Need advice on commuting to work

[tulip]

My commute is 14 miles each way through the muck that is Washington, DC humidity, so a shower is essential for me. I'll tell you want I do and what I have learned in my four years of bike commuting. Maybe it will help.

I get to work early and go up the back way so few people see me. I'm not trying to hide, but wish to remain as low-key as possible. I keep a small hairdryer and essentials in the shower room, but you could keep them in a tupperware thing at your desk along with a towel.

I definitely recommend looking into panniers. You have to determine if you have dropouts (attaching holes) on your bike that will accept a rack. Panniers come in various sizes. Alternately, you could look into a trunk bag. If you will be lugging a laptop to and fro, panniers will keep the weight on your bike and off your back. Also, laptops should be protected. My Arkel Briefcase pannier (www.arkel-od.com) is great, but not cheap. I prefer to leave my computer at work, but sometimes I need it at home.

I leave a couple of pairs of shoes at work, too. One black pair and one blue pair. That generally covers all that I will need to coordinate. Oh, and back up undies and bra, just in case you forget (I have forgotten, and I'm so glad the backups were there!)

Ironing and starching blouses, folding them neatly, and wrapping them in dry cleaner bags will keep them smooth and amazingly wrinkle free in a pannier. If you really want, you could make a blouse sandwich between two pieces of cardboard (along with the plastic bag).

Good luck and have fun. Commuting makes me more energetic, positive, and productive at work. A bike ride is a great way to start the day (and end on a high note!)

[mimitabby]

Hi, I know what you mean about being in bike uniform at work... we have staggered shifts here (people start at 530, 6, 630 , 7, 8, etc...)
so I can't really come and go without SOMEONE seeing me. But they all know I rode the bike in and they have gotten used to it just as they would if i was riding a motorcycle (They have a lot of stuff to put on and take off!!)
When you're only wearing this stuff when you are coming and going, they will associate it with your commute, not your daily outfit!

I have a 4 mile each way commute too, and yes, 4 miles IS enough to work you into a sweat if there's a hill. But lucky for me, MY hill is downhill to work and uphill HOME so I get home totally drenched..
but i get hill practice every day i commute!

[mimitabby]

where in NJ are you commuting? oh wait, Princeton area, right?

[Triskeliongirl]

You might want to try a carradice sqr slim bag (holds a laptop, lunch, etc.). It has seat post clamp that stays on the bike, but then the bag is easily removable. It will work even on a racing bike, but its best to not use it with a carbon seatpost. I have 2 seatposts, a carbon one for fast riding, and an aluminum one with my carradice clamp on, so I just have to swap out seatpost/saddles for different styles of riding. I am lucky, I have a lockerroom with showers at work where I store my clothes and toilet articles. Terry wrapper skorts are great though, if you need a cover up while you walk to your desk.

[Bloodsng]

I ride my bike to work every day and use it to go shopping ......I put a school boy book rack on the back and then mounted 2 baskets so far I have hualded over 150 pounds so a suit case with a few cloths a squirt bottel of Jean nate and some make up would not be that big of a load to carry ....the water pistol is in a holster and is loaded with amonia water for the local dogs that use to chase me it is easy simple cheep and will not hurt the dogs or me.
Blood

[Bloodsng]

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