Bike Commuting Jumpstart
By Jenn (TinyChoices.com) | May 12, 2009
What with all the bike posts and tweets I write, ya’ll might be under the impression that I’m some kind of super hardcore dedicated cyclist… which is not completely accurate. Sure, I ride occasionally throughout the winter, and once the nicer weather comes I’m much more likely to be on that bike… but also, at the heart of things, I can tend to be lazy.
As I’m running out the door late for work most mornings, I tend to think that riding my bike will make me even later– which I already know isn’t true (my commute is just about the same length by bike, and a really good way to offset the sloth of a deskjob). So I walk over to the subway and take two trains, and thus sit down for an extra 1.5 hours per day. And then I feel all mushy and un-exercised and wish I had more time to move my body around! So, you know, duh…
I also realize that, like most other things, bike commuting is a habit. When I was doing it most days last year it became first nature– there was no decision process to go through– if it wasn’t raining, I was riding. I had a small bag which contained my biking tidbits (pump, blinky lights, bike map, etc) and I’d grab it and my helmet and be out the door. But after the lazy of a long cold winter, I just haven’t gotten back into the habit yet.
So as of this morning, I’m jumping back on the iron horse, and I can’t wait! While riding in NYC is a bit of a daredevil death match, it’s also a great way to get a new perspective on my city, and get exercise and endorphins, and thus arrive at my destinations happier. I’ve printed out a new route to try which goes over a bridge I’ve yet to ride over, so I think this qualifies as an actual “adventure.” I’m also jonesing over a new bag/pannier which seems like it’d be really useful for daily commuting/riding, but I need to be sure it’ll really fill the needs I have before I purchase it. And I’m happy that I had my handlebars modified to a much more upright riding position, which is way more comfortable than the mountain bike hunched-over painfulness I rode with before. Plus, my awesome fenders just make me smile. Also helpful is this PDF handout titled “Getting Started“ from the League of American Bicyclists, which debunks many of the “these are the reasons I can’t ride to work” myths and fears.
How many of you ride to work/school/errands? Any favorite tips to share?
[Image by Roland via Creative Commons]
Topics: Transportation | 16 Comments »
Yeah! Get back on that bike! I’m back in full-time riding mode, and the best tip I can offer – lay out your work clothes on the bike the night before and pump up your tires. Pack your lunch and have it assembled and ready to go in the fridge. Lay out your cycling clothes in the bathroom…then, the next sleepy morning, you don’t have to think about it, you just GO.
I’ve looked at the Toocan bags, and it’s about the right size, but the 15lb weight limit holds me back. I’ve been drooling over the Arkel utility basket for 2 years, just haven’t had the guts to swallow the cost yet, even though I know I’ll get tons of use out of it as I do my grocery shopping on bike, too, and often on my ride home from work – so I need capacity for work stuff and grocery carrying.
http://www.arkel-od.com/panniers/utility/overview.asp
Hey Jenn S.! Thanks for the motivation– this mornings ride was great! Of course, I got cut off 3 times, had to ride into traffic to avoid about 10 trucks/cars/semis parked in the bike lanes, and finished up with a 20 block ride on a main bikelaneless thoroughfare… typical NYC bike trip! It was also quite invigorating, though.
The Arkel bag looks really useful and strong (what’s up with the 15-lb limit on the Toocan??) but I’m attempting to steer around the standard sporty-look… and the Toocan can at least pass for an everyday bag when I take it off my bike and wander around. Also, the Arkel charges extra for the strap and the rain cover, making it one pricey bag… decisions decisions!
the thing is i DO have to wake up earlier to bike commute – the travel time takes about the same as the subway, but then i need to allow for extra time to shower at the gym next to my office. otherwise i’d be totally sweaty and gross after the 5 mile ride that includes two bridges. So getting myself up early is my stumbling block. I’d like to make a goal of biking to work once a week this summer though.
Hey Julia! Jenn’s comment below is really helpful… also, I guess it depends on what type of environment you work in– mine is very casual so I don’t have a problem with just jumping off my bike and into the office. My ride is about 7 miles each way through Brooklyn and into Manhattan, and I arrived this morning a bit pink in the cheeks, but just freshened up a bit in the bathroom and was good to go.
Julia – I ride 12 miles each way, which takes me about an hour. My key is to get into the office early (around 7am) and I keep a towel and full toiletries kit in the office. Towel off in the bathroom, wash face in the sink, apply some Lush scented dusting powder to my bod, get dressed, makeup, etc. I don’t have access to a shower near my office, but I’ve never really felt that I needed it after my clean-up routine. I certainly sweat more in the afternoons on my ride home when its warmer, but I’m on the way home, so it really doesn’t matter. And, by starting my day at the office early, I check out at 4pm each day, and those first couple of quiet hours in the office are great for getting things done!
And it’s bike to work day on Friday-a perfect opportunity to jump start your bike to work routine!
I don’t normally ride to work since it’s about 25 miles away but I plan to on Friday. The key is a comfy bicycle with a rack and panniers. Get everything ready the night before and if you’re going to do it all the time, have stuff to get ready at work already. Leaving shoes at work cuts down on the weight you have to carry but then you’re stuck with just the one pair of shoes.
Yeah for bike commuting!
I used to ride to work and I was going to suggest packing up at night, when excuses are easier to fight off and keeping extra towels, toiletries, and clothes at the office. This way if you unknowingly get stuck in a downpour on your way to work, you’ll still be able to be presentable. When I commuted during the summer, I would usually just rinse my face & change my shirt once I got to work.
As far as bags – I love my Ortlieb pannier http://www.rei.com/product/604989
and they also make a new, snazzy looking office bag http://www.rei.com/product/768571
Yep, Jenn – you’re totally right on spendy Arkel bags and the need for accessories to really make it a good solution…that’s why I’ve been sticking with my old pannier for a couple years now. I should just really learn to plan ahead for grocery shopping and take one of my cheapo grocery-hauling panniers to work with me.
I hear you on the thrilling city commutes – I’m a Chicago commuter, and I spend a lot of time tangling with taxis and trucks in the downtown area, too. Not many bike lanes around here yet, but mostly people are pretty aware of bikers these days on the streets.
Gah…what a great start to biking season – I got hit by a car door on my ride home yesterday, thrown about 6 feet, and am very sore, bruised and scraped today. And my bike needs a new handlebar…guess the new pannier is out for awhile. I’m just hoping I’ll be healed in time for the 50 mile charity ride I’m signed up for on Sunday.
I am VERY thankful for my helmet, and for the nice guy who helped me put my bike back together after the crash. It could have been a lot worse. Be safe out there, bikers!
Jenn! Holy moly! What a way to start the season, indeed. I am so glad to hear you’re ok and generally unscathed… and SO glad you’re a helmet-wearer. Yikes. How are you feeling about riding? Did you get back on the horse today?
The fear of being doored is what keeps me as focused as I can be on the road. It’s a really scary proposition… and insanely common… Ick.
Hey Jenn – Glad you’re alive. Getting doored is the bane of many a city biker, and often the door wins. Bikers everywhere should keep at least 3 feet from parked car’s “door zone” and take the full lane when there isn’t enough room on the road (look up Section 1234 in DOT law). Don’t let yourself get bullied by impatient drivers either. The worse that could happen in a dooring situation is getting doored then falling into traffic.
As for panniers, I 2nd the Orlieb panniers. Easy on and off, waterproof and come with a shoulder strap (though a thin one). If you’re on and off your bike a lot and don’t to carry stuff on your back or bother with a pannier, the ‘ol backpack and milkcrate strapped to a rack works pretty well. It’s fairly practical and gives your bike that special food delivery look.
Stay safe!
I recently got my bike back in working order (well, my lovely boyfriend did) and I biked to work one day last week. It was fantastic, except I had gotten pretty hot and sweaty by the time I got there — and that was wearing shorts and a tank top, and the trip is only about 3.5 miles! Unfortunately it’s already like 80 degrees outside when it’s time to head to work, and even worse on the way home. It would be brilliant if we had a shower at work, but I like the suggestions about keeping towels and dusting powder at work. I might have to try that!
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My partner ordered the Arkel utility bag for my birthday yesterday, and I’m really hoping it will live up to its reviews. I want something that can handle books, groceries, and occasional other miscellaneous items and last me a while. I hate buying things that are poorly made, especially when they cost an arm and a leg too.