Need advice on commuting to work

[velogirl]

Thanks SalsaMTB- I have heard of others who keep many pairs of their "work" shoes at their desk. I guess I am concerned about getting to my desk to gather my stuff ie walking around in my bike shorts.
I don't know what it is about those shorts that makes me so insecure
thanks for the advice

Get a little wrap skirt that you can throw on over your shorts while you walk to your desk. I've got some really small skirts that fold into the size of a wallet.

[Grog]

Hum, I may be in the far left field, but...

it's a 5 mile commute, right?

You could totally take it easy. At a relaxed pace, it will be maybe 30-45 minutes, that's not very long, and can be totally sweatless if there are no big hills and you take it easy. You can always go harder when you come back home at night.

What others said about carrying gear is great. I would avoid a backpack as much as possible, it's not very comfortable and will definitely make your back sweat. Some light panniers or just a "trunk" will probably be good enough...

I'm happy you chose a bike commute. Enjoy!

[light_sabe_r]

Cherinyc thanks for brining the topic up. Just about to do the same thing.

I also live in a VERY hot and humid part of the world. (even during winter according to the melbourners) but at work it's ALWAYS FREEZING cause of the bloody air conditioner!!

So my tips are
*keep a jacket over the back of your chair at work... Or sweater or jumper. Saves you bringing one in everyday
*Try "Iron free" stuff as much as possible
*Keep cereal or juices at work to scoff down when you get there
*Try and "mix n match" your wardrobe where possible. That way you can LEAVE your pants at work and bring in a fresh shirt the next day ^_^
*If you use a laptop, Invest in a spare power cables/chargers and leave one at home and one at work. That way you can JUST take the laptop home.
* have money at work in a jar for a taxi or bus incase it's RAINING when you leave work one day.


As for the hair... Dry it with a towel then put it in A Ponytail whilst Apply some smothing serum as you're done. Sure your hair may still be wet but the serum stops it frizzing out during the day. ^_^

[farrellcollie]

I commute 4-5 miles each way - I wear regular shorts and tshirt in summer and change clothes in my office. In fall and winter I often just wear my work clothes (I teach) I keep a bar of soap and a washcloth and anti-perspirant at desk to rinse off with and reapply. I shower before riding in - keep pace slow to kee p from getting way sweaty. In the summer - in humid midwest - I get sweaty but this seems to work. I wear wicking underwear or I would change - cotton stays too wet. I keep shoes and belt at work - or I would forget them. I have a bike for commuting that I have a rack on - I hate to carry stuff on my back - even for a short ride. THere are also baskets that might fit over handlebars if you don't want a rack.

[Granny M]

I commute 9 miles each way in the hot, humid midwest. I've done the backpack thing and, well, I've learned to take clothes to work on the days I drive and have invested in soap, deoderant, extra makeup, etc that I leave at work so I could leave the backpack at home. The money I save in gas pays for those things. I have a bag for my handlebars that I stick my lunch, wallet, phone and work keys in. As far as the bike shorts, I used to feel self conscious too until I went to my first organized ride. Don't feel self-couscious about those shorts. You're doing something good for yourself and you're staying active and healthy which I bet is a lot more than the person who would make a comment about your shorts!

[cherinyc]

with everyone's suggestions, I think I am starting to form a plan. One thing I can't seem to grasp, is how the handlebar bag is supposed to fit on the bike. Are they primarily made for commuter bikes only?
Also - I like the idea of the wrap, or cover skirt to throw on over my shorts.

[makbike]

I commute 2 miles to work 3 days a week (when school is in session). On the days I drive (due to second job) I pack in my clothes, shoes, etc for the next day and lock them in my classroom closet. I keep a washcloth, soap, deodorant, etc in my closet at all times. So on the days I do commute I simply have to carry my lunch and any papers I carried home with me the night before to grade. At the end of the day I simply pack my clothes, shoes, etc in my panniers for the return trip home.