My first commute

[Offthegrid]

I roll along the dark suburban streets, 32 degrees out, bundled up, nervous and excited. Backpack on, helmet on, winter clothes on, lights on.

For a short time, I bike 100 feet from a train. I keep up for a brief second before I come to my senses and slow down.

I hit a rough patch -- dirt covered in tire marks -- on a road that's closed to traffic but I decided to take anyway. Man, that was fun.

I ease onto a more rural road and watch the sun begin to rise in the distance over a corn field.

I hear birds chirping. I see a red flash as cardinal zips by. Somewhere a dog is barking.

I reach one of the busy roads, and it's no problem. The left turn is a piece of cake. I know I'm going to make it now.

I'm riding uphill. I'm sweating. I'm using my body. I feel my heart beat. My thighs burn. I am alive.

I'll burn about 625 calories before work and another 625 after work. I can eat without a hint of guilt today.

I head onto a bike path. I pass a runner. "Good morning," I say. I wonder if he's training for the race I'm doing at the end of this month. I have to walk up a short, steep hill on the bike path. One day I'll ride up it, I vow to myself. One day. But not today.

I get into the city. I've biked about 11-12 miles. I'm tired. My butt hurts. My hands hurt. I see two kids riding to school on their bikes. I say "hi" and they begin racing each other.

While waiting at a traffic light, I see a woman in a car wolfing down McDonald's. Wow, that was me just 8 months ago. I want to tell her how good this feels being out here in the morning. How cycling and triathlon are transforming me. That the seemingly impossible is possible indeed. That she can do it, that she can fulfill her dreams. But the light turns green, she shoves the last bit of hashbrown in her mouth and she speeds away.

I can see my building now. I have a huge smile on my face. I did it. I did it. I did it.

Now I have 9 hours to recover before riding home.

[divingbiker]

Ain't it great???

Now you know how the addiction feels. Nothing like a brisk ride in the morning to get the day started right.

Congratulations on your first commute! (But be prepared for the evening traffic...it's not nearly so peaceful riding home. Still fun, but not peaceful.)

[crumpincommuter]

Congrats! It only gets easier ( and hopefully warmer)...

[Shimpie]

Good Job on your first commute, and on such a cold day too!!

I don't remember noticing as many things as you did on my first commute. I was too busy concentrating on my ragged breathing. I loved your comment about the lady eating McDonalds in the car. I'll still do that!

-Shimpie

[RoadRaven]

A pleasure to read, OTG
Glad you enjoyed it so much
I find riding to work helps me focus for the day, grounds me, and puts me in a good mood
Something about being in touch with the elements and travelling with ALL your senses
Happy commuting

[spokewench]

Great Job! It is so much nicer than driving!

[7rider]

Yee-ha! Congratulations! You are officially a bike commuter now.
And see???? You arrive at work with a smile on your face. How cool is that?

[sbctwin]

Great job, great observations. Not every commute will feel as good, but in the end you know you accomplished something from the minute you start your ride. There is something positive about that, to start your day with an accomplishment few others can brag about .

[Crankin]

Great job, Susie. How was the commute home?
Have you put the Brooks on your other bike yet? I hope it works out for you better than it did for me!

Robyn

[Offthegrid]

I made it home, but I was not in my happy place.

It was TOUGH -- and a couple miles longer because I took the bike path for a longer portion to avoid traffic. I had to take two breaks. And definitely more crazy drivers. But I still made it home! Go me.

My butt hurt on the stock saddle on the hybrid, but I'm up in the air about which of the reject saddles I want to put on it. I put the Brooks on my roadie, but didn't ride it this weekend because I wussed out in the cold and SNOW and rode a spin bike at the gym instead.

[AllezGirl]

YAY SUSIE!!!!!!

It has been so cold here, especially in the mornings. Hats off to you!

I've been using the cold and the dark as my excuse for not riding in...thanks for blowing that excuse

[Geonz]

So... when are you going to do it again ?

It really does get easier, pretty quickly, especially as you get to know yourself and your bike and your route and the drivers' habits... and of course you get stronger and healthier.

[Offthegrid]

Geonz, possibly Friday. It will depend on the weather, muscle soreness and saddle soreness. Or I might take the bus one way on Friday.

My goal is to do 2x/week regularly and work up to 3x/week. That's pretty much the most I can do because of other commitments and needing to run and swim also.

[mountainchick]

yea for you!

[Pika]

Wow! good report OFTG- makes my downhill 8min commute seem pretty pathetic- heck I don't even know if I am awake when I first head out- though the wind in my face- should be a clue I guess good thing my ride is just through a preetty quiet neighbourhood.
Keep up the good work!
(I fell off the wagon this week- things in town before and after work but will be right back at it! I was amazed at how simple it was for me- ( so close, can wear normal clothes etc etc- so I blew all my excuses out the window!