How to ride my bicycle to work 100 times in 2008
How I did it: This is a pretty straightforward goal - bike to work 100 times. However, I had to learn a number of things to do this:
- First, figure out the best and safest route from my home to work (about a 10-mile trip).
- Second, figure out how to store my bike and extra clothing a work; get access to my office building's shower room.
- Third, equip my bike with enough stuff to carry my gear (mounting a rack, getting a bag to carry everything).
- Fourth, in the fall of 2007, I had to research which lights provided enough lighting so I felt safe riding in darkness
- Finally, by winter of 2007-2008, I learned how to equip myself to ride in the rain.
Lessons & tips: 1. Practice your route on a weekend, before you really have to do it on a work day.
2. Pack the night before! Much easier to stay motivated in the morning (esp. if it's wet and cold) if your bike and clothes are already packed the night before.
3. Have a backup plan. Take alternative transportation when the weather is too bad or you're sick.
4. You can commute safely on an inexpensive bike if it's well maintained and well equipment. But don't skimp on lighting, cold weather layers or rain gear.
Resources: - Dinotte Lights
- Specialized BG Defroster mountain bike shoes (warm boots for winter / wet riding)
- Showers Pass rain jackets - the best!
- Glove liners
- Craiglist - for finding old bikes to fix up as commuters
