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The Slacker’s Guide to Bike Commuting
by Tim Grahl
This article isn’t for the detail oriented bike commuters. It’s also not for the hardcore, race-to-work riders either.
This one is for those of us that don’t like to plan ahead. Bike maintenance isn’t our thing. We consider rain showers wash-day for our bikes. And we certainly aren’t using our daily commute as training for a race.
Commuting by bike is first and foremost supposed to be fun. Gas prices, ‘going green’ and health reasons can get people into bike commuting, but it’s the daily enjoyment that keeps us in the saddle day after day. And let’s face it, planning ahead and wearing lycra doesn’t sound much like fun to a good many of us.
So for my fellow slackers, here’s your guide to bike commuting:
- Ditch the patch kit, grab the cell phone – The worst thing about bike commuting is dealing with flat tires. Standing on the road next to your bike with a tiny, frustrating mini-pump trying to force air into your tire. So forget the patch kit and use your cell phone. If you get stranded on the way to work, call a buddy at the office to come get you. If you’re on the way home, call the significant other. It’ll take less time than fixing the flat on the side of the road and you’ll get to use your floor pump in the comfort of your own workshop.
- Check the weather, consider the car or bus – Let’s face it, riding to work in a downpour causes a lot of problems. It soaks you and everything you brought. Takes a lot more time to get ready for work. All in all, zaps all the fun right out of bike commuting. So if the weather sucks, don’t feel bad about grabbing your keys or walking to the nearest bus stop.
- Leave the lycra, wear your normal clothes – When I see another bike commuter on their way to work in full body spandex, it just looks difficult. The time changing, the extra cargo to carry, etc. My normal commuting attire is what I work in everyday. I roll up my pants and head out the door. Simple and comfortable.
- Use lights that run on generators – Dealing with batteries in your lights can be frustrating and dangerous. They will always go out on you right at the darkest point in your ride home. Consider spending the extra money on some Reelights or Pedalites. Both are great options for adding visibility to your bike without ever worrying about batteries.
- Don’t be ashamed to walk the bike – Your morning bike commute is not the Tour de France. There’s no grand prize and yellow jersey at the finish line. There’s no reason to grind up those hills if you stayed up until 3am last night watching X-files reruns and eating cereal (am I the only one that does that?). Feel free to get off the bike and walk up some of those hills. We’re trying to keep this fun folks.
- Take the flattest route possible – Remember that the shortest route is not necessarily the best. By using a tool like www.mapmyride.com you can view the elevation map of your route. Play around with different variations to see what makes for the easiest way to the office.
- For a long commute, consider driving part of it – If you’ve got a commute that’s to long for your physical condition or time restraints, try finding a public parking lot where you can stash your car. Drive halfway and then bike the rest.
You may also want to check out my Guide to a Simple Bike Commute.
to appreciate, I have to thank you such an article.
Can’t agree with the change of clothes thing. I like being able to ride hard and change out of my sweaty stuff. It also allows me to care a little less about the weather… if I get wet, I’ll be changing anyway. I know not everyone has the luxury of changing when they get to work, but if you can, the extra time is well worth it, at least to me.
Great article in general though! Reduced “hassle” = more happy commuters!
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Alright, I have to ask, as dumb as it sounds, but I can’t seem to find a clear answer anywhere… fenders on a mountain-type bike– feasible? Absurd?
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I commute 8 miles each way.Takes me about an hour. Maybe a little longer coming home as there’s more uphill in that direction. I do wear biking clothes though not skintight lycra! Padded shorts and wicking shirts greatly increase comfort. I live in the DC area and in even now (fall) it can be hot & humid which = very sweaty upon arrival. I change into the kind of light packable clothes that I bring on business trips (am a woman in case you’re wondering about the clothes. Men who need to wear suits might not have this option!). To clean up I use disposable body wipes. Fully agree with the article’s let’s keep this fun attitude. Whatever does that for you works. Be safe out there!
It was a very nice idea! Just wanna say thank you for the information you have shared. Just continue writing this kind of post. I will be your loyal reader. Thanks again.
know not everyone has the luxury of changing when they get to work,
Great article! I bike around DC a lot as well – while I’m not an expert uber bike guru, I get a total thrill out of getting around on a bike. That amazing feeling of passing all the cars stopped in traffic – priceless… and Anyone can do it!! This article is a great resource to just get going.
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Thanks for the article. I am considering selling my car and buying a commuter bike. Every other site I’ve seen is very hardcore. This makes it seem fun not to mention a good way to get myself to exercise. What about biking in the snow? Any suggestions?
I am guilty of doing some of the No No’s in your list. LOL.
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Thanks so much for the article. My commute is only 4 miles RT – so it’s nice to have some great pointers (like mapmyride.com)for us gentle riders. I SO enjoy my bike for this short distance and running errands and am not feelin the “hard core” biker vibe. Thanks again!
Yeah! I am also very lazy when it comes to caring things. I prefer to have a rainy day wash rather than wash it yourself
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Well I think in order to use any machine in a proper way, one has to be careful regarding its maintenance, otherwise it will be a headache and cannot used sufficiently.
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It is very important to take care of your vehicle otherwise it loses its reliability.
That is very good, I appreciate if you keep posting this kind of information more often, its very helpful.
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well worth the read.I found it very informative as I have been researching a lot lately on practical matters such as you talk about…
Great post on commuting with so smarts. I just started commuting with a padal assist electric bike. As I ride 18 miles daily it was the only way I could get started. Visit my blog if you can. http://www.ricksbikeblog.wordpress.com
Thanks, Rick
Thanks for sharing such a useful Information. I like biking very much. I use to go for biking often. That time I use to carry all my needed stuffs in a hydrated pack, which I bought it through online shopping from Hydrapak
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Anyhow, one thing to mention is peddle-assist or straight up motorizing your bike. I’m buying a second bike to add an engine to it and occasionally ride my mini Harley to work!
I commute 8 miles each way.Takes me about an hour. Maybe a little longer coming home as there’s more uphill in that direction. I do wear biking clothes though not skintight lycra! Padded shorts and wicking shirts greatly increase comfort. I live in the DC area and in even now (fall) it can be hot & humid which = very sweaty upon arrival. I change into the kind of light packable clothes that I bring on business trips (am a woman in case you’re wondering about the clothes. custom term papers