Entered the world of bike commuting...

[Lynne]

So I figure, what better way to get in rides as often as possible than to commute to work by bike? I'm so **** sick of I-5 I could throw up. So I'm bike commuting and so proud of myself!

LOL...I've only done it twice so far, and might I say there are quite a lot of logistics to figure out? For example, today I am eating a grab bag of Cheetos and trial mix from the vending machine for lunch. I had to get my morning latte from a little deli in the building and I'm sure she gave me a double shot of caffiene (whoo hoo! my body's a buzzing!) I have icky stubbly legs because I forgot my razor. Had to smack the wall-affixed hair dryer a few times to get it going.

But! Oh, I feel good! I have this dumb-*** grin on my face all day. It's just a little over 11 miles each way and it takes me almost an hour each way, has two KILLER hills toward the end (and then hills the other way, of course), but I just did my best to spin in my lowest gear.

I didn't have to get in my car today, didn't have to deal with the freeway, didn't have to pay a ridiculous amount of money for gas, didn't have to hunt for a parking space and didn't use my own hot water (well, I need to when I get home because I'll be all sweaty again-see earlier posts, lol-but I only pay for one shower a day now instead of two when I workout).

Can I say how cool this is???

I saw a thread about bike adjustment and I'm getting my first one on 6/18 (after payday) and can't wait! I know my stem is too long; my shoulders always hurt so bad after a ride! We'll see how I do after the fitting, hmmm?

Ok, I'm such a dork, but my co-workers don't really get it (they think it's incredible to bike so FAR) and I needed to share w/people who GET it!

[Veronica]

That's terrific Lynne. I love commuting. It's just a nice way to start the day.

V.

[CorsairMac]

Just wait til you decide to "take a spin" at lunch to burn off the cobwebs. Even the ladies here on the board can tell when I've had a great lunch ride coz my posts are even more obnoxious than normal!! I love my daily commute - I feel cranky and irritable when I don't get it for some reason. by the way - can you pack a lunch?.....I wear a backpack and carry my clothes and lunch and who knows what else every day, keep deodorant, comb, personals and even some of my clothes at work and switch out every few days.

[bikerchick68]

way to go! I commute once a week when my knees are good (almost there again..sigh)... 20.2 miles each way... takes me an hour 20 min. I leave a wash cloth and towel in my office restroom as well as soap, makeup, a ponytail holder (preventing the "hair by helmet" look ) and just wash up when I get here... I also leave clothes here the night before I ride so I'm not in bike clothes all day... works out pretty well... and yep, I feel GREAT on the days I ride... if I sit in traffic it takes almost as long as if I ride...

[nuthatch]

I love my daily commute - I feel cranky and irritable when I don't get it for some reason. by the way - can you pack a lunch?.....I wear a backpack and carry my clothes and lunch and who knows what else every day, keep deodorant, comb, personals and even some of my clothes at work and switch out every few days.

I'll chime in with Corsair and everyone else - nothing beats that virtuous grin you get from commuting!!! Yes, you have to think a bit about what to carry, what to store at work, how you will dry out your chamois without being arrested or fired at work, and what to eat/drink at work and for your ride, but boy is it WORTH IT!!! Those daily miles add up and Corsair is right about the re-energizing you get from riding again later in the day. Welcome to commuting!!!

[Lynne]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Hmmm...I'm having a hard time though...need to vent and I'm worried about my "commuter skills". I have to ride through downtown Portland to get home. I'm not good at the whole "rush-hour-cars-all-around-me-people-crossing-in-front-of-me-crossing-the-MAX line tracks-taking-the-wrong-turn" commuting thing. I am really intimidated trying to get through downtown. I almost felt like tapping one guy on the shoulder and asking for tips, but all the people I see are so good at it!

Then today, hit all the stinking red lights, got behind a super-muscley masher guy who was slow to start at every light, but went like crazy once he got started (passed him once, he passed me, I stayed behind intentionally but caught up to him at like 4 lights). I haven't eaten right for a few days, doing the route two days in a row (has hills, I should have taken a recovery day until I'm fit enough to do it). I get to the first big hill, my stomach growls and I know I'm in trouble. Got to work about 10 mins late, which I am really trying to avoid as my work is not alternative transportation friendly.

Then I find out today that I can't have a permanent locker in the freebie gym locker room (business gym thing) because "too many people ask for one". I tell her there aren't people bike commuting and that stuff is heavy! Took her two days to call me back just to give me sh*t??? No bike racks and someone knocked over my bike yesterday and I think scratched the frame against the lock chain (I have to lock my bike to a stairwell, my company won't let me bring it inside because it's muddy).

I'm sure I'll work all this out, and I'm still glad to be getting my workout, but the tough thing s/b getting to work and home over those hills, not this stupid stuff!! Argh!

[nuthatch]

Dang! The evil anti-bike spirits are after you! Could you get any help/hints on safer routes or info on working with your employer to improve commuter relations through the Bicycle Transportation Alliance in Portland? Hang in there commuter-hero!!