SalsaMTB
06-06-2006, 06:54 AM
I finally did it, I commuted to work. It was a great ride, tiring, that's for sure! There are more hills than I'm used to and I'm also not used to carrying something so heavy on my back. I really need to bring in a lock for a locker so I don't have to haul my stuff every time. That bag gets heavy!!!
The ride itself was invigorating. I got in to work and felt so awake and ready to start the day. It was nice riding instead of driving. There were some pretty tough areas on my route though that I need to find a way around. A couple of the streets I rode sidewalks because I was starting to get tired and the roads were really narrow and hilly (Ok, nothing compared to mountains, but hard for me!). One part, it's a two lane road, ton of traffic and extremely narrow, no sidewalks, a gravel shoulder for part and then no shoulder because it goes over an expressway. Cars were flying by me way too close and fast for my comfort and I got pushed on the gravel shoulder (I ride a cross bike so it was OK) Once I saw the area where there wasn't even a shoulder over the expressway, I just walked my bike. I just didn't feel comfortable there. I really need to find a way around that part, but it's going to be tough because it's really close to my work.
Overall though, it was a good experience. I'll definitely do it again. It's nice to get some exercise in the morning while biking to work. The bike home I think will be a little rougher because there will be even more traffic, but I'll get through it!
Oh, and I got a new bike for commuting. Here is the bike that got me here:
http://i4.tinypic.com/10r4ig5.jpg
The ride itself was invigorating. I got in to work and felt so awake and ready to start the day. It was nice riding instead of driving. There were some pretty tough areas on my route though that I need to find a way around. A couple of the streets I rode sidewalks because I was starting to get tired and the roads were really narrow and hilly (Ok, nothing compared to mountains, but hard for me!). One part, it's a two lane road, ton of traffic and extremely narrow, no sidewalks, a gravel shoulder for part and then no shoulder because it goes over an expressway. Cars were flying by me way too close and fast for my comfort and I got pushed on the gravel shoulder (I ride a cross bike so it was OK) Once I saw the area where there wasn't even a shoulder over the expressway, I just walked my bike. I just didn't feel comfortable there. I really need to find a way around that part, but it's going to be tough because it's really close to my work.
Overall though, it was a good experience. I'll definitely do it again. It's nice to get some exercise in the morning while biking to work. The bike home I think will be a little rougher because there will be even more traffic, but I'll get through it!
Oh, and I got a new bike for commuting. Here is the bike that got me here:
http://i4.tinypic.com/10r4ig5.jpg