My work commute situation. Vastly improved.

[vash]

My last long commute to work was Monday. 2.5 hours, one-way. Sadly I didn't even mind it. Crushing traffic jam, and I'm happily idling down the highway listening to morning DJ's talking smack about the kardasians. That's the worst part - my commute became my normal.

Introducing my new commute ride. (Now if Mr El Niņo would give me a break)



Let's do this.


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

[creaturecat]

more like Vashly improved. : )

[vash]

I need some baggage and panniers. Sad, I want Nitto. $$$


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

[vash]

Originally Posted by creaturecat

more like Vashly improved. : )

Hah!


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

[craigster59]

You gonna start wearing skinny jeans and grow a handlebar mustache too?

[vash]

Originally Posted by craigster59

You gonna start wearing skinny jeans and grow a handlebar mustache too?

i wish i could grow facial hair..but what i can grow just looks like dirt.

i've seen Cantdrv55 in skinny jeans..so NO!

[group911@aol.co]

How long is the commute now?
Rode to work for 25 years and it's addicting. Fresh snow on the bike path was my favorite.

[Deschodt]

Please let us know how long it takes before you start running traffic lights, stop signs, and flipping off car drivers ;-) Congrats !

[vash]

Originally Posted by group911@aol.co

How long is the commute now?
Rode to work for 25 years and it's addicting. Fresh snow on the bike path was my favorite.

11 miles oneway.

i'm hoping..no PRAYING my new house is in the same neighborhood..so targeting to keep it around 11.

[aigel]

That's awesome. Get some ORANGE clothing. And blink rear lights. It is proven just an orange jacket reduces your chances of getting tagged by a car by 50%.

I started taking the train last November and connecting it with the bike. I am doing 18 miles round trip. It is awesome. It takes time, but I don't have to worry about getting my cardio in. My biking fitness has vastly improved, making a weekend MTB ride with some younger guys enjoyable. I bit the bullet and bought a monthly ticket for March. I am riding, rain or shine. Just get some rain gear, it holds up reasonably well. Still much nicer to be soaking wet than sitting in traffic going 4 mph ...

Edit: 90% of my bike rides are for work now. I am going to go over the 700 mile mark today for 2016. 60 hours in the saddle with over 80 mi/week.

G

[aigel]

Few more tips:

- get your tires thorn proof. That means either thorn proof tires or tire liners and add slime for good measure. They will be heavier, but you need the exercise ...
- Get a back rack, so you have your clothes / lunch etc. off your back. Much more comfortable not sweating under a backpack.
- Install fenders for the rain and wet roads after rain,

G

[Otter74]

Originally Posted by vash

Introducing my new commute ride. (Now if Mr El Niņo would give me a break)

Yes! This is the best way to commute if you can arrange your life this way. I've been commuting (and doing all of the rest of my daily transpo) by bike, all year round, for almost 8 years now. I never want to go back to having to drive to work.

[vash]

i think next month is bike to work month.

my office holds a contest with logged miles. 22 miles a day wont win it, but it will be close.

i need fenders and Panniers..and the full lighting assembly. i'm lucky..most of my riding will be along a series of bike paths i can string together. at least that is what Goggle is showing me.

[mikeferg75]

I'm lucky enough to be able to do it by trail. About 90 percent dirt, with a short bike path through campus.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Congrats!

I used to commute by bike too. Miss it greatly.
I'll chime in with some more 2cent advice- regarding rain gear.
If you don't have any- go with something that is light and breathable. Try to avoid the low budget plastic stuff, which always seems to keep in more perspiration than keep out water. The extra $$ in higher quality rain garb makes a big difference.

I am so jealous!

[berettafan]

if lots of stop and go I wonder if regular pedals with cages would be a bit easier. clips are great for long safe rides but i'm not a fan in any sort of urban environment.

[aigel]

Originally Posted by berettafan

if lots of stop and go I wonder if regular pedals with cages would be a bit easier. clips are great for long safe rides but i'm not a fan in any sort of urban environment.

I have platform pedals in winter. These have a ton of grip with the screw studs and I can wear boots (including rubber boots on bad rain days!)

Amazon.com : Wellgo MG-1 Magnesium Sealed Platform Pedal, 9/16-Inch, Black : Bike Pedals : Sports & Outdoors

Summer I clip in with these, so I can still ride with non bike shoes on a whim or stay unclipped as needed:

http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-A530-Sport-Dual-sided-Pedal/dp/B0014UG3WE/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1457553903&sr=1-4&keywords=shimano+clipless


G

[aigel]

Speaking of rain gear. Can you guys recommend a good shoe cover, pant, jacket set? I have a jacket that is only light duty (gets soaked in a good down pour), using my hunting camo pants (too short) and water tight boots. It works okay but in heavy down pours water gets in on top of the boots and the jacket is sub par ...

G

[group911@aol.co]

Wear Teva's and don't worry about wet shoes.

Originally Posted by aigel

Speaking of rain gear. Can you guys recommend a good shoe cover, pant, jacket set? I have a jacket that is only light duty (gets soaked in a good down pour), using my hunting camo pants (too short) and water tight boots. It works okay but in heavy down pours water gets in on top of the boots and the jacket is sub par ...

G

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Originally Posted by aigel

Speaking of rain gear. Can you guys recommend a good shoe cover, pant, jacket set? I have a jacket that is only light duty (gets soaked in a good down pour), using my hunting camo pants (too short) and water tight boots. It works okay but in heavy down pours water gets in on top of the boots and the jacket is sub par ...

G

I can't remember the names of what I have off hand.EDIT- I DO REMEMBER (went and looked). Nothing too special. Performance pants/jackets made by Burlington with some Xalt label (whatever that is). What I do remember, is that was breathable. I got my pants in 2002. They cost a bundle. I also remember buying a cheap pair of pants/jacket at the same time, and they have amounted to little more than making me a human terrarium. I retired them to the trunk of my volvo as emergency garments- when it struck me that they retained soooo much moisture- they probably would cause more harm than good, so I tossed them. I've been pretty lucky finding stuff in person in the performance store and can tell on the spot if it is good or not. Ordering online? not so much. Sorry I cannot remember the names. Also- the jackets included with team/professional kits aren't worth a whole lot either as far as I care. I like things solid in the front to break the wind (no pun intended), and breathable in the back for riding road bikes- but for commuting at lower speeds- I'd want breathable all around.

Also-fwiw- on fenders- I love perusing the internet and doing google searches on wooden fenders/bamboo fenders/ etc.-They are beautiful. Some gorgeous- especially on that celeste green looking surly of yours- however- they do not hold up (well- at least the bamboo ones). Just get some planet bike plastic fenders from performance- they hold up for the commutes and are relatively cheap and very adjustable.

For panniers- just get something waterproof for the rear. I've tried garmet bags which fold over the rear rack- but they still end up wrinkling the clothing and don't have much space. I always liked true rear bags where you could chuck a lunch into them or a drink, or a book or something.