I Did It!!!

[arielmoon]

I rode my bike to work this morning!! 16.5 miles on a dewy 60 degree morning. I left later than I planned but got to work and showered before 8. WOW!!

One observation is that I did not like riding with a back pack. It was very heavy (mostly because of my lunch container), made my lower back sore, and created balance and wind resistance issues.

My co-workers think I am insane.

I am not sure this is something I will do on a regular basis but I am glad I did it!

[bmccasland]

My co-workers think I am insane.

No you're not!

Y'all inspire me. Every now and then, I think about bike commuting again, but when I drive the route, I get all nervous all over again.

[SouthernBelle]

What did you carry in that backpack?

Although I commute semi-regularly, it's usually on an old mtn bike with a rack. Today I rode the roadbike in. It's a much nicer ride.

Congrats

[arielmoon]

I had a pair of sandals cause I forgot them yesteday when I brought clothes to wear, my wallet, and cycling clothes to wear home. I couldnt imagine putting the same pair of shorts on to ride home

And I dont use plastic storage containers, I use pyrex glass containers which apparently weigh A TON! In hind site I could have brought it pre-made yesterday too but I didnt plan it out that well.

I think I am going to try and leave most of it here and bring home tomorrow when I have my truck.

[oxysback]

At least your backpack will be lighter on the way home!

That's what I think when I load my bag up in the morning, anyway.

[Cataboo]

Congrats! I can't always make myself ride the 1 mile commute to work.

You could possibly leave the heavy pyrex containers at work, and just put your food in ziplock plastic bags for the trip to work, cook & eat in the pyrex.

If you feel bad about using that many bags, I guess you can wash & reuse them.


I find when riding with a camelbak - having a waist strap helps and I loosen my shoulder straps so that really most of the weight is on my waist instead of on my shoulders or back. It also makes some difference how you pack the bag - don't put bulky things that are going to push into your back against your back. (that can be a hard one)

[arielmoon]

Yeah- I had the glass container right on my lower back Live and learn! I like the baggie idea- I just need to plan ahead better!

[bikerHen]

Yeah, my co-workers and customers still think I'm a bit off . . . makes me feel special! I love my commute rides. It just makes my day better.

I use a backpack and actually love it. I use my bigger camelbak pack, without the bladder, as my backpack. It has the chest and waist straps that keeps everything in place and it is well padded against my back. I feel almost naked if I'm not wearing it. I do keep spare shoes and jeans at work so all I have to bring is a shirt and under garments day to day.

As for lunch, I like the baggie idea too. I freeze soups and stuff like that so I don't have to worry about spilling. I also keep a stock of food at work with things like crackers, nuts, fruit cups and protien bars so they're there if I need them or if I forget to bring lunch. I also bought a small wallet that just has the basics in ID and debt card/money. I use it for bikes rides then toss it in my purse if I'm driving.

If takes a while to figure it all out. But it is soooo worth the effort! bikerHen

[sgtiger]

Arielmoon, awesome woman! I love hearing about other people's commutes. I don't currently have one because I'm a SAHM unless errands by bike count.

[HillSlugger]

I wore a backpack for my first commute and decided I didn't like it. I felt way too top heavy. I ended up buying a rack and panniers. Much more better!

[OakLeaf]

Way to go ariel! it's empowering isn't it!

[pardes]

Goooooood for you!!!!!!

I gave up on my backpack....it really dragged me down. I've switched to a set of panniers for rain gear and clothing and a messenger bag for everything else including cameras, a computer, you name it, it's in there.....that straps easily on top of the panniers. What a relief NOT to have anything heavy on my back!

I've sloshed through four days of rain in rain pants and a great jacket and stayed completely dry, warm, and very happy.

I put my coworkers over the edge tonight when I drove off in the RAIN and in the DARK! Yes, they think I am nuts but I ask you, who is having more fun going home, them or me? MEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

[pardes]

Good Grief! I just noticed you are from Ocala, Florida. I spent from 1956 to 1976 growing up in Ocala. I went to U of Fla in Gainesville. I miss a lot about the Ocala area but not the heat, the humidity. But oh my I do miss the Spanish moss waving in the trees, the boiled peanuts, the Ocala National Forest, Cedar Key...... sigh. Post photos pleassssseeeeeee. And tell me where you are commuting to and from. It'll be a hit of nostalgia for me.

[arielmoon]

Pardes! How cool is that? I am sure so much has changed since you lived here!

I posted some pics from the Horse Farm Hundred. That ride started in Gainesville, went down 441 through McIntosh to Orange Lake, Flemington, Reddick and on the way back through Micanopy and the Hawthorne Trail.

I live right at the intersection of HWY 27 and 225A and my commute was 27 to HWY 316. For the ride home I took 316 to 329 in Fairfield and then rode scenic 225A to my apartment. I left the back pack at work and just put my phone and keys in my seat pack and was MUCH happier!

225A

329



Hawthorne Trail

[pardes]

Ahhhhh thanks for the photos! Wouldn't you know it.....I never rode a bike in Florida which is mostly flat...Noooooo, I wait until I move to northern Delaware to commute to work on a bike!

Well, I did have a bike as a Freshman at U of F (when biking WASN'T cool) but my classes were in Shands Hospital at the foot of the one monster hill in Florida and my dorm was at the top of the hill. My bike may still be parked at the bottom of the hill.

I never ventured west of 441 in Ocala...there was nothing out there in those days. Well I did go on a first (and last date) with a guy who took me to a football game in Dunnellon and the whole way to the game he was talking out loud to himself, "I'd really like to kiss her.....I'd really like to put my arm around her...."

Those were the innocent days of dating in 1963.

Happy commuting! You should torture us with Ocala temperatures.....balmy 70's compared to our northeast 30's. Of course I won't be suffering from heat rash either.