So just a few weeks ago, I started doing what I’ve wanted to do for quite a while – bike to work. Unfortunately, I don’t live close enough to work to commute home to work and back. There isn’t a safe and direct route, and even if there were, I’d have to leave way too early at both ends. It’s just not feasible.
So my compromise was the drive part way, and then ride to work from a point closer in. I chose a local mall that ends up being just over 7 miles from work. It’s in a valley, so I end up with some nice climbs both to and from work.
My initial park and ride location works out well as I’ve got equal time on the bike and in the car. Granted, that means less mileage on the bike than in the car, but it’s a great first start. I’ve striven to do my bike commute three times a week – Monday, Wednesday and Friday. So far, I’ve been able to stick to that every day, save this past Monday. I think I’ve ridden in and back out six times and it’s been great – even the one in the rain wasn’t too bad.
The ride each way takes about 26 minutes on average, with the commute in taken a bit longer, and the ride home just a bit shorter. I’m loving it and have no complaints whatsoever. The time and distance are manageable and I love the built in hill training I get three days a week, twice a day. I also burn about 1000 calories a day, which is really nice. It’s been the perfect variety to my 2-3 group rides a week I strive for, and it’s been a really healthy way to start and end the work day – both physically and mentally. That alone, is enough reason and motivation to continue the triple commutes.
Related Posts:
Entries (RSS)