Commuting - gas savings vs. startup costs

[GLC1968]

I was going to say some of the same things everyone else is saying.

On the clothing - my H wears just regular clothes. Sweaters, sweatpants, wool socks, a hat under his helmet. The only cycling specific things he's bought are a neck gaiter thing (because he's a cold weenie), a nice water proof jacket/shell, and good gloves. The rest of his stuff is from discount stores or our own wardrobes.

I, on the other hand, do better with cycling specific clothing. Over the years, I've built up my wardrobe to be full of the things I actually wear. I have probably a ton of things I've tried and never gotten into (like arm warmers - I hate them). Luckily for me, I don't get cold easily (or I can take cold temps in stride), so I was able to 'make do' until I could get the gear that is just right for me. Of course, now that we've moved to a new climate, all bets are off and I'm going to have to go through the 'figure it out' process all over again!

Anyway, my point is that if you can make it work for you, then do it. If not, then don't beat yourself up over it.

I like to commute not for the gas savings but to avoid putting the miles on my car (we are trying to sell it and every day I drive is another 40 miles on it!) and to get in my workout. I have to get up a full 3.5 hours before I have to be at work in order to make it happen (I have farm chores that need to be done before work). Some days, it just doesn't happen. I used to feel like I needed excuses...now I'm just living with it. Sue me.

[danadear]

It sounds like your schedule is your biggest barrier. Maybe you can ask around with some of the other moms and possibly take turns picking up and dropping off? Good luck!

[PscyclePath]

Geo:

Commuting is not about style... you don't need the latest fashion, the fanciest bike, or to keep up with the roadies across town. What it's about is function and practicality, that is, what works for you.

Sounds like you've got the bike end of the deal squared away... you just need clothing that is comfortable and practical for you to ride in, and maybe a different set of work clothes stashed in the panniers.

The primary problem is the pre- and post-school sports schedule with the girls... Are they old enough to ride with you, or maybe ride on their own? (what's sauce for the goose can work for the goslings as well )

I've been doing the commute thing 3 to 5 times per week since the end of April, where I drive my Dodge Ram pickup to a commuter lot on the south side of town, lock it there, then unload the bike and ride across town to my office on the north side of town. It cuts my driving each way from 25 miles to less than 12, plus it keeps me off the freeways and out of most congestion. The bike part is 9 miles each way. And, at the day's end, I still have my truck if I need to run an errand or two before heading back out to where I live way out in the sticks. I don't have to deal with the sports thing though... other than dodging a bazillion other soccer moms dropping off their kids, since the commute route runs past a magnet school in the morning rush, and the local soccer/sports complex on the way home in the evening...

If you can resolve the sports deal, you've probably got this licked...

Tom

[tulip]

It sounds like your schedule is your biggest barrier. Maybe you can ask around with some of the other moms and possibly take turns picking up and dropping off? Good luck!

+1. Cycling, and commuting by bike, should be fun. If your schedule doesn't allow for you to commute by bike reasonably easily, you probably won't stick with it.

If you can change your schedule by doing some carpooling or a similar situation, it might work. Carpooling by itself with save gas.