Biking to Work

[Deborajen]

Anybody else "discovered" biking to work in the last week or so? I rode today for the second time - first time was a week ago when gas prices hit their all-time high - it was awesome! Can't believe it took $3+ per gallon gas prices to convince me to go ahead and give it a try. It's only 5 miles and although the area I work in is a little rough, I found a beautiful route that follows the river and arrives at the office on the opposite side of the worst stuff. Along the river are all nice homes and quiet streets so it's safe and peaceful - very pleasant. The best part of all is that most of the drivers are actually going out of their way to be courteous. That never would have happened even a month ago when gas prices weren't as high. Some of my coworkers are actually talking about giving it a try, too.--

Maybe this cycling thing will finally start getting a little respect - has the time come?

Deb

[Trek420]

I've noticed more cyclists too. I commute occaisionaly for a few years now, not as often as I would like. There seem to be more now, and co-workers are asking me about it. I answer questions when I can and of course steer the women here (hello? anyone here work for da'phone co? Maria? hi!!)

Most won't do it, at my job attendance policies are so strict that one flat tire....so if you don't know how to plan a route it's scarey. Plus most of my peers are very sedentary but keep riding all of you, it's inspiring to all and some may keep it up.

I rode on Thursday and took my mountain bike (a GT hardtail that's usually in the indoor trainer). Could not wipe the grin off my face, now i think I'll get it cleaned up and ride that in the future.

[JanT]

My friend's husband is a cop, and he said they've noticed alot more bikes on the road. I hope that drivers will be more courteous because of it, but I'm a little afraid the reverse may happen. If people who normally don't ride much suddenly take to the road, but don't follow the rules/laws, drivers are going to be ticked off. And then they might not be too kind to those of us who are obeying the laws. What I'm hoping is that more people will start bike commuting, and then perhaps the cities will build bike paths into the new roads so that we can be safer.

[kayakergrrrl]

Hi,

Good for you, Deb and other commuters, too.

Just this week I was bitten by the commute bug. :> I'm 10 miles from work. The length is doable, but the route... Oh, the route baffles me. But the local SmartRide organization offers a Bike Mentor program, and I'm going to see if a mentor can help me sort things out. I wish I'd started this spring, when the days were lengthening rather than drawing shorter. But hey, it's always a good time to try!

Best,

Margot

[charlenelue]

Anybody else "discovered" biking to work in the last week or so? I rode today for the second time - first time was a week ago when gas prices hit their all-time high - it was awesome! Can't believe it took $3+ per gallon gas prices to convince me to go ahead and give it a try. It's only 5 miles and although the area I work in is a little rough, I found a beautiful route that follows the river and arrives at the office on the opposite side of the worst stuff. Along the river are all nice homes and quiet streets so it's safe and peaceful - very pleasant. The best part of all is that most of the drivers are actually going out of their way to be courteous. That never would have happened even a month ago when gas prices weren't as high. Some of my coworkers are actually talking about giving it a try, too.--

Maybe this cycling thing will finally start getting a little respect - has the time come?

Deb

just one more reason to ride, a great way to start the day

[LBTC]

What I'm hoping is that more people will start bike commuting, and then perhaps the cities will build bike paths into the new roads so that we can be safer.

Well, today the British Columbia government announced they are throwing a whole bunch of money into cycling lanes across BC. YAY! There will be 31 more lanes for cyclists in, it looked like, about 20 communities across the province. The town I'm in now is, of course, not on the list, but the town we're moving to as soon as I can get a transfer, is. YAY!

Currently, I walk to work. It actually is better fitness for me as the walk is 15 minutes one way, whereas the bike is only 4 minutes!

Namaste,
~T~

[trigurl]

I rode to work a couple of weeks, then all of the sudden last week it was in the low 50's in the mornings, before it was in the upper 60's!!!!! 50's are too cold for me I do miss riding to work now.

[Trek420]

there's no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate cycling clothing another excuse to shop!

[Jo-n-NY]

Well, today the British Columbia government announced they are throwing a whole bunch of money into cycling lanes across BC. YAY! There will be 31 more lanes for cyclists in, it looked like, about 20 communities across the province. The town I'm in now is, of course, not on the list, but the town we're moving to as soon as I can get a transfer, is. YAY!

Currently, I walk to work. It actually is better fitness for me as the walk is 15 minutes one way, whereas the bike is only 4 minutes!

Namaste,
~T~

hmmmm i wonder if any money will be coming long islands way (bill that congress recently passed). there are no bike lanes anywhere that i know of.

jo ann

[bouncybouncy]

there's no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate cycling clothing another excuse to shop!

I like the way you think, trek!!!! i will be commuting by-cycle upon my move to NC...until then it is in a gas-guzzler (well not so much - i just bought a little Focus in order to economize a bit)

I am determined to ride ALL year (aside from lightning) which i heard is few and far between...only because my Florida-native, cold-fearing, only-wants-fleece-items-for-birthday&Christmas-from-all-family-members, never-lived-higher-than-1/2mile-above-sea-level thinks i am going to freeze to death....hahahahahaaaa I will show him!!!!! I am from NCalifornia and I know what I am getting my self into...check these out for those who live where it snows...

http://www.icebike.com/Equipment/tires.htm

Pedal on Gals

[NorCalGal]

I'm glad you started this thread, Deb, because I was thinking the same thing! I recently began cycling to work and it's great! Not only do I love getting out on my bike, but I'm doing my small part on the gas price deal.

I'm about five miles from work, riding on flat country roads, so it's easy. Since my husband and I work together, he brings a change of clothes for me and our lunches, so I don't have to worry about that part of it. It DOES take some extra organization the night before, though! And I'm just not too good at that......

[Trekhawk]

[QUOTE=bouncybouncy
I am determined to ride ALL year (aside from lightning) which i heard is few and far between...only because my Florida-native, cold-fearing, only-wants-fleece-items-for-birthday&Christmas-from-all-family-members, never-lived-higher-than-1/2mile-above-sea-level thinks i am going to freeze to death....hahahahahaaaa I will show him!!!!! I am from NCalifornia and I know what I am getting my self into...check these out for those who live where it snows..

[url]http://www.icebike.com/Equipment/tires.htm[/url

hey bouncybouncy - Im going to try and ride all year and yep that website is a pearler.

[bouncybouncy]

Hey Trek...where in Nevada county are you??? I have a friend in Gardnerville, NV (I know it is in another state... ) anyway...they do a ride on the pass from Heavenly to Gardnerville (I believe it is called "assault on kingsbury") they started it themselves as a challenge...have you heard of it? I grew up on Beale AFB...i do miss that part of the country and wish i was into cycling while i was there...i would have legs for hills if i was

i would definitely be commuting by-cycle if i was there...i hope asheville is as wonderful (or better hehehe

[SJCzar]

I enjoy riding to work as well. Unfortunately I need a car for work some days so I can't bike everyday. With the sun not coming up until later I also have to skip the days that I start early.

The route that I take... to avoid higher crime and traffic areas and also so I can enjoy the scenic parkways and bike trails...is 14.5 miles each way.

I definitely see more bike commuters now that the gas prices are up. At my LBS they said they've had a number of people bringing in old bikes that haven't been ridden in years for a tune up so they can bike to work.

[Trekhawk]

[QUOTE=bouncybouncy]Hey Trek...where in Nevada county are you??? I have a friend in Gardnerville, NV (I know it is in another state... ) anyway...they do a ride on the pass from Heavenly to Gardnerville (I believe it is called "assault on kingsbury") they started it themselves as a challenge...have you heard of it? I grew up on Beale AFB...i do miss that part of the country and wish i was into cycling while i was there...i would have legs for hills if i was

Hey bouncyboucy Beale AFB that must make you a military brat (only joking on the brat) thats where Hubby works. Im thinking of taking my bike down there and get in a few rides on the flats. It would be nice to know how long I could hold a speed without those pesky hills.

PS I havent heard of the ride but hey that doesnt mean much Im only a newbie and pretty much find out everything from you girls. If it has assault in the title then it is probably way over my head.