My First Commute

[Deborajen]

Dar,

I commuted this morning. It's about 4 1/2 miles to work.

I prefer to wear jean shorts and a t-shirt or tank top. There are a few blocks of so-so neighborhood to ride through, (it's not really that bad, but I prefer to be cautious), and there is a halfway house a few buildings away from the office. I don't pass it, but there are a some registered sex offenders there. We've never had any problems at or around the office and I've worked here for nine years, but I don't want to come in wearing spandex mainly for that reason. I just bring in work clothes the day before a ride and allow some extra time to clean up and get changed. Usually I just take a quick spit bath at the sink and keep some afterbath spray to make sure there isn't any lingering aroma.

It's worked well so far, and it feels great just to enjoy the fresh air! (I sympathise about the wind. It's nice and light today, but a couple weeks ago I headed home into a 25 mph headwind - ugh! We get plenty of that in Kansas.)

Deb

[mtbdarby]

Bikeaway,
I don't know how long I'll commute. I actually drive to work and drop the munchkin off at dc. Then drive home for lunch, let the doggies out and ride back. Then I bike to dc to get the little guy on the way home. This time of year we can get a 20-30degree swing in temp from early morning to the day time temp so it's hard to dress the little one for that. I'd like to commute at least until the snow flies and maybe I'll add the first round trip as well, as I get better organized and the little guy gets used to the chariot ride!

Thanks for the dressing tips everyone. I HATE riding bike with my jeans on! I think I'm going to switch to sweats so I can move. I am also having problems with my fashionable wide leg jeans getting caught up on my cage Good thing I have my road id and a leg band!

And does anyone have a problem taking a "leisurely" commute? I keep finding myself trying to beat my last time - what a dork!

Dar

[nuthatch]

And does anyone have a problem taking a "leisurely" commute? I keep finding myself trying to beat my last time - what a dork!

Dar

I did the "beat your time" thing all last year! Finally some of the advice around here at TE clued me in to the fact that I wasn't having fun...so I mounted my computer on my seatpost so I couldn't keep looking at it and it would count the rear tire miles when I had to switch to the trainer. Now my commutes are fun again (watching those geese "V" across the sky in the AM and jocund day stand tiptoe over the misty soccer fields)