Starting to Commute...

[Tri Girl]

If you have an office, and nobody minds your bike being in there with you- bring that bike inside with you! My principal doesn't mind me bringing my bike into the library. I leave it out where the kids can see it (hoping to inspire one of them- maybe you can inspire someone, too).

Yay that you can make commuting happen! You'll absolutely LOVE it! It's the best part of my day!

[Catrin]

I second the idea of parking your bike in your office if your boss will allow it. It is out of the weather and you don't have to worry about anything happening to it. It is the only way I will ride to work...

Glad you are feeling better and getting back on the bike

[Gypsy]

Actually, I don't have my boss in the same office... It really just a question of whether it's done or not. And thinking about it, the receptionist area has a space that I can probably use or just put it in my office... hmm. This is getting very interesting!

I'll let you know how it goes on my first day on the bike! Reading the other threads made me realize I probably need to get prepared -- buy toiletries for the office, just in case and think about what to wear when I commute. I'm going to try to wear what I normally would put on and see how that goes.

[lovelygamer]

Good Luck. I live within a couple of miles and commute too. I keep my bike inside the office, tucked in the back hallway. I have asked for a rack and they say they are going to install one this summer, out back of our building. I don't live in a bike friendly community either, but I do well enough. You just have to have good lighting, follow signalling rules, and be aware. Definitely stock up some travel toiletries and have a nice backpack or storage on your bike to carry some clothes, etc. in.

[Tri Girl]

I'm going to try to wear what I normally would put on and see how that goes.

I bike to work in my dress clothes (and even my dress shoes because I have platform pedals on my commuter bike). My commute is only 2.5-3 miles-depending on which way I go. I use 3 different routes and change it up every few weeks to keep anyone from knowing my routine (paranoid much?).

Anyway- I don't have a problem with getting sweaty, even in the heat, because I adjust my speed to the temps. When it's freezing in winter, I tend to ride a little faster. In winter I always wear tights with my dresses and pull on homemade wool legwarmers and tall fur-lined winter boots for the ride in to work. In the spring/fall I just ride slowly so as to not work up a sweat.

SO excited for you! You are going to LOVE it!!

[mandiam]

I keep Willy in my office with me-- and i'm in a mailroom you should see the looks Willy and I get. Actually-- I believe cycling is the new golf. All the older successful men will come talk to me about Willy...promotion?! lol

[Melalvai]

In this heat, even my 1.5 miles gets me sweaty, so I wear a different shirt for the ride and change when I get here. But I don't shower or anything.

It's best if there is a sheltered place to leave your bike, so your bike isn't sitting out in the rain and humidity. But do consider security. I know someone who kept his bike in his office. He didn't ride regularly, that's just where he kept it. He worked in a medical building and one day someone just wandered by and took it. It wasn't locked up or anything. So--lock your office when you're not in it.

[Gypsy]

I picked up my bike from the LBS (maintenance) and I've prepared myself to ride out tomorrow. I have pedals on my commuter too (one side is normal, the other side is SPDs) and my plan right now is to go dressed up -- full clothes and regular shoes.

I have to be back home mid-day, so I'll ride back and see how the whole thing works out.

Then I have a few days to tweak it all -- the next opportunity I have to ride to work will be on Wednesday.

Yay! Excited.

Thanks again for the encouragement.

[Gypsy]

Made it in this morning with dressy clothes and one comment from some "helpful" construction guys who yelled at me when I rode by, "Get on the pavement [think they meant the sidewalk] otherwise you're going to get run off the road!"

I looked like a geek though... back pack, helmet, bike with all the accoutrements that you need to ride... On the other hand, there was another woman, on a simple fixie, with a shouldbag across her chest. It looked effortless and she passed me and she was gone.

I looked like a dork.

But that's the level where I want to take this -- where my bike is just simply another mode of transportation, like my car, and I don't even think twice about it.

I do need to get a second, secure lock. I was told today that they've stolen bikes at my building. Today I got permission to take the bike upstairs, but I have to resolve for my next commute. So, any recommendations?

I don't actually want to lose my Trek to thieves.