Changing / Showering

[Tri Girl]

Ditto what divingbikers said.
I'm in great shape, but a little sweat on me goes a loooonnng way (no matter how clean I am to begin with).

[indigoiis]

As to all your 'What-ifs.' Ask yourself what is the worst that could possibly happen if you <whatever it is>. Most of the time the worst really isn't all that bad, can be dealt with or something can be done to avoid it. Or, you can have fun and see just how bad you can make your desired action. With practice, you can get commuting your bike to cause Armageddon - at least in theory.

The point is to get a pretty good idea of the worst possible risk, which is often something you can deal with, anyway.

It's a liberating excercise. And if you decide not to do whatever it is, you at least know exactly why.

The worst that could happen: something happens on the farm, and I need to get home.
Or, something happens to my daughter, and I need to get to her.

The farm thing would definitely be a problem. But not insurmountable. That's what neighbors / friends / the vet is for.

The daughter thing... well, she goes to hs in the city where I am presently seeking a new job position, which is why I am asking all about commuting by bike. In my present position, it would take an hour to get to her if there was a problem. If I get this new job *fingers x'd* I would be five minutes by bike. And the hospital is five minutes further. So wish me luck. I really want to commute by bike, and with my present job, it's just not possible.

[Geonz]

I'm not saying I don't clean up - but I don't take a shower. (Especially today... I went the long way with five miles charging into 15 mph winds, but it seems the end of this year is another mileage contest at bikejournal and I've got to at least keep Howard a little nervous! ) realizing I had to hurry to have *time* to clean up ) Soap and washcloth where I've "glowed" works. Today it took more water than usual

[lph]

I shouldn't be answering considering I'm positively addicted to 1. riding in bike clothes, 2. taking a hot shower and putting on clean clothes once I get to work...

But - i'm even more addicted to bike commuting. It really is the best way EVER to get to work. Hands down. I've tried them all. Just bus is relaxing and all that, but I get to work still sleepy and groggy, and get home still moping about work stuff. Riding a bike puts me in an instant (well, almost instant) good and energetic mood for the next part of the day. You really really have to give a proper try. Just don't try to do it all in the first week, it'll feel like a hassle.

Anyway - if I didn't have a shower at work I'd try to cool off for ten minutes, then head for the bathroom with a washcloth. You can wash your whole body and really get quite clean with a washcloth wrung out in hot water and a little soap. Edit: I see you're taking a bus or train in between, that will take care of the cooling down. But I'd definitely bring a dry top, a warm fleece and maybe socks and change immediately after parking my bike, I tend to get worked up and sweaty no matter the weather, then very cold right after.

[indigoiis]

I got the job.
Whoo hoo!
So, the plan is, 2 days a week (the ones I don't have my daughter) to bike to the bus stop, eight miles one way (with hills) from my house.

I am so excited!!!

I am going to test drive it this weekend on my klunky GT, which is the bike I intend to transform into a commuting steed extraordinaire...

Need:
new stem - shorter
new saddle
reflective stuff
lights

This is gonna cost me. But I'll save a bundle on gaz.

Yay!

[Tri Girl]

Woo hoo! Congrats on the new job and the new commute!!!!
Let us know how your test run goes.

[lph]

Congratulations! Yep - be sure to check in here with your commuting joys and woes!

[northstar]

Congrats on the job!

You will LOVE riding to work. It makes the day so much better!

If you're really scared about the commute, try doing a hybrid commute the first time. Maybe you can bring your bike to work one day, leave it at your desk/somewhere, catch a ride in with someone/the bus the next day, and ride the bike home. Or do the commute on a Saturday to nail down your route ahead of time.

I felt more confident once I had really scoped out my route (and my route is either 15 or 18 miles one way). Once you do it, you'll want to ride in more and more.