Over 1,000 miles of bicycle commuting... - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

OutdoorPhoto.com · 11-30-2008, 12:31 PM

June 2008 marks the month I started commuting to work on my bicycle. I started with once a week, moved up to twice a week and now regularly bike to work three days in each work week (usually MWF).

My round-trip distance is about 20-22 miles.

As we head into December 2008 I've racked up over 1,000 miles of bicycle commuting.

And folks...

It's been a ton of fun. I look forward to my "bike days". With the traffic here in Stone Oak (in San Antonio) I routinely pass by dozens of cars stuck on Blanco Road on my ride home.

If you own a bike, give some serious thought to commuting. It doesn't have to be to/from work. It could simply be a bicycle ride down to the store, or a quick ride to the local restaurant.

I routinely make stops on my commute. I stop at the drugstore to get misc groceries and I've biked on Sunday mornings with my Dad to local restaurants (usually within a round-trip distance of 8-12 miles).

If you have bicycle commuting questions, please don't hesitate to ask and for the latest news on my cycling adventures, pay a quick visit to my bicycle blog.

ploddinTod · 11-30-2008, 03:35 PM

First off, Justin, you must be applauded for doing the green thing. But I have a question: Do motorists give you respect out on the roads, streets and highways? Right now that's my greatest fear.

OutdoorPhoto.com · 12-01-2008, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ploddinTod

First off, Justin, you must be applauded for doing the green thing. But I have a question: Do motorists give you respect out on the roads, streets and highways? Right now that's my greatest fear.

When I decided to try commuting to work on my bicycle, I was basically labeled as "crazy" by coworkers and friends because of those "horrible, San Antonio drivers".

With almost six-months of bicycle commuting behind me, I have to say that 95% of the drivers I encounter share the road. The other 5% are pond scum that you learn to live with.

That said, a lot of the bicycle commuting experience is my responsibility. Do I leave on bike commute days at the same time I do on drive days? No. I leave much earlier and have the streets to myself on the ride INTO work.

Bicycle commuting can be done safely but does require proficiency in handling your bicycle and some "street smarts" to reduce the risk. Buying a new bicycle after not riding for many years and launching off into traffic is a recipe for disaster. Drivers need you to ride efficiently and predictably.

I will continue to share my experiences on my cycling blog for other folks to learn from.

Shannon · 12-08-2008, 10:14 PM

Be sure to cross-post a link to your review(s) of your new Trek Valencia commuter bike.

Shannon · 02-10-2009, 10:47 AM

It had to happen at some point, I guess, but I'm glad he's OK and "just" a bit bruised and battered -- Justin had a bike crash/wipeout yesterday morning on his commute to work. Thankfully, no motor vehicles or other bicyclists or pedestrians were involved... just him and his bike on the slick pavement.

His post: Geek Habitat » Guardian Angels

Troop198 · 02-10-2009, 10:12 PM

Justin, glad to see it was not too bad a spill, and your doing well.

But taking pictures of your bruises not that's a new wave.

Hopefully all future pictures are scenery

and keep on rolling

Shannon · 02-22-2009, 10:17 PM

We document everything, from knee surgeries to kidlet's travels to even bike spills. It's all part of life. :-)

Today's ride, via my Twitter update just now:
ageekmom 33.25 mile road bike ride to Castroville, TX w/my beloved @bikegeek -> MotionBased TrailNetwork Invitation Rockin'. Training for Tour de Gruene! less than 5 seconds ago from web

Pics from Sunday's ride w/Justin -> http://flickr.com/photos/wildtexas/a...en/2009/02/22/

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