What have you learned from commuting?

[SalsaMTB]

As I rode in to work today, I thought about how much the few commutes has changed my riding style.

Before commuting, I primarily rode on a road with a gigantic shoulder intended for biking on. My rides were typically straight out, straight back, so no turns. I was a little nervous about cars. The hills I would slowly spin up, taking my time, and blast down the downhill.

Now that I've commuted a few times, I feel much more confident on the road. I realize the importance of being aggressive at certain times. I'm now great at looking over my shoulder, signaling and taking the lane when the need is there. I won't get pushed into a gravel shoulder. I'm now comfortable taking a left turn and could care less when a car honks at me. On shorter uphills with tight lanes, I have learned to plow up with more speed than I ever imagined.

How about you girls?

Basically commuting has made much more confident and aggressive

[annie]

I've learned that my bike is much more than just a form of recreation. It IS that, but it is also my preferred mode of travel around town, whether to work or elsewhere. Riding my bike can be useful, as well as fun. It is a liberating feeling not to have to depend on a car.

annie

[Haudlady]

Good question... I totally agree that I have increased my confidence and "defensive driving" skills. Every day I ride, I feel more and more like I belong on the road. I'm willing to take more of the road (especially to avoid those drainage grates), and I am also improving at looking over my shoulder to see what's coming.

My mind has started translating my drives into rides... when I am driving, I find myself thinking "would need to shift gears here" or "wow - this downhill is great... I can almost feel the wind on my arms!"

I especially like the feeling that this is something great I can do... saves gas, less exhaust being sent out into the air, and really good for me both mentally and physically! What's not to like?

[DebW]

I've learned to ride in more variable weather. If I want to commute in spring and fall, I'm frequently leaving home with temperature in the 30s. I need clothing that can be adjusted as I ride or arm/leg armers that can be removed in a quick stop. I've also learned to ride in the occassional rain shower. I used to not bike to work if there was a 30% chance of afternoon rain, but I'm learning to deal with that and bike more often.

[Tater]

I would have to agree that commuting has boosted my confidence and aggressiveness on the road. I have found that if I ride like I belong out there, look like I belong there (helmet, bright jersey or jacket, lights, etc), signal when needed, and follow the rules of the road, vehicles tend to respect me and make proper allowances for the cyclist.

Commuting has also taught me to be self reliant. If I have mechanical problems or a flat and I am eleven miles from home, I am the one who has to figure out a way to fix it and get my rump home. Mr. Tater isn't always there to bail me out.

Through commuting, I have also come to enjoy riding in variable temperatures. Snowing and temps in the twenties or sunny and over one-hundred, if I dress properly for it, I can ride it.

[betagirl]

It's taught me how to change a rear flat in less than 10 minutes. And almost how to do a track stand. Still working on that skill. I have to admit, I've picked up bad habits watching the bike messengers in the city and how they navigate through traffic and intersections. So I suppose it's taught me some bad habits also

It's also become my preferred way to get around town. I just hope that motivation stays when the Chicago winter hits

[laury]

Everything you ladies already said plus...

A sucky day at work can be cured by riding my bike home.

Be alert for parents trying desperately to drop their kids off at school and get to work on time. They don't care if they take you out in the process. Don't kids take the school bus anymore?

Riding in the dark can be a beautiful experience with the proper lights and reflective gear.

[CorsairMac]

things learned from commuting:

most people making right hand turns don't use a turn signal but by watching their front tire - I can tell what they're going to do (and it's made me Very aware of rather or not I use a turn signal when I'm driving {I do} and I've also started chewing out my friends when they don't use their lol)...........

it's helped my driving friends to be more aware of bikers on the road now, coz one of those bikers could be their friend.......

that there isn't anywhere I Can't go on a bike and - so far - there isn't anyplace I can't take my bike into when I get there..........

probably the toughest: yes it's really cold out (20 degrees, 13 degrees, 0 degrees) but by the time I get the truck warmed up enough to drive, I could be halfway to work so just dress and bear it........the guys will have coffee for me when I get there!

[conster]

If I were to commute to my job it would be a 40 mile round trip. Not such a long ride, but after 20 miles of a morning ride...what do you do about needing a shower? Changing clothes? I haven't seen this question posed and am really curious. Do your workplaces have shower facilities and how would you pack a change of clothing? Enlighten me please?

[CorsairMac]

If I were to commute to my job it would be a 40 mile round trip. Not such a long ride, but after 20 miles of a morning ride...what do you do about needing a shower? Changing clothes? I haven't seen this question posed and am really curious. Do your workplaces have shower facilities and how would you pack a change of clothing? Enlighten me please?

this might help:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ight=commuting

[conster]

this might help:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ight=commuting

I DO thank you for the teamestrogen site. It had lots of great ideas and I may have the opportunity to put them to use. Thanks for taking the time to post a reply for me.

[tulip]

If I were to commute to my job it would be a 40 mile round trip. Not such a long ride, but after 20 miles of a morning ride...what do you do about needing a shower? Changing clothes? I haven't seen this question posed and am really curious. Do your workplaces have shower facilities and how would you pack a change of clothing? Enlighten me please?

My office provides a commuter shower with a clothing rack to hang clothes. They also have an indoor bike rack in the lobby. It's wonderful. My commute is 14 miles each way, and it would be difficult to do it without a shower at work and a place to keep my clothes.

Many offices actually do have dormant showers, so it might be worth asking. Some health clubs have reduced memberships that allow shower use. Baby wipes also come in handy for cleanup, just get the unscented, otherwise you'll smell like a baby all day (which is fine for some, but in my line of work might be distracting)

[withm]

. Baby wipes also come in handy for cleanup, just get the unscented, otherwise you'll smell like a baby all day (which is fine for some, but in my line of work might be distracting)

I have not found any unscented babywipes... What brand do you get? I can't stand any perfume in stuff like that.

[tulip]

I have not found any unscented babywipes... What brand do you get? I can't stand any perfume in stuff like that.

I don't--I have a shower at work. But I've heard of them, so I assumed they were out there. Seventh Generation probably has some for a price, but I don't know about the other brands.

[donnambr]

Huggies sell unscented baby wipes that you can get in many mainstream stores. The Rite-Aid near my office has them, so they can't be that obscure. They have aloe in them, so you might be bummed if you don't like that.