3 posts tagged “commute”

You know, I don't think this winter cycling is that big of a deal.  It was - 8 C this morning with a light dusting of snow.  Nothing to fret about.  I did notice there was only one other bicycle locked to the bike racks at work instead of the three I saw yesterday.  The Canadian Winter must have claimed another life.  I blame the polar bears.  I honestly thought that commuting by bicycle in the winter would be more exciting.  It's not.  I don't see the need for a 'Day 3' post, but if something interesting happens I'll be sure to share.

Well today was my first day commuting in what could be called winter.  There was a nice dusting of snow one morning a few weeks back, but it was only -2 C out.  This morning was -7 C, and there was a bit more snow and ice.  The fact I'm typing this should prove that I survived.  I actually had a great time while I was at it.  Alexis was nice enough to lend me her bike so the salt on the roads wouldn't un-shine my bike.  What a keeper.

I kind of regret not buying a mountain bike (Alexis' bike is) in the spring.  Not that I don't like my Cross-Check, it's just that riding around on big ol' balloon tires is a blast.  I didn't even notice the rough sectioins of my commute.  No wonder Alexis is always smiling when we're out for a ride.

There is more snow tonight, so I'll have to see if I have as much fun tomorrow.  Two pairs of socks are my friend.

I've been commuting to work by bicycle for the past month or so since we sold our car.  Being predisposed to all things on two wheels it was a blast to start bicycling again after about 6 years without owning one.

That line, "It's like riding a bicycle, you never forget," is a bunch of bullshit.  You may remember how to balance a bicycle, but I hardly call that riding.  Wobbly may not be the best word, but it's the one I'll use.  My first few turns were interesting.  Who would have thought an 18 pound bicycle would be different than a 400+ pound motorcycle.  The nerve of physics, sheesh.  After the first week things were better, and I can even ride without hands on the handlebar now (just don't tell anyone, it's against the law 'round these parts).  I'm a little disappointed that a road bike frame doesn't bunny hop like I could my old mountain and BMX bikes, but it's a fair trade-off for speed.

Did I mention how fast bicycling is in Waterloo?  I assumed that commuting to work by bicycle would be slower than taking my motorcycle but I was wrong.  One way is about 5.5 km (3.4 miles for my U.S. WoW'ers).  It takes about 3 more minutes to get to the office by bicycle, but instead of having to walk from the parking garage, I get to lock up just outside the back door.  And changing out of my bicycle clothing into office attire is not big deal, because I had to do the same thing when I rode my motorcycle in.  So we'll call it a tie.

Now where bicycling is kicking taking a motorcycles ass is in the cost of petrol and the exercise.  I'm actually saving 20 to 30 minutes each day because I no longer have to go for a jog before work.  Also, the ride is a nice wake-up which is especially welcome because I don't drink coffee.  (Yes, Alexis, you're stash of organic/fair-trade beans are safe.)

All-in-all I can't recommend bicycling to work enough.  Even if you're dream ride is an Electra Betty Cruiser with streamers.  And anyone that rides motorycles can be happy to know that bicyclists are just as friendly, just resist the urge to wave.