This is a follow up to my post about managing a training program around a hectic schedule and/or unexpected time constraints. You can read that post here.
My bike is my primary form of transportation to and from work. I ride in winter as well as summer and it has become part of my daily routine. Even when life gets in the way, I still get on that bike every day (rain or shine) to get to work. But I didn’t always have that kind of resolve. I had to learn a lot about myself, and about my preferences, to make bicycle commuting a fun and enjoyable experience.
Get the right bike – There are lots of options out there – road bikes, bmx, cruisers, fixies, vintage Raleighs. They’re all different, and the right one for you depends on what you want to do with it. Are you interested in style over speed? Or are you a performance hound? Or do you want to find a bargain, determined NOT to spend an entire paycheck on a bike? Find out which bike works for you, and don’t think you have to buy new.
There are some really great shops in Ottawa where you can ask for advice, get informed on parts and services, receive reasonably priced maintenance, and learn more about bikes in general.
Re-Cycles
Phat Moose
Tall Tree Cycles
Bertrands
Cyclelogik
It doesn’t hurt to know a bit about bike maintenance: how to change a tire and what air pressure it needs, when to oil your chain (and what product to use), and how to raise/lower your saddle and handlebars. Honestly, I ride every day, and that’s ALL I know how to do (or I know how to ask Angelo to do it for me!!).
Get the right accessories – your bike has a frame, a seat, handlebars, pedals and chain, and some wheels. It’ll get you from point A to point B, but to do it in comfort, and while staying relatively clean, you may need a bit more stuff. This could include fenders, a chain guard, lights (for those short winter days where it’s dark by 4pm), cages for your pedals, and a bell. Maybe even a basket, rack, or saddlebags if you want to get real fancy. You don’t need to get EVERY accessory on the planet when you first get your bike. Chances are, your “need to haves” will reveal themselves after a week or two of commuting.
Get the right gear – Getting dressed to ride your bike to work is by FAR the biggest hassle of commuting by bicycle. I used to try to get away with wearing my office clothes on the bike, but it just did NOT work for me. Things would get snagged, stained, soaked, or sweaty. I knew I had to get a better system. That means every morning I put on the following gear, just for my 10 minute commute: socks, shoes, tights, top, jacket, and helmet. Every single thing I wear on my bike ride gets changed when I get to work. That also means I need a bag that can hold all my stuff – which, on a workout day, can include:
work clothes
jewelry or accessories
wallet, keys, camera, junk
Morning snack
Lunch
Afternoon snack
workout clothes
running shoes
water bottle
Since I’m not a fan of saddle bags, I had to find a backpack that would be big enough to hold my stuff, but not too big to be encumbering.
At first, I tried to use Angelo’s messenger bags to carry all my things, but soon found them too huge for my needs (and WAY uncomfortable). Then I bought MEC’s $12 canvas pack, thinking it would be perfect, but it just wasn’t big enough for lunch, work clothes, AND my running shoes. I finally bought this backpack from the MEC, and I like it a lot.
It works for me. The rest of my gear was collected over time, and I usually try to make due with what I have on hand. It’s not necessary to go out and buy the most expensive, the most high-tech, the most fashionable, item in the world. You just need to find out what works FOR YOU.
These rubber shoes were found at a flea market for $0.75, and my rain jacket is a hand-me-down from Angelo.
Get in the right mind frame – It’s easy to look at the inconveniences of riding a bike to work (like having to bring a change of clothes or having to carry all your stuff on your back). But let’s not forget how satisfying riding a bike can be, and the experience should be much more energizing than taking the bus or car. To take the fear out of commuting by bike, and to make the experience enjoyable, I would suggest reading up on bike safety and effective riding before you hit the road. There are lots of things you can do to minimize your chance of accident. The most important piece of advice that I can give a cyclist traveling in traffic is to be predictable. Don’t weaving, don’t make erratic decisions, don’t dart in and out of traffic. Drivers will be able to navigate around you, and you’ll gain traffic confidence in no time. I would suggest contacting your municipality for more information on particular traffic laws in your town or city, and while you’re at it, lobby for more bike lanes, too!!
Get the right route – Some people want to get to work as fast as they can, while others would go out of their way to avoid a certain road or intersection. This totally depends on your comfort level. There is no point in taking a shorter route if it fills you with dread and stress every morning. Choosing a bike path might alleviate a lot of bike-riding stress, even if it adds 10 minutes to your commute. Or you may discover that by traveling one or two blocks out of your way, there is a road that has less traffic lights, lighter traffic, and saves you time in your overall commute.
Get the right lock – There is nothing worse than walking up to a bike rack and looking at an empty space where your bike used to be. Getting your bike stolen SUCKS, and it happens ALL THE TIME. There are lots of locks out there, but make you sure you get one from a reputable company. Always lock your bike frame (the triangle part), and not the saddle or the fork. If you have quick release wheels, you can remove them and either bring them with you to your desk or lock them to your bike. I don’t have quick release wheels, so I just lock my frame, and call it a day.
And finally, riding a bike to work is just like any other new habit, it takes time to master. Some days you’ll feel like it’s too much of a hassle, or realize you have a flat, or look out at the rain and dive into your hidden stash of bus tickets. It happens to all of us. Remember that one missed bike ride does not make you a failed commuter. But if you get a plan that works for you, and you stick to it, you’ll see that after a while, prepping your bike ride will become second nature and you’ll find biking more relaxing than any of the other forms of transportation available.