Cycling to annual corporate social event: would you?

[shootingstar]

Would you do cycle to an annual corporate social event for nearly 300 employees? I work for a govn't organization.

The event is during the day and I'm certain people will be in semi-casual nice office wear.

It's once a year we all see other another since our division is located across 5 different work site buildings. I've plotted my cycling route to avoid as much as possible the car convoy of other employees to the event site in a park. Honest, I don't feel like drawing more attention to myself on a road route, when already enough employees know that I cycle.

I have a nice black skort and probably would wear a short sleeved top over the skort. No jersey..that's way too obviously cycling-oriented. I am not certain about the weather --semi-water repellant cycycling jacket or casual dress jacket (which I SELDOM wear any while cycling). But then, I will be lugging my helmet around and have a leather knapsack purse.

It's an outdoor tent event, in a park area with catered lunch food for all us employees. There will be a few speeches for 1.5 hrs. Rest of time is to enjoy.

So would you cycle to such corporate event? Or am I doing a career-limiting move? I already know some of the senior managers and they know I cycle (they've seen me in my gear). But I wonder if now, I will appear too "obsessed" by cycling to the event.

Other options are:
*employees drive, park and organization will NOT pay for their parking.
*take light rail transit and walk half a mile to site

[TigerMom]

I think that the helmet will be a give-away that you cycled there no matter what. Since Vancouver is a bike oriented city, you might be able to generate bike conversations with people you don't know during that party. If people tend to go to this type of function in suits/business attire, then I would NOT bike there. But if people go to this type of function in shorts/T-shirts, I think that biking there will probably be a fun conversation topic starter.

But, this is just my 2 cents from me, a non-politically correct woman.
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2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[WindingRoad]

I don't see why not.

I'm in a similar predicament right now. We have an upcoming seminar and some people will be in work clothes (business attire) and other will not. I was thinking of just slipping on my capris before I go in and wear one of my nicer collared shirts that is also a performance material? I always have a bag or something so I can take some baby wipes and clean up beforehand too. I have to get clear across town, it will be about 15 miles I would guess.

[shootingstar]

I only have about 7 km. ride or so. So really distance wise, I don't have a super good excuse except if I want to look nicer/more polished than being on near casual cycling friendly wear.

So you gonna do it, aren't you, Winding?

TigerMom: am in Alberta right now...place where right now there are 3 oil spills across the province. And the provincial govn't has just blocked Greenpeace from placing a billboard sign about their cause.

[lph]

I would. But if I felt it would be inappropriate or too "flashy" to be seen wearing or carrying bike gear, I would lock my helmet to my bike at the parking lot and change shoes before leaving the bike, plus put on a scarf or jacket or something more neutral. I've ridden my bike to a funeral and did just that.

My take on it is that it's nobody's business how you choose to arrive at an event, but it's not appropriate in all settings to wander around in sporty or attention-grabbing gear.

[Sky King]

I would. But if I felt it would be inappropriate or too "flashy" to be seen wearing or carrying bike gear, I would lock my helmet to my bike at the parking lot and change shoes before leaving the bike, plus put on a scarf or jacket or something more neutral. I've ridden my bike to a funeral and did just that.

My take on it is that it's nobody's business how you choose to arrive at an event, but it's not appropriate in all settings to wander around in sporty or attention-grabbing gear.

Agree and frankly very few people will care how you get to and from the event unless you make a big deal about it. Wear clothing that is comfortable to ride in, it isn't a race so ride a nice pace that won't get you there dripping in sweat, lock you helmet to your bike, change out your shoes if you have to wear special shoes to ride your bike. I ride to all sorts of events, meetings, parties and the majority of the attendees don't know and frankly could give a hoot about how I choose to transport myself.

[PamNY]

Can you wear tights to cycle, and put casual slacks and jacket in a pannier or backpack? Since backpacks are very common, this would not look unusual, and might hold your helmet as well.

Since I used a Xootr every day, over time I have developed a wardrobe that is scooter-suitable (granted, somewhat easier than a bike). I simply do not own light-colored slacks or shoes that don't allow scootering.

The key in situations like this is being very confident, cheerful and low-key about your mode of transport. I agree with others who have said nobody will likely care about your mode of transport unless you make a fuss of it.

[Antaresia]

In Vancouver that wouldn't be a big deal at all. I'd just change the topic quick if anyone started talking about it, it's so hard to keep a straight face when co-workers start talking about how they "can't believe people bike like they they have the same rights as cars" ect.

And why not leave your helmet with your bike? I usually do. Helmets have no resale value, there's no reason to steal them.

[shootingstar]

I have never locked up my helmet to my bike. Yes, I like my helmets. I take awhile each time I have to replace a helmet, to find the helmet that I like at the right price and style/colours. I mean months.

[lph]

I have never locked up my helmet to my bike.

Why not? The way I lock my helmet, with the lock going through an air vent or the strap at the back of the neck, you'd have to wreck the helmet to get it loose. I like my helmets too, but I like my bike even more, and have no qualms about locking it up outside.

[indysteel]

And how much of a risk will there be at this event for the theft of a bike helmet? If the risk is low, I think it would be far preferable to lock the helmet to your bike than to walk around with it in your hands. That just sounds kind of awkward at a social/work event. Otherwise, I don't see any real issue with your riding to the event so long as you can dress appropriately. But if it's just going to make you feel a bit uneasy or self-conscious once you're there, then just take public transit. That sounds like a pretty viable option, too.

[7rider]

Would you do cycle to an annual corporate social event for nearly 300 employees?

I just did. And the bike rack at the park was filled with others who did also.

[Tri Girl]

I don't see why not.
I commuted to our 8th grader's graduation (I teach) in a nice evening dress and heels and to our annual Open House where we meet prospective families wearing dressy attire.
Who cares how you arrive. If you need to throw something on over your bike shorts, just whip out a skirt or capris and throw them on. Nobody will be the wiser.

[ZenBiker]

I'm a govt employee too, and yes I would. I have a messenger bag that's just big enough to stash a pair of capris and a light shirt. And if I push it, a pair of sandals. I'd probably choose to wear a bike short liner under some nice capris and carry a shirt to slip into once I arrived, that way I'd have plenty of room in the bag for sandals. And I'd lock my helmet to the bike. Chances are most of my co-workers wouldn't know I biked to the event, and those that figured it out would approve.

[shootingstar]

zoom-zoom:

I just did. And the bike rack at the park was filled with others who did also

I would be impressed if there was another cycling employee to this particular corporate event tomorrow. They do informal polls on what mode of transportation employees use regularily. We have only 3% that bike to work out of 14,000 employees across several work sites. There are a few rare folks in our division who do cycle but I don't know them enough.

A lovely sunny day is predicted tomorrow.