First commute this year

[10ch]

That's a big commute! I think an hour and eleven is great time, especially with a mile long hill factored in. (I hope you get to take that way back home tonight.)

[Crankin]

PM commute report update:

I left a few minutes before 3 after wasting time changing into my cycling clothes and arranging all the junk that i had brought to school yesterday. I decided to take the arm and knee warmers with me, along with my vest, because I really had no idea what the temp. was outside. I left my tights, ls jersey, wool socks, and booties to take home tomorrow, with my suit I wore all day. Anyway, i made the decision to go home the same way I came, since I remembered last year I had done the alternative with my husband on a weekend and it was around 42 miles round trip. The trip home was much faster and pleasant. Of course,it's mostly downhill, until I get to my street, which is a major climb. There is a lot more traffic, but I was defensive and managed all of that with no issues. Was very conscious of the parked cars and people running across the street in West Concord center; it sounds silly to those who ride in the city, but I don't have too much experience with this and everyone seems so distracted. The only car incident occured right after I crossed Rt. 2, on Rt. 62, going toward Concord Center. Some guy tried to turn left in front of me, but I saw it and slammed my brakes. He laughed and waved at me,so I just yelled A-H at him and saw people in the other cars laughing. Everything else was non-eventful.
Total commute 35.2 miles, av. 14.8, 2 hrs. 23 minutes

[michelem]

You are brave! I'm still afraid to ride on roads (vs. trails) without the safety of a group. Did you cycle in with your work clothes, or had you already driven those in before this morning? Also, are you provided with showers at work? I'm trying to get my courage up to cycle-commute and keep coming up with plenty of excuses as to why not . . . sigh . . .

[Crankin]

I bring my clothes in before and I have clean up supplies at work. I ride my road bike, which only has a small seat bag, because of the geometry and size of my bike. I don't have a shower; I shower before I leave and then when I get to school I wash up (face, pits, anything else that feels sweaty) and wet my hair down, use gel. My hair is short, so it's easy. Then I do my make up. I use my Camelbak that has a backpack to bring papers, lunch, and other small things. I take the bladder out for more room.
You might want to try doing a partial commute. Drive somewhere that is about half way with your bike, park and then ride. I did this last year, after I moved. My old commute was 6.7 miles one way, so this is a change. You might want to also try riding different routes on the weekend, to test them out.
I checked out an alternate in the car this morning. It's at least 5 miles shorter and no climbing! I will ride this way in the AM and then take the route I did yesterday home. Hoping to ride in tomorrow, even though it's supposed to be 35 in the morning(but 70 in the afternoon).

[LadyinWhite]

My office is exactly 10 miles from home and it's a pretty easy commute. When I take the bike to work, I just wear a cycle skort - then I don't bother changing. The bigger issue is what to do with the bike when I get there. :|

[Pax]

Ok, I'm feeling lame now...my commute will be 4 (very flat) miles each way and I'm nervous about crossing one busy street at a light.

[SheFly]

Great job, Robyn! Glad to hear that the route worked well for you (and I didn't think you would ride in the rotary!). Sounds like you have it all figured out - just in time for the end of the school year, and your retirement .

SheFly