Commuting to work by bike
in Cycling ·
Betty Palmer8 said:So, last year I decided to finally pull the trigger and buy a bike, thinking I’d make the commute to work my new thing. But honestly? Two weeks in, I already threw in the towel. It turns out I just get way too sweaty, and there is nothing worse than sitting at a desk for eight straight hours feeling gross. I mean, I even tried being prepared—I’d carry a spare shirt and some wet wipes in my bag—but it still wasn't cutting it. Anyway, I have... 11 milesSo, I live in Washington, D.C., but my commute takes me out to San Jose, passing right through the Remetinec area—which means I'm looking at about 34...22 miles Every single day.
I’ve finally been feeling that itch to get back out there lately, but I have to ask—are you guys actually riding through the winter? Honestly, a few miles wouldn't phase me, but seventeen? That’s a bit of a trek. And what happens when the weather turns sour? Am I just going to be huddled in a raincoat all day? Then there’s the whole snow and slush situation... I can't help but wonder how comfortable it actually is to pedal through the freezing cold while bundled up in heavy winter gear. Is it actually doable, or am I just asking for trouble?
I’ve been commuting by bike for years now—every single day, without fail. 7.5 miles It’s all one way, isn't it? Just a straight shot in one direction. 7.5 miles On the flip side, we’re actually pretty lucky at my company because we have locker rooms with showers. Given how brutal this heatwave is, it’s a total lifesaver. I roll in every morning, strip off all my cycling gear, grab a quick shower, and just change into whatever I usually wear to the office. We don't exactly have a strict dress code or anything; the main rule is basically just being clean so you don't spend nine hours at your desk smelling like a gym bag. I usually ride at a pretty brisk clip—somewhere between 18 and 20 mph—so I definitely work up a sweat even in the early morning. Having those showers available is pure bliss. Plus, since our lockers are secure, I just stock up with a week's worth of clothes and commute in my kit every day. During the winter, I mostly stick to riding when the roads aren't covered in slush or ice. Honestly, the low temperatures don't bother me that much; once you get moving and start pedaling, you warm up pretty quickly. And even if I overdo it and sweat too much, again, thank God for the showers and private stalls! At this point, I try to bike whenever the weather stays dry, especially now that gas prices have skyrocketed to the point where it's giving me a literal headache. And I have to say, I’ve noticed I get incredibly agitated driving a car in this heat, even with the AC blasting. There's just something about being on a bike that keeps me calm. I've been commuting this way for five years now, and I wouldn't have it any other way.