Biking to Work

[MarkBarbieri]

Anyone plan on riding their bike to work during Bike to Work Week?

I did it for the first time yesterday. I took a change of clothes up to the office the day before so I wouldn't have to carry much on the bike. My ride was about 9 miles. It was very pleasant - cool temps, dry air, no wind. Most of the route had wide shoulders or bike paths. The roads are lined with wildflowers and trees.

I've got a lot of practice before I can do it comfortably. My backside was very sore. My hands were numb. I didn't bring water, so I was thirsty on the way home. Still, it was a good experience. I saved money, got exercise, and helped the environment. I plan to do it somewhat regularly, but I haven't decided how often.

Next week I might take my video camera along and make a short movie version of my commute. It might serve as a motivator to others and it will be something fun to look back on as the area and my life change.

 

[mikamah]

Good for you Mark. That's a great accomplishment, and your backside will toughen up the more you do it.

That sounds like a great event, and like you said good exercise, good for the environment, and free. I love riding my bike, but haven't ridden to work. I'm only 3 miles from my job, and can just make it after work to pick up my son before his afterschool program closes 3 days a week. The other two days, I could do it, but don't think I'd be very fresh for work, if you know what I mean. Do you shower when you get to work? Or just freshen up. Plus there's the whole helmet hair issue.

They don't have an event in MA, but it looks like may 16th is the national day, and it is my short day at work, so I think I might try it.

My other question for you is how will you video? Will you set your camera up on your bike and video the whole way, or carry it and ride one handed? I can picture you cruising along with all your camera gear, riding no hands snapping away, and getting your usual awesome photos.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Our office has a really good fitness center. I'll shower there.

I have a clamp that will go on my handlebars. It has a stud on which I can mount a tripod head. I'll put the video camera on top of that. My wife is not at all happy with the idea of me mounting an expensive video camera on the bike, but life's no fun if you don't take some risks.

 

[PlainJane]

I plan on biking to my college classes in the fall. The school is so close, I just can't justify using the car to get there (except in a down poor or 40 and below temperatures).

 

[ckay87]

I would totally do this if my ride, one way, wasn't 20 miles!

Good for you, though, you should be proud of yourself!

 

[singingpixie]

Wow, I was just coming over here to post a thread about this!

I'm moving at the end of the month to an apartment much closer to work- only 5 miles or so away. My plan is to buy a bike and ride whenever I work a daylight shift (sometimes I work 2:30-10:30s, and I don't know that I want to ride that far in the dark).

I figure it'll save on gas, and will give me an excuse to get regular exercise!

Anyone have an estimate on how much time it'll take for me to ride 5 miles each way? How about calories burned?

 

[Mooshu]

I would guess about 20 - 25 minutes, depending on traffic, if there are hills, and how cold it is in the morning. I tend to ride slower if it's cold. LOL

I have an easy ride to work 1 1/2 miles straight, no hills, right down the street. I pass by a school, so I even have a crossing guard.

 

[mkymsehi]

I would guess about 20 - 25 minutes, depending on traffic, if there are hills, and how cold it is in the morning. I tend to ride slower if it's cold. LOL

I have an easy ride to work 1 1/2 miles straight, no hills, right down the street. I pass by a school, so I even have a crossing guard.

Mooshu, just three peddles, and you could coast to work. LOL.

 

[sk8ingmom]

Burn Calories, Not Carbon

 

[believe]

I am 17 miles from work, that is if you can take the expressway. It would be further to go through the cities. There are also lots of hills. Not sure where my lunch bag, purse and laptop would fit. If I lived closer and didn't lug as much I would do it.

 

[Raenstoirm]

I only work 2.5 miles from home, but I don't own a bike. i really need to get one, but I don't have anywhere to store it. The other issue, is there is no place to shower or clean up when I get to work, and I go to the gym after work, so I am not so sure I would be willing to bike to work, to the gym (run a few miles) and then bike home. That would be a long day!
Once I get home though, I never touch my car again. I walk to the grocery store, pet store and most every other place. And I drive a hybrid, so at least I am spewing less in to the atmosphere when I do drive.

 

[labdogs42]

Hmmm...I wonder if I could bike to my son's daycare to drop him off or pick him up? It is only about 2 or 3 miles from home (I work from home most days). I have a trailer that he rides in when we ride the rail trails. I'm kind of scared to try riding with the trailer on roads, but it sounds like an interesting idea. I'll have to see what kind of route I could map out that minimizes being on busy roads. I'll check it out. Good idea!

 

[sk8ingmom]

Hmmm...I wonder if I could bike to my son's daycare to drop him off or pick him up? It is only about 2 or 3 miles from home (I work from home most days). I have a trailer that he rides in when we ride the rail trails. I'm kind of scared to try riding with the trailer on roads, but it sounds like an interesting idea. I'll have to see what kind of route I could map out that minimizes being on busy roads. I'll check it out. Good idea!

Might not help you with your route to day care, but check out Traillink . It is a work in progress, but many trails have GPS maps and googlemap driving directions.

There are more miles of rail-trails in PA than any other state. Rail-trails are great for riding - less than 3% grade, and not on the road.

 

[Enchanted_Mama]

I bike to work, weather permitting, about 2-3 days a week. My ride is about 5 miles, very peaceful, suburban streets. When I started doing it last year, my butt was sore and I was winded pretty quickly. But after only a couple of weeks, my fitness level really improved greatly. Plus my legs and butt got nice and toned

 

[mkymsehi]

I bike to work, weather permitting, about 2-3 days a week. My ride is about 5 miles, very peaceful, suburban streets. When I started doing it last year, my butt was sore and I was winded pretty quickly. But after only a couple of weeks, my fitness level really improved greatly. Plus my legs and butt got nice and toned

Good for you!

I'll try to bike on Monday or Wednesday of next week, work assignments permitting.

UPDATE (Monday):

I made the 3 mile (downhill) bike ride from Princess #2's preschool to work, and it only took 13 minutes. Going home uphill will take me twice if not three times longer.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I am planning on some back/forth bike trips to work. We do not have shower facilities here so I'll have to do what I can to keep it low-sweat season or sponge bath sink refresh. I've got some paniers that have worn out and I'll need to replace so I can put change of clothes inside. I don't really want to add a back pack instead, but may do that to save $.

I need to start adding bike mileage to my work out routine.

 

[stego]

I did it 3 years ago and made the committment to do it EVERY Friday. It does get hot here in the Austin area in the summers: 95 high today. I have found that my tolerance is 20 degrees in the winter. But I do it...because I can! I have found that driving in I become stressed. Being on the bike...not so stressed. I have heard many, many folks using the excuse no shower...well I can atest I don't have a shower here at work and I get just as sweaty as anyone. How do I deal with it? I just do. I just got so sick and tired of making excuses...well, you're probably saying then stick your money where your mouth is and do it the 5 days you work. I try to find a balance and commuting is part of my training for my racing season. I have to find the time to run, hit the trails, do road/interval training, and spend each afternoon outside with my son. I found an alternative: I bought a scooter early this spring. Though it is a gas scooter, I have been scouring the 'net for a reasonably priced electric one. Currently the Vectrix is the only one, but at 11 grand it's out of my price range...for now. There will be a consumer demand and so it is only a matter of time. I have found that taking baby steps in fitness, health, and now commuting is how I have been adapting and sticking with it. Just last week I rode round trip to Weight Watchers with my son for the first time so it can be done.

 

[ghoulishgirl]

I just looked into a bike tune up today! I am hoping to ride to work eventually. I live about 8.5 miles from work. I haven't ridden my bike in years but with the cost of gas what it is here in California ( about $4 a gallon ) I am now seriously considering it. I am a bit fearful of riding in busy Silicon Valley traffic but I hope I will get used to it. I hope it improves my running and keeps my weight down!

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I recorded my commute today on my Garmin 305 GPS. For fun, I plotted it on Google Earth and posted the file. If you have Google Earth and want to see my route (along with my speed, pace, heart rate, and time), just download this kmz file.

 

[mkymsehi]

Check out my running mate Marcia's current adventure. It's a 595 mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

http://www.aidslifecycle.org/index.cfm

Day 1 and Day 2 completed on Sunday and Monday. Day 3 up on Wednesday.

Way to go Marcia, you rock girl!