Motorcycle Commuting

[Rick Lee]

I rode out to Irvine weekend before last. Wish I had had a camera mounted for the ride home through Santa Ana winds. Once I got out of that, I was doing over 100 mph for hours at a time, so 4x speed would have looked really quick.

[Tidybuoy]

Nice video, I need to make one of my own some day. I commute 28 miles every day but 95% is freeway. I actually love it as I get my adrenaline going evertime I ride. My favorite part of my commute is on the way home where I split-lane at the red lights, it always gives me a good feeling when I cut to the very front of the line. For the record, I don't ever split lane at high speeds and try to be respectful to other drivers.

[Eric at Pelican Parts]

I've always wanted a bike, but I fear the stupidity of other drivers.. Already deal with lot of people driving like idiots on the daily, but I think i'd be dead if I were to commute on a bike. Even with headlights on and two brothers racing exhaust on my friends cbr1000rr he was hit in daylight. Car pushed him into the median and fell off his bike, skidding across 4 lanes on the freeway... miraculously not getting run over. After that, I told myself nope, I'd rather die in a car.

[Porchdog]

Nice video Jacob!

I have to say, not my cup of tea.

How much time do you think you save Vs. a car?

[Tidybuoy]

Originally Posted by jwasbury

I practice ATTGATT (full face helment, gloves, Armored textile jacket and pants, motorcycle boots).

I do as well - no exceptions. I actually prefer to wear motorcycle gear when on the bike. It's more comfortable and also keeps me warm. I have several sets of gear for both cold and hot weather.

[JackDidley]

Great video. The 4 miles is pretty exciting at 4x speed. Probably not boring at 1x speed.

[vash]

Can you please tell us about the camera set up?

[jwasbury]

Originally Posted by Porchdog

How much time do you think you save Vs. a car?

That particular journey was 13min in real time. On average I'd say I halve the commute time vs. other modes of transit. MC really shines when the traffic is snarled up as you can keep moving while larger vehicles are gridlocked.

[jwasbury]

Originally Posted by vash

Can you please tell us about the camera set up?

Nothing too special. A Polaroid Cube camera, mounted to the handlebar using RAM mount components.

[VINMAN]

Spent many many years commuting and driving around NYC on a bike. DO NOT miss it one bit!

I stopped after way too many close calls.



.

[vash]

Originally Posted by jwasbury

Nothing too special. A Polaroid Cube camera, mounted to the handlebar using RAM mount components.

got cha!! so not a "round the clock loop recorder" if the bikes on, it's recording?

i might film my commute tomorrow. play it back 5x so it doesnt bore anyone..hope i dont have any close calls to cattle.

[Tidybuoy]

Originally Posted by Porchdog

How much time do you think you save Vs. a car?

For me personally, I save a lot of time commuting on a bike. I am able to get around slow cars very easily and I generally split-lane at red lights so I am always at the front. When freeway traffic slows to a crawl, I will split lane up the middle but I never do that when traffic is moving at a normal pace. I probably never split lane any faster than 20mph and that might even be high (I'll have to check it next time).

I feel like I have much less commuting stress and actually enjoy the ride. I compare my riding to skiing; I am totally focused on the ride and my surroundings. Sometimes I take the long way just because it's fun.

The one thing that does slow me down is getting on the gear (i.e., helmet, gloves, pants, jacket, etc..). When I walk out of work with friends, they are always out the parking lot before me - but, I always catch them

[Evans, Marv]

Since I live in a rural area, I only use my bike for errands usually. I enjoy riding where there isn't much traffic, so riding is pretty stress free compared to riding in commuter traffic. Many decades ago, the bike I had then was my only way of getting around for several years. I finally gave it up and bought a car. I was tired of people turning left in front of me, changing into my lane without looking, looking directly at me as they changed into my lane, and not noticing me as they charged up behind. I also felt my number was coming up eventually. I'm glad I can get on my bike and just enjoy the sun, air, and the experience.

[vash]

going into San Francisco. it's like running the gauntlet.

you save LOTS of time on a motorcycle. if i ever get a transfer into Oakland, i am buying a lane splitting , road carving, fuel sipping commuter..

and rain gear of the gods.