I did it! I rode to work!

[dssynapse]

This was the very first thread I read in the forums, so I came back here to reply. I rode my bike to work this week! I got most, if not all, of the ideas how to make it feasible from the forum discussion. It's not a long commute at all -- only 6.5 miles each way -- but in Corpus Christi the humidity is almost 100% in the early morning with temperatures in the high 70's, so taking an easy ride to avoid sweating is out of the question. I work in a school administration building, and have to at least look decent, and there are no showers available. I don't care how I look after the ride home, but time is an issue and my ride home is typically into a 20 mph wind or more with "low" humidity of 60 to 70% and temps in the 90's.

I took everything I could think of in on Monday by car....baby wipes, facial wipes, make up, Shower to Shower powder, complete clothes in zip locks labeled by day, "back up" clothes, etc. I also took a week's worth of breakfast stuff and lunches.....much healthier, less money, and I didn't have to remember each day. On Wednesday I put a few additional things in after the Tuesday ride.....a small towel and small hair dryer. My hair was literally dripping with sweat by the time I got there on Tuesday.

So far so good! I'm comfortable riding in the dark to the office...I leave at 5:30 a.m. The headwind is uncomfortable in the evenings. This time of year I would typically ride the other direction first and have the wind behind me coming back....obviously not an option when commuting.

Thanks so much to all who have written posts that gave me both the ideas and confidence to start commuting. I really feel good about it.

[coyote]

Hi dssynapse and welcome! Congrats on commuting! I've got the wind too...coming to work and on the way home. Usually isn't as bad as you have got it whew I'm exhausted with just the thought

Keep us informed on how its going,
Mary

[AutumnBreez]

Ok, I just landed a new job that I could ride but it is 13 miles each way. My fear is that one of my kids will be sick/injured and I can't get to them quick enough. Once they are in school again. They are 13 and 15 years but crap happens. Suppose someone could give me a ride home??? kind of strange to have to ask though. Especially being new...gonna have to drive for a while to get to know situation. I will just have to find a way. Ask my neighbor who I trust to pick up if she is not substitute that day. She would help if I need. hmmmm. will have to figure it out cause I so want to do it. I can see myself in shape from it already!!!

[RoseC]

By the way, congrats on joining the club, dssynapse! I'm still figuring out what things I really need at work and which things are not really necessary. I hadn't thought of a hairdryer, but after a few days of riding, I picked one up - it does make it easier, no? I have relatively short hair, and I'm finding it seems to work best if, after showering at home, once I get to work I damp it a bit if needed (in your heat and humidity, not needed! ) , add a little gel, and then blow dry for a few minutes. Eliminates helmet head.