Looks Like I'm Done
12-13-12, 09:59 AM
#26
multimodal commuter
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Here's one more voice saying, don't give up easily!
Quitting may be the right thing to do; don't let us tell you otherwise. But it would take a lot more than an extra 10 miles to make me drive a car. But I'm only 50, so what do I know.
Quitting may be the right thing to do; don't let us tell you otherwise. But it would take a lot more than an extra 10 miles to make me drive a car. But I'm only 50, so what do I know.
12-13-12, 07:08 PM
#27
just ride
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If there is any sort of public transportation nearby maybe a folder is an option. Ride a few miles home to the bus stop, take bike on bus, then ride a few miles bus stop to work.
12-13-12, 07:46 PM
#28
LOVE TO BIKE
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I'm 51 I'll be 52 in April and I still commute all or part of the way. It can be any where between 8 to 25 miles depending on if I commute all the way or just part of the way. But i do slow down a bit in winter and gear up in spring. Just because you'er in you're 50's is by no means a reason to give it up. Live life and enjoy it. 
12-13-12, 09:05 PM
#29
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Another thing that can help motivate in having a goal. I have been commuting by bike for 25+ years. My original goal was once around the world, or roughly 25k miles. When I got there I decide the next goal is 100k miles. I recently passed 60k, and with my current riding habits have a shot of making it by my 60th birthday. Even if I don't, certainly it will be within a year or two after that, so the goal is coming more into focus. Assuming my eyes hold up that long
12-13-12, 09:35 PM
#30
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Things have a tendency to change. I gave up a 10 mile commute when my job moved 17 miles away. I had zero interest in attempting the 17 miles in the wet and icy Seattle winters and it was 17 miles of traffic. No thanks. Instead I drove my truck and rode a few miles each night when I got home. Then out of the blue I was approved to 'work at home' and now my commute is all of 60 seconds while I boot my PC. Im now done with work daily for 4:15pm and have the rest of the night to ride or do whatever.
My advice is to accept that its too far - especially if in heavy traffic. Spending anything more than an hour (each way) is too much in my opinion.
Im now done with work daily for 4:15pm and have the rest of the night to ride or do whatever.My advice is to accept that its too far - especially if in heavy traffic. Spending anything more than an hour (each way) is too much in my opinion.
12-14-12, 12:05 AM
#31
Banned
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Originally Posted by balto charlie
Riding for a purpose(getting somewhere) is more fun, less scenic but more fun.
Sometimes I miss the dawdling, but its directionless joys have been supplanted by the mission.
12-14-12, 01:12 AM
#32
aka Timi
Nope, so here's another suggestion. Park your bike at work, leave home 15 minutes early and go for a 3 mile bike ride before (and after) work... All the health benefits, and you're still bike commuting!
Oh, that even gives you a great reason to buy a new bike as well... life is too short not to buy another bike!
Oh, that even gives you a great reason to buy a new bike as well... life is too short not to buy another bike!
12-15-12, 11:51 AM
#34
It's got electrolytes!
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Suck it up and by the time you retire you'll be strong enough to ride centuries.
You can die a feeble old man or you can die an adonis, the choice is yours.
You can die a feeble old man or you can die an adonis, the choice is yours.
12-15-12, 09:11 PM
#35
VICTORY IS MINE!
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That sucks. I've always dreaded that. I think anything over 10 is pushing it. You're not a wuss by far, I know a guy who's my age and couldn't ride 1 mile home in a little wind. I sure hope he isn't reading this cause he's bigger than I am : D.
12-15-12, 11:39 PM
#36
commuter and barbarian
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I figured you guys wouldn't let me off easy!
Back in my whippersnapper days, I thought nothing of a 10, 20 mile commute. If I'm going to do it now, I'll definitely need to look into a different bike. My Breezer Villager with all its accouterments is 40+ lbs. Hauling that, and my fat ass 34 miles a day would kill me.
Back in my whippersnapper days, I thought nothing of a 10, 20 mile commute. If I'm going to do it now, I'll definitely need to look into a different bike. My Breezer Villager with all its accouterments is 40+ lbs. Hauling that, and my fat ass 34 miles a day would kill me.
12-16-12, 12:12 AM
#37
Tractorlegs
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I think all of our "reasons" (excuses?) are legitimate. Personally, I need to have a bicycle to represent every color in my grandson's Crayola box. I should complete my purchases by 2034.
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Trikeman
Trikeman
12-17-12, 11:44 AM
#38
Senior Member
My daily commute was 40 miles. I did that for 6 years driving part way. Over time I had many different places to leave the car. And would choose where to begin the bike part of the commute during the drive part of it. The dead of winter the commute was around 5 miles. On a really nice summer day it was 15. Most often it was 10. Learn the area and pick a few spots and I'm sure you will find a way to use the bike more often than your thinking now.
All the best.
All the best.
12-17-12, 02:51 PM
#40
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You may find as you extend your ride significantly beyond three miles, you may enter the endorphin high zone. Now, that will be a new experience and what you get from the ride will be much, much more. But as I know, 17 miles both ways may turn into a time factor.
Give some of the ideas here a try and what you get may be very interesting. Mid fifties may still be youthful for you if you give it a chance.
David
Give some of the ideas here a try and what you get may be very interesting. Mid fifties may still be youthful for you if you give it a chance.
David
12-17-12, 09:19 PM
#41
Senior Member
I have no advice, I'm just ammused by how many of us are in our 50's (I'm 52 in a couple weeks). My commute is 11 each way, takes about an hour, and these are 2 really important hours in my day. Besides the physical health benefit, riding has forced me to slow down. Keep commuting so you can slow down too!
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