road bike outside my cube. That was a giveaway.

--SJ

[Trek420]

I keep a spare pair of shoes at work, and when riding often-a few shirts. Also a small camp type towel and moiste-towlettes.

I wear bike gear, jersey, shorts, tights, and all the blinky things I can muster. Once at work I clean up, change shirts and shoes, keep the tights and shorts on during the day, the ride to work is brief and easy, I'm not sweaty....unless running late and it's a 2 mile sprint.

After work, back into bike shoes, I leave the shirt there at works, once a week I take the 'laundry' home and bring in new shirts. Not as complex as it sounds.

I can't wait till Friday when I pick up my GT from it's tune up, that should make it much easier to commute.

[Justina]

I take the bus to work and ride home as much as I can ! I even moved my buisness to make it easy to do it as often as possible. I only wimp out now if its really pouring rain or icy... I love it! its a great time to decompress after work. who carers about gas prices. :p

[annie]

Now, when it's still warm, I wear bike shorts w/wrap skirt, especially if I need to run errands/shop on way to work. Some sort of wicking top, not usually a bike jersey. As it gets colder, I plan to add layers under the top. Probably add leg warmers or tights. When it's REALLY cold, we'll see....... I'll be experimenting with various layers, I guess. And jackets. As for rain, it has been so dry here that it hasn't been a problem. I do always carry a rain jacket with me, just in case. I carry clothes to change into at work. Plus pre-moistened towelettes, deodorant, camp towel, and a pretty-scented spritzer to cover any lingering odors! :rolleyes: Usually, I have my BOB trailer behind me. It, my bike, and myself all have many blinkie lights in the rear, plus a good headlight in front, for traveling in the dark. If I don't feel like hauling BOB with me, I throw on a backpack. But that is rare. I just don't feel comfortable with one on. What I should do, is get a rear rack and bag for it. That would give me plenty of room without the extra weight of the trailer. BOB is much more room than I need on a daily basis.

There's not many people that bike commute here. I live in a river city along the Mississippi and we have hills, no matter where you go. For some reason :confused: people don't seem to like hills. :rolleyes: I get some strange looks. I also get some nice comments, when people ask me about the trailer and I explain why I am on the bike instead of driving a car. Haven't converted anyone else yet, but that doesn't mean I can't keep trying! :)

So cheers to all you bike commuters. I am so glad I tried it. I hope everyone stays safe and happy!

annie