I did it! I rode to work!

[RoseC]

Kinda continued from here:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=15907

I bike commuted! Well...just a dry run - today being Sunday. But it only took just over an hour each way, which is good, IMO. It's just over 14 miles each way, and the way back was a little painful - if there had been just *one* more hill, I don't think I'd have made it. But I did it! Without being smooshed! Today was my first real day of riding on the roads, so I was a little scared about that.

Actually, when I got to the final MUP section before work, I was surprised to find that I almost missed the bike lane. It was nice and quiet on the path, but on the other hand, I had to keep stopping for road crossings and pedestrians and dogs and all. Not a big deal, but it did mean I couldn't just *ride*. I think it required more awareness of my surroundings than the bike lane did, which was a little bit of a surprise.

I also ended up "taking the lane" at left hand turns, for the most part, instead of turning pedestrian as I'd planned. It just seemed simpler and less risky - I waited for a gap, jumped in line, and went. I don't know what it'd be like in heavier traffic, though.

I think it'll still be awhile before I'm ready to really commute. I have to figure out a strategy for getting my stuff to work - either ahead of time or on the bike - and I'm also a little unsure what traffic is like in the mornings. I've driven my route - more or less - a few times, but it's still hard to tell in the car vs. actually being on the bike.

I did it! I did it! I'm so pleased with myself!

[Sheesh]

Congrats! You're over the first hurdle - the mental challenge of actually getting on the bike and riding the ride. The rest, the logistics, are so much easier once you've got it in your brain that you can do it.

[Kimmyt]

Congrats! Just so you know, it will get easier... a few months down the road you'll get faster and faster and then you'll start thinking about adding additional miles on to your commute home...

WELCOME TO THE DARK SIDE

[RoseC]

I still feel like I have a zillion little details to resolve before I actually do it for real. I wish there was some way to know what the traffic would be like without actually being *in* it, for one...but there's only so much I can simulate that.

And then there are things like...how do I carry my things? I guess I need a rack trunk or panniers.

Most importantly, what about coffee? I can buy coffee at work, but I'm rather fond of my little presspot and the way I make it myself! I guess I need a thermos.

And the list goes on...

But at least I know now that I won't get lost along the way!

[Sheesh]

I keep a couple of pairs of shoes at work, in case I forget to bring a pair (or in case I don't have room) when I bike. I carry everything in a backpack (clothes go in a plastic grocery bag so my sweaty back doesn't get them wet). I tried the medium sized Timbuk2, but it just didn't hold everything as well as my backpack does.

I can't help you with the coffee part - I buy coffee at work.

Do you have a place to shower (and a locker to keep your shower stuff)? That makes things infinitely easier... if not, I know there are other women on here who keep baby wipes at their desks, etc.

Good luck figuring out the details! It's completely worth it!

[onimity]

Hi Rose,

Congrats!

If it helps, I brought an extra set of my usual toiletries/makeup to the office and a camping towel that dries in no time at all. I bring clothes with me to work each day (don't forget the underwear!) and bring the towel home on weekends to wash. I am not a coffee drinker, but another bike commuter I know has a coffee cup holder on his handlebars (!) and another has a french press at the office so he makes coffee his way when he gets in... so there are plenty of solutions to that problem.

I think that you'll find that the distances and the traffic get easier as time goes on. That was my experience, at least.

Anne

[mimitabby]

sometimes heavier traffic is easier because no one can move very fast.
Congrats and good luck!

[RoseC]

Oh, and I like the camping towel idea! My LBS is actually part of a bigger outdoor outfitter shop - betcha I could pick one up there!

[dssynapse]

This was the very first thread I read in the forums, so I came back here to reply. I rode my bike to work this week! I got most, if not all, of the ideas how to make it feasible from the forum discussion. It's not a long commute at all -- only 6.5 miles each way -- but in Corpus Christi the humidity is almost 100% in the early morning with temperatures in the high 70's, so taking an easy ride to avoid sweating is out of the question. I work in a school administration building, and have to at least look decent, and there are no showers available. I don't care how I look after the ride home, but time is an issue and my ride home is typically into a 20 mph wind or more with "low" humidity of 60 to 70% and temps in the 90's.

I took everything I could think of in on Monday by car....baby wipes, facial wipes, make up, Shower to Shower powder, complete clothes in zip locks labeled by day, "back up" clothes, etc. I also took a week's worth of breakfast stuff and lunches.....much healthier, less money, and I didn't have to remember each day. On Wednesday I put a few additional things in after the Tuesday ride.....a small towel and small hair dryer. My hair was literally dripping with sweat by the time I got there on Tuesday.

So far so good! I'm comfortable riding in the dark to the office...I leave at 5:30 a.m. The headwind is uncomfortable in the evenings. This time of year I would typically ride the other direction first and have the wind behind me coming back....obviously not an option when commuting.

Thanks so much to all who have written posts that gave me both the ideas and confidence to start commuting. I really feel good about it.

[coyote]

Hi dssynapse and welcome! Congrats on commuting! I've got the wind too...coming to work and on the way home. Usually isn't as bad as you have got it whew I'm exhausted with just the thought

Keep us informed on how its going,
Mary

[AutumnBreez]

Ok, I just landed a new job that I could ride but it is 13 miles each way. My fear is that one of my kids will be sick/injured and I can't get to them quick enough. Once they are in school again. They are 13 and 15 years but crap happens. Suppose someone could give me a ride home??? kind of strange to have to ask though. Especially being new...gonna have to drive for a while to get to know situation. I will just have to find a way. Ask my neighbor who I trust to pick up if she is not substitute that day. She would help if I need. hmmmm. will have to figure it out cause I so want to do it. I can see myself in shape from it already!!!

[RoseC]

By the way, congrats on joining the club, dssynapse! I'm still figuring out what things I really need at work and which things are not really necessary. I hadn't thought of a hairdryer, but after a few days of riding, I picked one up - it does make it easier, no? I have relatively short hair, and I'm finding it seems to work best if, after showering at home, once I get to work I damp it a bit if needed (in your heat and humidity, not needed! ) , add a little gel, and then blow dry for a few minutes. Eliminates helmet head.