How Was Your Commute Today?

[Groundhog]

I moved to a new office in April and at first I could see no way to commute by bike. My old commute was by bus from suburb to downtown Seattle, and prior to becoming a cyclist I drove 2-4 miles to one or another of the park-n-ride lots and took the bus to work. Starting in 2008 I used my bike to get to the park-n-ride a few days a week, and with my short ride (downhill on the way to work) I never got sweaty so I didn't need a shower. Although the rides were so short they didn't really help my fitness, I really enjoyed it and it's better than sitting on my fat a$$ driving.

My new job is in another suburb of Seattle and is 17 miles away...way too far for this rider who is lucky if she averages 11mph on the flat. Add that to no shower or changing facilities in my building or close by.

Last month I met a fellow rider in the elevator one morning and he said that he rides the bus to work and rides the bike home 20 miles. So I started researching using google bike directions and noticed that the interurban trail goes along the freeway at one point, the same portion of the freeway that the express bus takes. And, lo and behold the express stops along the trail!

So today I took my second bus/bike commute. I had my son drive me to an express stop, and then put the bike on the bus. I rode the few blocks to the office in dress pants and changed into my jacket when I arrived (I have to wear suits and/or dressy corporate clothes at work, full makeup and accessories).

On the way home, I changed into shorts and a t-shirt and rode to the bus stop. This time I got off next to the trail and rode nine miles, almost all the way home. I live on top of a big hill that I am trying to learn to love, but I didn't try it today.

This weekend I am trying a new route to the bus in the morning and I am hopeful that it will work. It's about six miles and is mostly downhill, so I will probably be ok with a "baby-wipes bath."

I'm not sure I'll be able to do it in the pouring rain and dark, but I don't mind a little cold, so I'll try it between now and when the weather gets bad.

I still wish for a short, local commute (and applied for a job today that is just that) but am so happy to be out on the trails.

Happy trails everyone!