I'm seriously thinking about riding my bike to and from work. Tom thinks I'm fooling myself, I want the exercise and a new adventure. Does anyone do this? Any tips and/or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

I had a job that was close enough to ride my bicycle to work
obviously, completely seasonal - and - gotta keep an eye on the weather for rain - and wind.
rush hour traffic: YIKES. wholly impatient. but - stay on the side of the road WITH traffic - even if on the sidewalk!
drivers coming up on drivesway & side streets only look one way: into traffic. if you are going the other way - gonna be a mess.

and - of course next: are ya gonna get sweaty on the ride....where will you keep your bike.....do you need to carry things....lunch....

when I did this - I only did it on "choice" days. sunny. low wind. medium temps.

Just be careful of those nuts in the cages.


Steve

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Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't.

Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

It all depends on the traffic patterns and hills between you and work, also, a change room at work.

I rode a bike to work for 4 years. It had its advantages, but, I didn't have to go on 4 lane roads, and the hills were not bad. I was able to boil a 1/2 hour bus ride down to 7 minutes to and 10 minutes from. (uphill going home).

Helmet, yes. High visibility yes. Remember, car drivers don't see motorcycles and don't see bicycles even more.

Map out a safe route and then have eyes in the back of your head.

Arn

Thanks guys, I mapped out a plan of attack that wouldn't have much traffic. All back roads and farms, I rode it the other day and didn't run into many cars at all. The roads are pretty much flat around here, with slight grades so I don't think that will be a problem. Once I get the new tires on and a helmet I'm gonna practice riding 1/2 way there and home again or a bit more. That way I know I'll know about how long it will take me to get there, and what time to leave.

I pulled my bike from the basement, I want to get road worthy tires, I've got nubbies on it now, but with riding 32 miles a day, I'd rather have less resistance. I've got to get a helmet, wouldn't do it without one, and I want to get lights for it plus, reflective wear. I figure a backpack with extra clothes and a lunch will be lightweight enough to toss on my back. I'll probably end up storing some extra water, shampoo and hair dryer in my locker along with a towel and soap to clean up a bit. (Our air at work isn't the best so I'm always sweating by the time I get out to my route anyway) I did get myself a pair of bike capris (not the tight ass stuff) so everything won't go numb, been there done that and it's rather weird when that certain area is numb. lol It just wouldn't look quite right me rubbing myself when I get to work! Anything else you guys can think of??

16 miles one way is a bit of a hike if you aren't used to it. Figure 10 mph average, and you are about 1.5 hours each way. I don't think you'll be able to get it down to an hour.

I do 1 hour cardio on my stationary but that is controlled exercise.

If you are conditioned to it though, it is certainly do-able. Go for it.

Arn

I know, 16 miles isn't the easiest thing to do, but, call me crazy, I somehow want to do this.

Gotta work my way up to it, then go for it!

Thanks Arn

[This message has been edited by fierogirls-mom (edited 06-13-2011).]

quote Originally posted by fierogirls-mom: 16 miles isn't the easiest thing to do, but, call me crazy,

Crazy!

Jim

MY GOD woman, be careful. Now I'm gonna worry about you all the time.

In KY, we have lots of cyclists. Of course, they don't stick to bikeways or paths, they ride on our two lane narrow roads. I've almost hit them numberous times and have seen them hit a bunch. Personally, I think it's a form of sucide. Please reconsider this. I for one will miss you.

I won't be surprised if your next thread starts off complaining about those other guys on the road and how you almost got hit. Or, someone else informing us that you did get hit. Please rethink this.

Your friend

Ron

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Ron

Flashing lights and reflectors are cheap. You cant have too many as far as I am concerned.

quote Originally posted by WhiteDevil88: Flashing lights and reflectors are cheap. You cant have too many as far as I am concerned.

Excellent advice, I agree.

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Ron

My bicycle commute is the same distance as your, 16 miles each way by bicycle. I ride a road bike so it takes be anywhere from 50-70 minutes depending on the wind and traffic lights. I usually make it right around 55 minutes. According to my GPS program, I burn about 1700 calories each day that I ride to work. Your numbers will be a bit lower since I doubt you weigh 210 pounds.

Since I only commute 2-3 times a week, I bring extra cloths and lunches on the days that I drive. I keep a wash cloth, towel, rubbing alcohol and deodorant at work for washing up. The rubbing alcohol does a great job of taking the sweat off, it kills the bacteria that causes BO and it evaporates quickly. The only down side is that it stings a bit if you have any scratches or cuts. No one knows that I rode my bike to work unless they see my bike. That is exactly how I like it.

It is great exercise and it is nice to be in the open air, not that you need extra air being a letter carrier. It is great for people like me that have desk jobs.

For visibility, I have a flashing headlight and tail light that I have on even during daylight. I also wear bright colored jerseys and I have a neon green wrist and ankle band. I also record my commutes with my HD helmet cam in case something bad happens. If I end up in the hospital or dead because someone ran me over, at least they will be able to ID the vehicle from the camera. I have had a few close calls but no accidents yet. I ride very defensively. If I don't make eye contact with a driver, then I assume they have not seen me. It has saved me a number of times.

.

[This message has been edited by Doug85GT (edited 06-13-2011).]

Be careful and have fun.

NIKE

Two words...."comfortable seat".....

I agree with those who say work up to it. Riding a stationary bike is different than riding a regular bike. Pick a distance, and ride that far and back. Each day, make it a little further before you turn around. Before you know it, it will be a piece of cake! I've thought a lot about riding my bike to work, as it would only take me about 20 minutes to a half hour. But then, I'm on a walking route...and the LAST thing I want to do at the end of a hot, summer day, is hop on a bicycle and pedal through the heat and humidity...

I have been riding my bicycle to work for most of this year, but my trip is just under four miles. I cross major streets at lights and travel on side streets. I average about 11 mph, but I am 56 years old.
It is great exercise and I enjoy it on most days.
As everyone says, be careful and keep your eyes open.

[This message has been edited by williegoat (edited 06-14-2011).]

quote Originally posted by fierogirls-mom: I'm seriously thinking about riding my bike to and from work. Tom thinks I'm fooling myself, I want the exercise and a new adventure. Does anyone do this? Any tips and/or advice would be appreciated. Thanks!!

I was riding a motorized bicycle for a while till I got a ticket (even though everyone else does it) and it was way to difficult to fight out of.
I went motorized because of the speeds I could accomplish (30-40mph). I didn't want anyone to fly up behind me cruising along at 5mph. People here drive very badly. I found it too dangerous to bike on the side of the road with our drivers.

Recommended:

Thanks for all the responses. Jim, who me crazy?? Doug, those tips are great! Ron, tell you what, the days I ride my bike to work, I'll pm you and then I'll let you know when I'm home in the afternoon, that way you don't have to worry about me everyday! lol I'm determined to do this, right Jake, just do it! Jeff, lots of lights and reflectors it is. Williegoat, saw your pics in the other thread, lookin good, figured you would answer me here. I'm not too far behind you at the ripe ole age of 49. Chriswf, hopefully the drivers around here aren't that bad! Spark1 that's a great shirt!!

I just got done doing 11+ miles in about 52 minutes. I would have done more, but there's a storm a blowing! I had a nice strong head wind the second lap. I guess that's not too bad nubby tires and all. I just went around the neighborhood since I don't have all my protective gear yet. The only thing that hurts, and yes litespd, I will have to get a nice comfy seat, yikes, is my well you know what! I kept on pushing my butt back as far as it would go to get some pressure off the other part down there! I've got to angle the front of the seat down slightly so I won't be numb next time. I also need to adjust my seat up a bit, that will take a bit more pressure off my knees, I wasn't getting full extensions with my legs. With those 2 adjustments, the ride tomorrow should be easier!! Hopefully it won't rain and I can do the full 16 miles or more. I wasn't even huffing and puffing much at all!! I'm so proud of me!

Thanks again for the input everyone! I'm excited, but a bit nervous.

quote Originally posted by litespd: Two words...."comfortable seat"..... I agree with those who say work up to it. Riding a stationary bike is different than riding a regular bike. Pick a distance, and ride that far and back. Each day, make it a little further before you turn around. Before you know it, it will be a piece of cake! I've thought a lot about riding my bike to work, as it would only take me about 20 minutes to a half hour. But then, I'm on a walking route...and the LAST thing I want to do at the end of a hot, summer day, is hop on a bicycle and pedal through the heat and humidity...

I can't emphasize this enough. I don't commute on my bike, and I only have a standard Schwinn medium duty mountain bike with all terrain tires- but my typical trip is in the neighborhood of 9-15 miles. One thing I hate about that bike, is the damn seat!! I don't know what to do, maybe I'll try one of those gel cushions- cause my AZZ hurts for days after a long ride. I usually get about 14-15 miles done in an hour of riding on average, on flat road. Good luck and be safe.

quote Originally posted by nitroheadz28: I can't emphasize this enough. I don't commute on my bike, and I only have a standard Schwinn medium duty mountain bike with all terrain tires- but my typical trip is in the neighborhood of 9-15 miles. One thing I hate about that bike, is the damn seat!! I don't know what to do, maybe I'll try one of those gel cushions- cause my AZZ hurts for days after a long ride. I usually get about 14-15 miles done in an hour of riding on average, on flat road. Good luck and be safe.

That much pain after such a short ride is usually caused by the seat being too high and rocking your hips in the seat. Rocking your hips puts a lot of pressure on your nether regions and ass.

One way to tell if your seat is too high is to pedal with one foot and the other off its pedal. Then do it again with the other foot. If you feel your leg is stretching to stay on the pedal at the bottom of the stroke, then your seat is too high. Keep lowering it until you can pedal with each foot without stretching to reach the pedal and without rocking your hips.

.

Yep, I ride to work 2-3 times a week.

32 mile round trip is quite a bit to bite off to begin with, especially with knobby tires. You might want to start off with something less than that full distance. Here's one way to work up to it: put your bike in your car, drive half way, and do your commute from there. Then, as you get in better shape, park your car farther from work. Keep parking farther from work until you're doing the whole distance. I'd also recommend replacing the knobby tires with slicks. Good tires will make a huge difference.

Re: backpack... I wouldn't. Get a cheap rack and pair of panniers. A backpack will leave you VERY sweaty, and more tired. Panniers keep the weight off your back, and will reduce your fatigue.

Drive your route a few times, at the times when you expect to cycle it, and fine tune it as much as you can before venturing out on two wheels.

Before you do a commute to work in rush hour, ride your route on a weekend.

Do you have shower facilities at work? If not, you might be able to ride slowly TO work, and do a harder ride back home.

See this forum:

http://www.bikeforums.net/f...lay.php?20-Commuting

I spend at least as much time there as I do here. You can find lots of tips there.

Get lights if you're going to ride any time near dark. Flashing lights work best for being seen. Leave all your reflectors on. If they've been removed, put them back on. They're probably legally required in your state, and if removed, it could result in someone getting away with running you over with no legal repercusions. That's the case in Alabama. Also, reflectors moving up & down (on the pedals) scream "bicycle" like nothing else.

Re: the seat... If you start off with shorter distances, and gradually build up, you will "get used" to the seat.

quote Originally posted by fierogirls-mom: I'm not too far behind you at the ripe ole age of 49.

49 here, too.

quote Originally posted by fierogirls-mom: I just got done doing 11+ miles in about 52 minutes.

Pretty good pace, especially with knobbies. With some good tires, 16 miles should be no problem.

Main thing is, be as visible and as predictable as possible.

Good luck.

Nitro, boy do I feel your pain! I rode today and my azz hurt so bad, it was hard to finish the 12 miles!! Going out tonight for a better seat!!

Formula (I've got a formula too! ) Thanks for the tips! They were great. Does that mean I'm not crazy wanting to do this at our age!! After my 11 mile ride yesterday I did an hour on my elliptical. My quads were burning, today they felt fine. I guess I'm not doing to bad for my age! So with the mileage and the eliptical, I don't think I will have to much of a problem hoofing it to work. lol My slick tires came today, can't wait to try them!!!

Thanks again for everyones help. I really appreciate it!!

quote Originally posted by fierogirls-mom: Formula (I've got a formula too! ) Thanks for the tips! They were great. Does that mean I'm not crazy wanting to do this at our age!!

Well.... If you ask my wife... she'd probably say that you and I are both crazy.

quote Originally posted by fierogirls-mom: After my 11 mile ride yesterday I did an hour on my elliptical. My quads were burning, today they felt fine. I guess I'm not doing to bad for my age!

I'd say you're in good shape for a 16 mile ride. I don't know if I could do that and have my legs feel fine the next day. In fact, I'd guess that you've been doing something aerobic all along. That's too much endurance for a typical couch potato (and no, I'm NOT calling you a couch potato). One other thing regarding this... sometimes your legs will feel just fine... until you start pedaling... then they feel like rubber. If I ride too hard or too far on a ride, I'll have rubber legs for a couple of days. They may feel fine just walking or sitting around, but they'll protest if I get back on the bike. I let them rest for a day or two, and I'm fine again. I'm to the point now that I can ride to work every day if I want, but if I try a longer, harder ride, I can wind up with rubber legs again.

quote Originally posted by fierogirls-mom:So with the mileage and the eliptical, I don't think I will have to much of a problem hoofing it to work. lol My slick tires came today, can't wait to try them!!! Thanks again for everyones help. I really appreciate it!!

You'll like the slicks. Be sure to check back in and let us know how it went.