First commute tomorrow!

[tantrumbean]

Well, I've done it for the past two days now...I'm not entirely convinced yet, it just seems so much faffing about with change of clothes, locking the bike (after having to retrieve the lock from the first floor of the building first, where I'm leaving it as it's heavy as hell), getting changed again (no chance of me cycling in work clothes, I would just end up a sweaty mucky pup), it's all a bit too much hassle. Most of that is probably because I'm used to a leisurely stroll to work, with no extra stuff to take or consider, but still...

However, the funny thing is I like the way there (the lovely park route) far less than the way home in the dark. The park is full of dog walkers etc, so you are constantly skirting around people, having to brake etc. Plus it's ever so slightly uphill all the way. The way home after 10 pm is fab - hardly any traffic, empty roads and obviously slightly downhill (with one proper downhill). It's actually really good fun which is ironic, cause that's the bit I was worried about. I might change my mind on that in winter, but for now it's great!

Anyway, I shall see how I get on...it is still better than sitting on a bus full of smelly people and screaming kids...

[Tri Girl]

Yeah for you, tantrum!
I'm so proud of you for doing it 2 days in a row. It IS a hassle to get dressed in cycling clothes, bring work clothes, bring lunch, change at work, get dressed in cycling clothes after work. I think the more you do it, the better/easier it'll get. Like you said, you're so used to just pulling up and going into work without doing all the other "stuff."
Give it some time (coming from the woman who only gave it 4 times before I gave up- but granted it was a 2.5 hour commute each way adding another 5 hours to my work day ). When I get a job closer to home (and I have HIGH hopes it will happen soon), I'm going to do it on all but the snowiest/coldest days. I'm envious of you and excited for you.

And I'll bet the way home IS much nicer than the way there. When I did commute, going to work in the dark was the best- coming home with all the people and cars was NOT.

Are you going to do it the rest of the week?

[tantrumbean]

I'll try my best - haven't got much choice really as I haven't actually worked out the bus routes yet. Fortunately today is dress down, so less stuff to cart about!

[tulip]

It will get much easier as you continue to do it. When I commuted by bike, I had to organize everything the night before, and then in the morning, I just got out of bed and got on my bike. I showered and all that at work (it was 14 miles each way). It took me a few weeks to get it right, and I would tweak things from time to time. One of the best things, I found, is that I had a lot more energy during the day when I rode my bike to work; it energized me for the whole day. I didn't have that 3pm slump. And going home was a great way to relax and leave work at the office.

When I did take the bus and train or car instead of cycling, I arrived at work angry and frustrated, and it was worse in the evenings. I dislike being in crowds of people, so that's why I loved the solitude of riding my bike to work.

[tantrumbean]

I think it's because I'm used to walking to work, so I still got energised and the walk home was great to leave work behind - same benefits, less hassle!

[GLC1968]

I feel your pain, we can't bring our bikes into the building, either. Unfortunately, ours are exposed to the weather and around here, that means rain 24/7 in the winter!

A lot of people here leave their bike lock locked to the rack. Can you do that and therefore avoid having to make that extra trip into the building each day?

[tulip]

I feel your pain, we can't bring our bikes into the building, either. Unfortunately, ours are exposed to the weather and around here, that means rain 24/7 in the winter!

A lot of people here leave their bike lock locked to the rack. Can you do that and therefore avoid having to make that extra trip into the building each day?

What?? No interior bike storage in Portland, Oregon?? I thought that was illegal there (really!)

[tantrumbean]

A lot of people here leave their bike lock locked to the rack. Can you do that and therefore avoid having to make that extra trip into the building each day?

I'm very tempted, it's all the horror stories about it giving thieves an opportunity to practise on you lock or them superglueing the lock while it's left on the rack, thus forcing you to lock up your bike with a crappy cafe stop lock, which means it is much easier for them to nick it...