First commute tomorrow!

[tantrumbean]

The famous office move got delayed time after time, but it looks like there is no further stay of execution, we are moving tomorrow and it means I'll start commuting by bike! I'm actually quite nervous, the whole thing is only about a 10 mile round trip, with the way there a very pleasant route mainly through the park...(the way home on the contrary is along main roads after 10pm, so not looking forward to that!)

In a way I'm looking forward to it, because it means I get some base miles in on a daily basis (even if it's only a measly 10) and it will be a nice way to clear my head after work, on the other hand it is a bit of a pain - currently I have a short 20min walk to work, which takes me through the town centre, so I can get bits of shopping, trips to the bank, library, etc done on the way. Now I have to ride to the sticks, take an extra set of clothes, etc. and am stuck with the rather infrequent busses if I can't ride for whatever reason....Also quite worried about the bike being locked up outside all day...

Heyho, it might be fun after all...Wish me luck!!!!

[lph]

Go for it! You'll have a blast once you get going

It helps if you set off one day a week or so to do those small errands (or just shop less, that's what I end up doing ), and plan accordingly, whether it's taking a bus that day or just schlepping a somewhat larger backpack. Lay out everything you'll need the night before, but don't pack it until the next morning, or you'll be second-guessing yourself all the way in.

It sounds like a lovely commute. You'll be wondering how you managed without. Lock your bike well, preferably a different place every day, remove any expensive lights, and just reckon that there is a small chance it will get stolen. Worrying is a waste of effort in the long run.

Take pictures, have fun

[sfa]

Good luck! Pretty soon that commute will be the best part of your day!

Is there any possibility of taking the bike inside with you? One of the VP's here bikes to work and just puts his bike in the storage/photocopy room for the day. I haven't gotten the nerve up to do that myself, but then, I don't feel especially nervous about locking my bike outside on the protected racks.

Sarah

[tantrumbean]

No chance of the bike coming in the building unfortunately, it's one of those grand new designs where they forgot to incorporate storage space completely. Plus, even in the old building (which wasn't even open to the public) one of the night staff took his bike in overnight when there was only 2 of them in the building, and one of the directors had a total hissy fit about that. So no, he'll have to stay outside...the racks are partially covered, so at least he's not completely exposed to the elements... Problem is he'll very likely be standing their on his own, nobody else on my shift is likely to cycle, which means if someone decides to nick a bike, it will be mine! (not that I would wish it on anybody else, but still...)

[LadyDian]

Well, how did it go?????

[twin]

Did you have fun on your commute today?

[Tri Girl]

How was that commute today????? Inquiring minds want (no, NEED) to know.

[tantrumbean]

It never happened...the whole move went totally pear-shaped, we got shipped back and forth between both sides several times. Didn't actually move to the new place properly till yesterday. As we had 33mile per hour winds then with a forecast for heavy rain to go with it, I chickened out and got a lift from a friend . Looks like next Monday will now be the start of my commuting life - at least the weather forecast looks a lot better. The horrible wind we had all week is supposed to finally stop!

[gendii]

ahhhhhh crazy weather haha.

I rode my bike to a place i worked last summer. and had to ride back home around... 4 or 5am. ( i worked at a hangout/bar) Riding in the morning or late at night can be dangerous so make sure you have a light on the back of your bike of some kind (im sure you know this already) but other than that, late night/early morning rides are the best. very peaceful and a lot cooler normally.

enjoy.

[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?