Commuter Newbie Help

I want to start commuting a couple days a week to work by bike. I've got a great bike and a good lock and a lot of questions.

First, I've read on here that you should change out of your bike shorts and wash them immediately after you wear them. No one who bike commutes does that, do they? You just put them back on at the end of the day and bike home, right?

Second, what's the best way to carry your clothes + gear? I will have to carry work clothes and a computer most days. I have a pannier, but no bike rack (the bike that had the rack got stolen) and a large Timbuk2 bag. I don't really want to add a bike rack because my bike looks AWESOME right now without a lot of accessories, but will if need be. But I'm afraid the bag will just make it a lot harder to commute.

Third, I have access to showers, but no lockers. Do people bring a towel and a hair dryer everyday? I can't really got to meetings with dripping wet hair, but carrying my clothes+ towel+ soap+ hair dryer + makeup seems like a lot. And I'm a sweaty fool. 2 miles on my bike and my hair is completely soaked, and the commute is 10 miles. Or maybe my only option is to start earlier so my hair dries by the time I have a meeting? Or do people keep one at their desk? And do you air out your towel at your desk? I have a cubicle.

Finally, I'm sort of scared. Words of encouragement would be nice. My bro and I did a test run of it yesterday, and it went great. I have no reason to be scared since it is mostly bike lanes and dedicated trails.

Thanks.

Hi kcmpls! I'm so glad you are considering commuting. I'll try to address your questions and concerns one-by-one.

Bike shorts: wear clean shorts to work. When you get to work and change, let your shorts dry out best you can given your work setup. This might mean hanging them on a wire coat hanger under your desk out of sight, for instance. Will something like that work in your environment? It works in most cubicles.

Carrying your stuff: The best way, really, is to keep as much stuff as you can at the office and not tote it back and forth. You could drive to work once a week with a week's full of outfits, for instance. If that doesn't work, at least keep your shoes (several pairs if you wear different shoes at work), undies, hair dryer, makeup, toiletries, towel, etc. at work. Keep them in a desk drawer, or in a box. Most cubicles offer plenty of storage.

Do you need to tote your laptop to and fro? Really? That's alot of weight. If you really need to, you may quickly find that getting a rack is a huge advantage. You can get a laptop briefcase pannier like the one I use from Arkel. It will save your back for sure. But the best thing is to not bring your laptop to and from work...leave it at work. The stuff you should take with you are tubes and basic tools for repairs on the road. If you don't know how to fix a flat--learn!

In short, carrying alot of stuff will get old quick. You want to make commuting as pleasant as possible, right? Keep it simple and straightforward.


Showers, etc. See above answers. I think I answered your questions there.

Being scared: Your honesty is refreshing. Many people make excuses, but you have been straight up with yourself so you are way ahead of the game. What are you scared about? Cars? Riding after dark? Seeming dorky? Figure out what your scared of, and then tackle each one.

For instance, if you are afraid of cars, you might want to consider taking a bicycling skills class offered by the League of American Bicyclists so that you'll feel more comfortable in traffic.

Riding after dark? There are lots of lighting options, or you might decide that you don't want to ride in the dark and come up with another solution (ride in the a.m., bus or metro in the p.m, for example). This will be more of an issue in the winter, assuming you have regular working hours.

Seeming dorky? Well, you'll just have to adjust your attitude about that one! Who cares! You're doing what you want to do, getting exercise, reducing your carbon footprint...How many people can say that about going to work? It's become hip and cool. It wasn't when I started commuting...and I got lots of comments and odd looks.

Encouragement: Pretty soon, you'll find that commuting by bike is a habit. When I was commuting by bike (I work from home now), the bike commute was the best part of my day, something I always looked forward to and really enjoyed. Try it, you'll like it! If you want more encouragement, send me a PM and I'll shower it upon you!

@kcmpls -- good for you! I am also a newbie and have yet to master the streets downtown (different driving culture here in my country makes it a wee bit trickier but that won't keep me from trying!)... Let us know how it goes.. thanks for sharing!

Bike storage: It stays in my office. No one has ever complained.

Commute clothes: I have a small fan and several magnetic hooks on my office bookcase. Everything is dry by the end of the day.

Work clothes/stuff: I use a rack and panniers- gets the load off of my back. Backpacks and messenger bags are too heavy unless I'm only carrying a small change of clothes and sneakers. A computer would be way too much on my back!

Toiletries, etc.: I have a fabric bin (like you'd use in a closet) in my credenza drawer with all of my toiletries in it. I keep duplicates of my make-up, hair products, deodorant, etc. I even keep a spare pair of undies there, just in case!

Shower: I've never needed one after the ride in. It's usually cool enough, and traffic is lighter, so I can cruise. I hammer on the way home :D I have a small pack towel and some baby wipes at the office for any "touch-ups". Usually, the fan and the deodorant are enough. I have super-short hair, so I can't help you there...

Fear: I was definitely scared the first few times. It got easier each time, and now I look forward to the days that I can commute by bike. Slap a bunch of lights and reflective tape on your bike, ride defensively (signal, stop for red lights/stop signs, control your lane), and act like you belong there. You'll do great!

Thank you all.

I'm lucky enough to work from home on Mondays and Fridays so I have to carry my computer in on Tuesdays and home on Thursdays. I hate the thing, but it is worth it to not commute at all two days a week.

Tonight I put together a bag with makeup, shampoo, hair stuff, a towel, black and brown dress shoes and emergency undies. I'll drive those in to work tomorrow. I don't have a second hair dryer so I may just go with the wet look for awhile until I can score one. I hate blow drying my hair anyhow, it is sort of long and thick and takes forever.

What I'm scared of is things like getting a flat and being late for work, having some other mechanical issue I can't fix and being late for work, a sudden rain storm, falling and being all bloody at work, getting laughed at (I recently had someone yell "fatty" at me out their car window when I was riding), and a bunch of other REALLY STUPID THINGS.

My route pretty much follow a bus route, so I could always just jump on a bus. In fact, my plan for the first few times is to ride in and bus home with my bike. I shouldn't be scared then of almost anything.

I'm going to try this first week with a bag on my back, but I'm going to look at getting a rack this weekend. I should probably look at getting fenders too...

JDitto on everything Tulip said. I often drive all of my clothes to work at the beginning of the week; I have an office and our locker room has lockers so i dont have any issues storing my stuff. Yes, i blow dry my hair after I shower once i get to work - like you, i sweat a lot so i have to shower and my hair doesnt dry well on its own.
I have a commuter bike with a rack and panniers when i need to transport on the bike, or i'll bring my road bike to work on my car along with several days of clothes and ride my road bike back and forth if i'm training.
As for those jerks in the car, they can take a flying leap. You're doing something you enjoy, and increasing your fitness as you do it. Dont let people like that scare you; sounds like you've already got solutions for your other fears.
Just do it, and have fun. Commuting by bike always makes for a good start to my day :) enjoy!

Better World Club covers bicycles, so if you have a flat or mechanical issue (or even if your "engine" conks out) they send you a truck to take you and your bike to your destination. Just like they would for your car problems. And you get a discount for having a bus/train pass. http://www.betterworldclub.com/

That may be moot if you already have access to the bus and racks along your route, but it is nice to have as a backup.

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Originally Posted by kcmpls

What I'm scared of is things like getting a flat and being late for work, having some other mechanical issue I can't fix and being late for work...

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These things can easily happen if you drive, too. Presumably, one knows how to change a car tire should one get a flat tire. It's alot easier to change a flat on a bike. Please take a basic class so that you are prepared.

When I commuted, I left early so that I would have plenty of time to change and get ready for work once I got to the office. Only once in 6 years did I have a flat tire on my bike.

I had two flat tires and three other mechanical issues with my car when I drove, and I didn't drive much.

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Originally Posted by kcmpls

I hate blow drying my hair anyhow, it is sort of long and thick and takes forever.

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I have very long, thick hair that goes past my hips. I do not own a hair dryer.

When I'm riding, I wear it in a braid. When I get to school and want to look nice, I brush it out and twist it up with a clip (I'm partial to my Ficcare but there are lots of neat hair toys out there). This takes all of 30 seconds, and I think that it looks appropriate for all but very formal settings. The only times that I have gone around with it dripping wet, enough to need a towel, have been when I got caught in serious rain. If I'm washing it regularly at home, there's really no need to wash it again so soon; I'm not of the opinion that washing twice a day is good for hair.

Those little microfiber camping towels are very handy for commuting.

I had to take a major physics test at 8 AM this morning. I saw a guy with a flat about two blocks from my house. I did not stop to help because I was concerned about being late for the test. I normally can fix a flat in 10 minutes, so usually I stop and at least offer to help. I feel bad :(

I actually went down and checked out the showers today and it is really nice down there. They have a hair dryer that I can use, which is great! I'd prefer not to dry my hair or shower, but that just isn't an option right now. It will be completely wet when I get to work due to sweat.

And I do know how to fix a tire and do basic bike maintainence. I'm just really slow. Like 20+ minutes to fix a flat.

But the bus is great. We can put our bikes on the bus and it will be totally okay. The furthest I'd have to walk is a couple blocks to a bus line.

Tomorrow is the day. I'm going to get up very early to make sure it all works out okay. And if I end up here early, I can leave early.

Thanks everyone for the advice! I'll let you all know how it goes.

I strongly encourage the bicycle class, http://www.bikeleague.org for learning how to bicycle with traffic.

Join the local or state bicycle advocacy group to help you deal with the crap motorists dish out. I heard a lot of advice like "Don't let it bother you" as if it were a choice. If I could just flip a switch from "bothered" to "not bothered", that switch would always be OFF! But getting involved in advocacy was sort of like flipping that switch for me.

As far as sweating and being presentable for work, your sweat is more noticeable to you than anyone else.
As Thistle discovered when she biked to her meeting:
http://www.yehudamoon.com/index.php?date=2008-07-21

I sweat pretty easily, and I find the easiest results are when I wait ten minutes, then towel off and change into a clean shirt. For a while I had a shower available, and learned that I preferred not to shower even on very hot days.

If you leave that extra 10 minutes, and you are always 10 minutes early, then when you get that flat or other delay, you're covered. (Maybe you can surf the web or whatever during that 10 minutes...just don't get distracted because it easily turns into an hour!)

My goretex rain gear was a really good investment. In your area cold weather will be a problem and the rain gear works even better as a wind blocker. But it was expensive. I didn't get it right away, but either got a ride or got wet for a couple years! Put your change of clothes in TWO grocery sacks to keep it dry.

The other advice I have is to crystallize in your mind why you bike to work. That will help when you are pestered with questions, criticisms and judgments from people who think you are out of your mind. I don't mind those who are just curious, but some people seem to think that I'm the one making a statement about their driving because I choose to bike. Perhaps a guilty conscience?

I'm so excited for you!

Good for you!

I bet the positive comments you get from people will far outweigh the occasional jerks. When I tell people that I make a 12.5 km commute once a week, they think I'm a hero. I love it :)

You're going good for yourself and for the environment.

The first couple of years that I commuted, I would look outside and if the wind wasn't right, or if it looked like it was going to rain... then I wouldn't. Then once I got caught in the rain, and I discovered that it wasn't so bad! Now I almost never even bother to look outside or check the weather, and only forego the bike if the rain is so heavy that it is dangerous.

I totally wussed out at the last minute. And tomorrow is going to rain.

BUT, I'm going to do it. Next Tuesday. For sure. I'm going to get a bike rack this weekend and be able to use my pannier.

I'm going to do it.

And I appreciate everyone's comments and advice.

No worries. You'll get it done. ;)
I chickened out about a dozen times before I took the plunge and finally did it. You'll get there- and we'll be cheering you on the whole way to and from work. :)

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Originally Posted by kcmpls

I totally wussed out at the last minute. And tomorrow is going to rain.

BUT, I'm going to do it. Next Tuesday. For sure. I'm going to get a bike rack this weekend and be able to use my pannier.

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I'm not going to let you off the hook that easily. Because I'm looking forward to hearing your first ride report! Get out there next Tuesday for sure!! :D

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Originally Posted by kcmpls

I totally wussed out at the last minute. And tomorrow is going to rain.

BUT, I'm going to do it. Next Tuesday. For sure. I'm going to get a bike rack this weekend and be able to use my pannier.

I'm going to do it.

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The most difficult commute is the first one. Get it behind you as soon as possible ;)

When I didn't want to do something because it rained, my mom would ask me:

Are you made out of chocolate?

It sounds better in French. I think in English you say "out of sugar," right?

Anyway, I'm not (thankfully, or I would no longer have limbs) and I now live in a very rainy place. Rainy commutes are actually a lot of fun!

Just ride.

If you'd like some more information on bike commuting, I can email you a PDF of a Bike Commute Manual type thing that the League of American Bicyclists put together. It covers the entire range of stuff you're concerned about and is pretty comprehensive.

Another tip: Does anybody else bike to your work? If so, how about teaming up and having an experienced commuter escort you until you feel comfortable? If you're worried about slowing them down, remember that all experienced bike commuters love to help new commuters -- as evidenced by this forum -- and they'll gladly go your speed to help get you on the road.

I like to use the bus as my flat tire backup. It's sure nice to know I can just toss my bike on the bus and get to work in a reasonable time.

As for riding in the rain, I second Grog's comment: Nobody's going to melt out there. Riding in the rain, especially in the summer, can be glorious -- you get a cool, refreshing rinse-off and arrive wet but not sweaty. Just be sure to have bright blinking lights so drivers can see you through the rain. My rule of thumb: If drivers have their windshield wipers on, I turn on my lights. (OK, actually I ride with lights on all the time, but that's a different story.)

Most of all, bite the bullet and do it. When you decide "I'm going to ride," don't even let the thought "I could drive..." enter your head. That instant of wavering will kill you every time. You can do it! We're all here rooting for you, eagerly waiting to hear how your first ride goes. And your second, third, fourth, etc.

This is funny. I used to live 1.5 miles from work, but over a nasty interstate overpass. So, I only commuted a few times. I just moved across the interstate, 1.5 miles away in a different direction. My commute would be mostly downhill on the way to work, so not really sweaty at all. But, I'm still putting it off. I'm really a crazy endurance cyclist, so in my head, a short ride is hardly worth getting a pair of shorts dirty. :(

I'll start commuting next week. I promise.

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Originally Posted by Pedal Wench

I'm really a crazy endurance cyclist, so in my head, a short ride is hardly worth getting a pair of shorts dirty. :(

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I thought that way when I got a job just 3 miles away. It only takes about 12 minutes, and I swear sometimes it takes more to get ready than it does to ride to work. :rolleyes:
At the end of the school year I started not wearing bike clothes to work because I wanted to make the "getting out the door" less of a hassle. I biked in my work clothes a few dozen times, and it wasn't too bad. I would take an extra 5 min. into work so I wouldn't sweat too much, but then I couldn't ride longer after work so I just went back to riding in my cycling clothes so I could make the commute home much longer.

Just do it! ;)

Great that you want to start commuting! You'll feel so good all day at work and totally destressed by the time you get home. Do you by any chance have a computer at home? If you do, checkout programs like logmein.com - that would allow you to get to your work computer from home. I can't imagine carrying a laptop with me. I've been trying to do a couple of days a week but heat wave here has really stopped me - mornings are ok but I just can't handle the ride home in the heat. I do feel kind of awkward coming in wearing bike clothes cause I'm not exactly gorgeous in spandex but people were really supportive and came by to check out the bike. Next week - no more excuses for me! Post when you do your first ride - I'll be rooting for you!

If you are nervous about time, you could take the bus to work, and ride home when you wouldn't have a deadline.

You could also practice a 'dry run' of your route when you don't have to be at work on time (or at all).

I am very happy to say that I rarely drive my car and I have cancelled my work parking monthly fees. This is what I have gathered from my time commuting:
1. I have panniers, but I took them off to do a triathlon. Never put them back on. I use a knapsack now.
2. I used to ride a hybrid to work, but I went through a little spat with a bad back, and found my road bike to be much easier to carry down the flight of stairs at my work. Never looked back. Plus I am faster on my road bike.
3. I did get a flat and did have the right pump with me to change it (had the pump for the hybrid). A kind person came along who helped me out (I did have a spare with me). I travel fully loaded with spare, GOOD pump for my tires, plus cartridges. I am ready.
4. I remind my hair dresser that I wear a helmet twice a day and to style accordingly. She has given me a nice style that looks decent despite my commute.
5. I leave certain toiletries at work; bring a minimum of makeup; I do leave some clothes at work in a back room that has a place to hang clothes. My bugger is sometimes forgetting underwear! Have gone commando a few times with a panty liner. Too much info. Have to remember to pack spare underwear.
6. I give myself a washcloth bath in a private washroom at work, followed by some powder. I am a sweaty person normally, too bad we don't have a shower, but the cat bath is doing the trick.
Good for you for your commute! Re the fears of nasty comments, like my mom says: if you worry about what others say, you will worry for the rest of your life. You are doing a good thing! They don't matter! Good for you!

Good advice about keeping makeup, certain things at work to make it easier.

Rather funny, ee cummings, forgetting your underpants.

For work commuting (did it for 16 yrs. Different employers in different locations in Toronto and Vancouver), I used panniers. I never used knapsack. My rides were average 50 min. long. Even for employers close to home, I deliberately lenghthened by route 5 times longer just to integrate some fitness. :)

Backpacks make me sweat. No point doing more sweating when getting to work. And too bulky for me to stuff work clothes and some paperwork.

Since we don't have a car, at times bike ride homeward, might include a stop for groceries. Panniers are my most flexible transport storage bag.

I am a small person, narrow back width and having a backpack with alot of weight while I'm riding regularily up and down hills, in my opinion is not healthy for my back/posture. That's just me.

Tomorrow is the big day. I'll be riding in the morning and taking the bus home since it is supposed to be very hot. My fitness isn't the best yet, so 10 miles will be enough for me. I now have a rack, so I'll be installing that tonight for a pannier.

As for finding a commute partner, that is something I really, really wish was possible. I looked on a local bike board and they have commuting buddies board, but only for people commuting into Minneapolis, not St. Paul, which is weird. I guess I reverse commute from Minneapolis to St. Paul. And even though we have 1000 people in the building where I work, in the newly named Best Bicycling Town in America, there are only about 5-10 bikes downstairs. And we have AWESOME ammeneties for bike commuting including showers and locker rooms.

I'm 100% committed for tomorrow. I'll report back.

Here are some resources for bike commuting in the Twin Cities. Perhaps you will find it interesting and inspiring. You might even find a commuting buddy.

http://www.doitgreen.org/article/transportation/bicycle

I'm so excited for you kcmpls! Tomorrow is going to be great. I can't wait to read all about your first commute :D

My husband sprung it on my last night that he's divorcing me. I haven't left the bed, let alone made it to work. No bike commute for awhile. But he told me he plans on taking the car, so I guess I'll be biking everywhere. Not sure how to do that with a 112 pound dog...

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Originally Posted by kcmpls

My husband sprung it on my last night that he's divorcing me. I haven't left the bed, let alone made it to work. No bike commute for awhile. But he told me he plans on taking the car, so I guess I'll be biking everywhere. Not sure how to do that with a 112 pound dog...

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Ouch. Get out of bed and call a lawyer. Now. Sympathy will come later. Now you have to act.

Riding will help you sort this out.
Like Tulip said, get a lawyer, get out of bed, and get on your bike!

Holy cow!:eek:
So sorry to hear about that. Definitely get a lawyer and get on that bike to ride out some of this sadness/anger/confusion. My best thinking is on my bike, and it sounds like you have a lot of thinking to do.

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Originally Posted by Muirenn

I'm still trying to figure out how to go commando with a pantyliner.:confused:

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You stick it directly to the crotch of your pants! (Now if it was skirt....)

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Originally Posted by kcmpls

My husband sprung it on my last night that he's divorcing me. I haven't left the bed, let alone made it to work. No bike commute for awhile. But he told me he plans on taking the car, so I guess I'll be biking everywhere. Not sure how to do that with a 112 pound dog...

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Wow, I can only imagine how you feel (actually I have been through a separation with my own husband years ago, but we ended up reconciling.) What is important is to take care of yourself. Do get on your bike and ride, it is good therapy. Sending out ((((hugs))))!

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Originally Posted by kcmpls

My husband sprung it on my last night that he's divorcing me. I haven't left the bed, let alone made it to work. No bike commute for awhile. But he told me he plans on taking the car, so I guess I'll be biking everywhere. Not sure how to do that with a 112 pound dog...

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WTF??!! :eek: Ugh, I'm so so sorry :( *hugs*

@ kcmpls - so very sorry to hear about what happened.. keep your chin up sweetie..