Old-timer gets nervous!

[GLC1968]

I'm a bit embarassed to admit this, but I think that posting about it will help. I'm nervous about my first commute!

I commuted 14 miles each way to work when I lived in NC. Then we moved here to OR and for the first 4 months, I've been commuting only 1.5 miles each way. Now that we've finally moved into our house, I've got an 18-19 mile commute. I start tomorrow. I'm nervous!

I'm trying to figure out what my problem is... There's a little apprehension about the route since I've not ridden it (though I have driven it, many times). I'm a little nervous about showering here at work. I've never done it and we don't have a locker room like we did at the last place. It's actually two showers in the back part of a bathroom (like an extra room added on to the back of it)...so it's a little odd. I'm also out of shape (relatively speaking), so I'm worried how exhausted I'll be at work during the day. I'm also convinced that I'll forget something. In my past commuting experience, I kept all my toilteries and spare underwear in a locker. I can't do that here, so I can't forget anything or I'm up a creek.

Ugh - please just tell me to HTFU, will you? Thanks.

[tulip]

Do you have a desk where you can keep your daily stuff? Or a basket for soap and toiletries in the shower room? Are you going to commute every day? If not, you can bring your stuff in the car on the days you don't go by bike. That way, you won't have to lug all that stuff with you.

[indigoiis]

Just go extra extra early and take your time. It makes all the difference in the world.

You'll be back to your previous fitness level before ya know it!

[Tri Girl]

You'll have a GREAT ride tomorrow, and you'll feel soooooo good when you arrive! Although you may not be in your "best" shape right now, just riding to work is going to give you so much energy to start your day- and then you're lucky enough to get your afternoon training ride on your way home from work. When you get home- you'll be finished for the day. Just think of how good that'll feel.

You're going to be fine. I won't tell you to HTFU, because I've wimped out a few times myself because of nerves. Just do it, and you'll be so glad when you get to work with all your blood pumping and your body ready for the day.

And... you say you don't have a locker at work? Can you dedicate a desk drawer, or use a basket on a shelf in your office somewhere to put all your stuff?

Don't worry- you're going to have a fantastic ride tomorrow!!!!

[Iris616]

Hi,
Do you have to start tomorrow? Is it possible to do a "dry run" on the weekend, so you can really get a feel for the commute, without the stress of having to get there on time and not forget anything?


good luck!

[shootingstar]

If you start early and it isn't raining , you will have a great ride.

May the sun shine on you tomorrow!

[Tri Girl]

So how did it go on the way to work today???

[Blueberry]

GLC - I'm sure your new commute will be great! I'm guessing you'll be rolling out soon Maybe make yourself a checklist that you leave by the front door to make sure you have everything you need?

Good luck!

CA

[cyclingmama]

Its 10:30am here, so I think 7:30 where you are, so you are probably on the road. Wishing you a fabulous ride in.

My commute is only 8 miles one way, I finally did it for the first time just over a month ago. It took me forever to work up the nerve and I was intensely nervous about it, despite the fact I was regularly riding 16-20 miles in the morning before getting in my car to drive to work.

[sgtiger]

You can do it! I hope you're having fun on your commute.

[hermitclub]

GLC-
It must be frustrating that you don't have a locker or someplace to put clothes, makeup, hairdryer, etc. I'm sure you'll figure out some system that works for you. Since you've commuted before, you know that once you get into the habit you're fine. You'll know what to put out the night before, how much time you need in the morning, how long your commute will actually take, etc.
Best of luck working out the details and keep us posted.

[mimitabby]

boy you sure sound like me. Once you do it a couple times, it will all feel GOOD.
and hopefully you won't forget your shoes, slacks, or other important clothing item!

good luck!

[Blueberry]

GLC - I admire your trying - didn't you guys just move? Usually at a few days out, I still can't find anything and am eating out and a nervous wreck from the mess. Of course, I don't deal with disorder well

Here's hoping things go smoothly tomorrow - be glad you're not in NC - 100 degrees, heat index well over 100 today.

CA

[Geonz]

SO... today???

I wouldn't know anything about not knowing where things were... did somebody say underwear?

I'd be tryin' to get in touch with whatever is causing the emotional entropy - tho' it could just be the chaos from all the other factors of life.

[GLC1968]

Ahhh...I feel MUCH better!

I did it. The only thing I was unable to find was a lock, so my stuff is strewn about my desk area instead of tucked neatly in a locker downstairs.

I got everything ready last night, got up and hour earlier than departure time so that I could eat something, packed my lunch while I was finishing my cereal and left the house at 6:30 am. I don't know what time I made it here, but I was showered, dressed and at my desk with coffee in hand by 8:30 am. Not bad!

It was forecasted to be in the 40's, I pulled out the long fingered gloves. It didn't feel that cold at all and they were definitely overkill. The rest of my attire was appropriate. The commute itself was a mixed bag. The first 2 miles of the country road we live on was really, really nice. Light traffic, bison, views, birds...relaxing. The next 6 miles dragged. Basically, straight, almost flat, side of a major route with no lights. Nothing to look at but H's butt (which is nice, but not very entertaining!). This part of the ride dragged on a bit. Then we turned onto another major route, but this one goes through a busy town with lots of lights and lots of activity (cars, peds, buses, etc). That was more interesting, but I could have done without the exhaust fumes! Then we hit the downtown area of the town we used to live in. That was interesting. We had to contend with the light rail, one way streets, and lots of traffic. H didn't like the route we took but I was indifferent. It was only like 5 minutes of our trip, max. I'll live. Then we came out on the other side of downtown and headed down a nice wide (but busy) road with a bike lane. That was easy and also where I parted ways with H. I turned onto the road my office is on and it was super quiet from there on out (the last 1.5 miles). Really wide bike lane turned into really wide MUP (empty, too) through tree lined streets adjacent to a tiny airport. A nice way to end the trip.

The shower was decent (if small) and I had the room totally to myself this morning.

All in all, a BIG success! I'm really looking forward to this afternoon's ride!