When do you ride?

[indysteel]

When I first started riding, I lived in a downtown urban area, so I quickly learned to ride on higher volume roads. I figured out some decent routes eventually hooked up with other riders so that I at least had some strength in numbers. I also used to drive to somewhat more rural areas for weekday evening rides. I would try to leave straight from work so I at least could go straight there. Despite the drive itself being a PITA, the rides themselves were nice.

I live in a more rural area where it's easier and safer to ride straight from home after work, but still, I prefer to run after work. I can get in a good workout in less time and with less hassle.

[Trek-chick]

I just bought a road bike and also live in very high traffic areas It is a PITA but I'll drive 6 miles to the local state park (lots of cyclist go here--pacelines galore) and ride there unitl I get more comfortable on the regular roads. I like the park because the road speed is only 35 mph and cars are used to the many cyclists that frequent the park.

I'm sure it will get old soon enough but, for now I am happy with this option. I also, commute to work on my touring bike to get extra miles in. I have to take some gravel paths to get there so, the road bike is not an option for that.

I like the idea of early morning riding since, the traffic is at lower level, at that time, where I live.

[Miranda]

Something that might help you find a better route is looking for a bike club and/or lbs with organized rides.

Even if it doesn't fit into your schedule to ride with the group, you can obtain a copy of the route map. The routes that are chosen by the groups typically take into consideration the traffic, road quality, etc with cycling in mind.

One of our local bike clubs I belong to has their maps posted on line in their web site. Before I ever began riding with the group, I used those maps to help find a more suitable route.

As posted, you may hafta drive somewhere to start your route. Many group rides start from local schools where the parking lot is free in the evening with class not in session to park.

[tulip]

The absolute best way to fit cycling into your lifestyle is to commute to work on a bike. It may take some figuring out to get some good routes worked out, or perhaps a class on safe cycling to get comfortable. There are almost always alternate routes than the ones we drive on--routes that are much more pleasant on a bike. My outer limit for commuting is 15 miles each way; everyone has their limit.

The big plus is that you don't have to sit in traffic in your car, your costs are reduced, you are energized the whole day, and you actually enjoy your commute! Most people complain about their car commutes, but most bike commuters rave about their bike commutes.

[redrhodie]

+1 to everything tulip said.

My commute is my favorite part of going to work. I'm a better worker, happier, and more energized than when I drive. The saving in gas is a bonus, too. If you can't do the whole distance, either because of time, or route issues, you can drive part way. I drive to a commuter lot, and ride from there. It works out great.

[ny biker]

I ride after work by bringing my bike to the office in my car. (Sorry guys, I just don't want to commute by bike...) There's a trail across from my office but it's very crowded, so I usually only use it for a couple of miles to get to some quiet neighborhoods. By borrowing cue sheets from a local club and modifying them to minimize high-traffic roads, I can ride for > 20 miles with few problems. And I focus on hills to make the most of a shorter workout.

You might want to look into the Baltimore Bike Club -- they might have some rides that aren't too far from where you live. Also try http://www.bikewashington.org. They have a yahoo group; I haven't been on it in a while but there might be folks there who know your area and can suggest good cycling routes.

[sazza]

I usualy ride early evening go out at 6.30pm and come back at 8.30pm its not getting dark till a lot later now which is good and when I finish from college plan to go out a lot more. I do prefer morning rides.

[nscrbug]

All of my riding is done in the morning. I basically ride on Sat, Sun, & Mon. On the weekend mornings, we are on the road early...right now we start around 6:30am, but by mid-June that will gradually turn into 5:30. One of our "rules" is that we like to be home by noon. Most of the time, we are...but on a few occasions (like if we decide to do a 100-miler) we run a bit later. On Mondays, I hit the gym at 5:45am to do an hour of cardio and some weights and then I'm usually out by 7:30 or so...I race home to change into cycling gear and generally get in anywhere between 40-60 miles...again, home by noon.

Sometimes, I will ride during the week if I have a day off from work, or I might shorten my gym workout in the morning in order to squeeze in a quick 25-30 miles before I go to work.

I would love to commute to work (only a 3 mile trip), but I currently work evenings and don't get out until after 9:30pm...and my night vision is not very good at all, so I avoid riding at night.

Linda