First commute of the year

[Crankin]

I finally rode in today. I left at 5:45 AM and the trip was uneventful.It took exactly an hour But, when I got to school, I noticed my computer said 14.03 miles. Gee, last year it ws 14.5. I think something is wrong with the calibration. So, of course may average was slower, even though I was going the speed I usually go at certain points in the ride. I was a dressed alittle too warmly, but I always do that! It's going to be about 70 this afternoon, so I am ready with my ss jersey.

I am hoping to ride in again tomorrow,even though I don't usually ride 2 days in a row. But, it's going to be really nice weather and rain on Thursday and Friday.
Taking a longer way home, so i should have close to 30 miles for the day.

[mimitabby]

congrats, Crankin!

today was my 26th commute of the year (and it's supposed to rain this afternoon)

[spokewench]

Yesterday was my first bike commute to work this year too. It felt wonderful to ride the bike and not drive. Today, I had a tennis lesson so I had to drive; but also, it is raining/sleeting right now and should be doing that all afternoon on and off so it is just as well that I drove.

I will ride a couple more times this week and that will be fine and dandy!

[sbctwin]

Yea Crankin...

Mimi's response made me check my calendar and today was my 28th commute for the year...boy, they quickly add up!!!

[Crankin]

I took the long way home, 17.11 miles, averaged 15.3, including my monster hill at the end. My backpack was really heavy, since I had to take home all of my cold weather stuff for tomorrow morning. Usually, I leave it and take it home the next time I drive. It was about 75 out and tomorrow is going to be hotter. Now I think I may bring a sleeveless jersey with me.
It doesn't look like I will be able to do my commute on next Tuesday for bike week; it's going rain like crazy next Monday and Tuesday. So I guess it will be Wednesday and Friday, and leading a ride on Thursday PM (God knows how that will go. I have no idea how these people ride. But I am trying to stir up some interest in cycling).
I am a little sad I won't be commuting anymore, after the end of the school year. I will be going back to school in September and taking the train in. Most of my classes are at night, so I really don't want to be riding home after I get off the train at 8 or 9 PM. It's only five miles, perfect for my Jamis, but we'll see. I have a light, but it's a bit scary to me.

[Tri Girl]

Woo hoo, Crankin! Great job!!!

[Sheesh]

Crankin' - Thanks for posting! I was feeling guilty that today was the first time I had ridden to work this year, so it's nice to know that I'm not the only one. Yay to us for getting back in the saddle!

[Crankin]

I rode in again today. The temperature was just 5 or 6 degrees higher and it was amazing how much better my lungs felt.
I have come to the conclusion that my speed will always s*uck on the way in. It's just a gradual series of rollers on most of the streets, and I feel like I am going up hill the whole time. In the car, you wouldn't even notice these. Also, one of the streets is one of my favorite roads to ride on. I used to ride on this road a lot before I moved. It's about 4 miles long and I know where every bump, crack, and roller is. When I ride on this road, say on the weekend or after work, my speed is between 14 and 20, usually around 18-19. On the AM commute, my speed is between 11 and 16. I just can't move quickly at 6 AM!
But, it's a good feeling to ride in this early in the morning.

[carpaltunnel]

Just in case you thought you were the last to start your commuting for the year, here I come, bringing up the rear! I started my park-n-ride commute yesterday, 5/7 and rode again today. I have to start right at the bottom of a hill, and yikes! Didn't realize how out of shape I had gotten over the winter. But I made it and it was fun. On the way I saw birds, bunnies, flowers. OK also broken glass, bottles and cans, and other trash.

I felt great when I got to work. The usual person who last year couldn't get it that I enjoy riding a bike, started right up again, but I just smiled and told her I felt great.

I plan to ride again tomorrow.
Thank you all for motivating me - you get me going!

[carpaltunnel]

Both nights it took me less time to bike from work to the pickup than it did to drive from my park-n-ride place to home . And they are equally distant. Traffic was bumper to bumper, stop and go.