Biking to work

Public transportation where I live is butt, so next semester I'm thinking of going to work on two wheels.

I work in three different locations, the furthest of which is about an hour by bike, probably, which to me isn't that much effort. I'm looking for a second hand bike or putting one up from spare parts.

I'm more worried about the logistics:

a) what will I do about the sweat?

b) what about when it rains?

c) what if I get hit by a car?

d) what if I get held up (a real risk 'round these parts)?

Anyone here ever go to work by bike on a regular basis? Why and how did you manage the above eventualities?

Thanks.

 

I used to bike to work many years ago. Sweat wasn't a problem. I biked early in the morning and it was usually chilly. I do remember going into the bathroom to change and all that as soon as I got there. I nearly had one accident but it wasn't that close. Someone eventually stole my bike when I left it tied up at work overnight. (someone came to pick me up)

Rain wasn't an issue as far as I remember. Maybe I would wait it out under something? Wear a hoodie?

 

I used to ride my bike or longboard to work every day almost, even though I have two cars. Now I live 5 miles from work so I drive.

But

a) jump in the ocean sometimes, but I work in a shop and sweat all day

b) rain feels good. Bring a backpack with extra clothes in a waterproof bag

c) be aware of your surroundings, and if that happens I guess it's just that time

d) carry a gun or knife and kill them

 

I wish I could ride a bike to work. I have an hour drive in a car, so a bike is out of the question.

I think that if you map out the safest route, wear reflective clothing, drive defensively, wear a poncho in the rain, and take a change of clothes, body wipes and antipersperant/deoderant with you to freshen up in the bathroom, you should be covered.

 

I ride a lot. Usually 10-20 miles on an average ride. I used to do it maybe 5 days/week but not so much anymore. Anyway, make sure you know the laws of your state and ALWAYS have your lights on. Headlight and tail light. Not only is it good for your safety but in some areas...if someone hits you...nothing will happen to them if you don't have lights on... even if they were at fault. I have friends who have given me a hard time about always having my lights on but I ride in traffic...sometimes 55 mph traffic. Batteries are cheap and I have my lights on for my own safety. And wear a helmet.

 

5 miles? You can knock that out on a bike in 20 minutes or less pretty easily.

 

Switchblade. Still getting around the red tape for a burner.

Thanks, wcw and Wizard for the good advice.

 

First Ask Him To Describe The Terrain In That 5 Miles...



Cheers Glen.

 

Yeah it takes me 15-20 when I ride up there to the bars or cruise around with friends. But I'm always late in the mornings these days and quite frankly, too worn out. I've been thinking about getting a track bike and back into riding.

 

Flat :2thumbsup:

 

Good point. Probably 5 miles, uphill both ways in the snow.

 

What are you riding right now?

 

Piece of cake then!

 

That's ironic. Carrying a gun legally here is a right unless you are a felon or have domestic violence history, but automatic knives are a grey area and for all intents and purposes illegal.

This is my knife of choice



Assisted opening - may as well be an automatic.

 

Usually my beach cruiser, chopped the seat tube and mini apes.. not the best for longer rides. I used to live where everything was in a 20 block radius so we were all about style.

And I have a mountain bike that's all modified to hell from when I lived up north.

I'll go take a pic of the cruiser.

 

Yeah...probably won't be holding a lot of speed with a beach cruiser or mountain bike. Might have to add some time to the work route with those.

 

I've never really gotten into track bikes or road bikes, ridden a few and they are definitely fast. But I can kick this thing hard and haul ass believe it or not. I almost died on this bike too. My birthday maybe 3 years ago. Wasted of course. Grabbed onto my buddies jeep at a stop sign and he nailed it, so I'm riding one handed had to be at least 30 mph and hit a pothole/manhole cover. One of the sketchiest moments of my life. I've calmed down.. this is like a symbol of my past now.

 

Nice looking bike though. I did something like that back in high school only I was being towed by a moped. Damn near killed myself when I hit a huge pothole. I have no idea how fast we were going but I went over the handle bars.

I ride a road bike. It's drilled and built for speed. I love it but it but you have to be careful about what surface you're riding on. I've blown some tires.

 

Yeah I have no idea how I didn't eat it. I've gone over the bars on this bike also though, couldn't work for 2 weeks and my shoulder is still jacked up some days.

Do you carry extra tubes with you? I see the road bike guys on the side of the road all the time changing tubes.

 

Fixed Wheel, No Gears, That's A Rough Way To Cover 5 Miles...



Cheers Glen.