Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Commuting
Reload this Page >

The Anticipation is Killing Me!

Notices
Commuting Bicycle commuting is easier than you think, before you know it, you'll be hooked. Learn the tips, hints, equipment, safety requirements for safely riding your bike to work.

The Anticipation is Killing Me!

Old 07-07-22, 08:41 AM
  #1  
BobbyG
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
BobbyG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,959

Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V

Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1359 Post(s)
Liked 1,658 Times in 822 Posts
The Anticipation is Killing Me!

In a week or two I start a new job that will see me return to daily bike commuting after an 18 month hiatus.

The business I worked for closed at the end of 2020 and I began freelancing from home while looking for work. My main goal was to secure a regular, full-time job with benefits. As much as I wanted a job that would be bike-able, I couldn't let that color my decision. I considered positions 60 miles away in Denver, where perhaps incorporating mixed-mode commuting. And others on the outskirts of Colorado Springs that were 20 miles from home, that might see me buying an e-bike.

Being 59, and now 60, I knew I looked ancient to interviewers in their 20s and 30s. I did get some smug satisfaction when I would ask about indoor bike parking and they'd ask if I intended to bike to work. In every case where the commute was bike-able I would use the potential jobsite as a destination for my daily ride so I could answer their question with, "Yes...it's only X-miles and takes about XX-minutes. In fact I rode here and back home the other day."

I was hired for this new job by some one closer to my age, who I've know professionally for quite a few years.

While I will exhale/celebrate on my first day at the new job, I will drive to work the first few days. The real celebration will be that first official bike ride to work.

I keep thinking about how long and difficult it was to get back in shape and back into commuting after a non-cycling injury kept me off the bike for a year when I was 48.

This return to bike commuting was difficult in a different way, and I know how fortunate I am to have been given this opportunity.

The anticipation is killing me...I think I need a ride right now!

Last edited by BobbyG; 07-07-22 at 10:18 AM.
BobbyG is offline  
Old 07-07-22, 08:55 AM
  #2  
Darth Lefty 
Disco Infiltrator
 
Darth Lefty's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,775

Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem

Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,102 Times in 1,366 Posts
That’s got to be a relief
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
Darth Lefty is offline  
Old 07-07-22, 10:20 AM
  #3  
BobbyG
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
BobbyG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,959

Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V

Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1359 Post(s)
Liked 1,658 Times in 822 Posts
Originally Posted by Darth Lefty
That’s got to be a relief
In so many ways.
BobbyG is offline  
Old 07-07-22, 12:44 PM
  #4  
Daniel4
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Toronto
Posts: 3,497

Bikes: Sekine 1979 ten speed racer

Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1477 Post(s)
Liked 637 Times in 436 Posts
Congratulations.

Next, anticipate the "Are you crazy?" comments from your new coworkers.
Daniel4 is offline  
Old 07-07-22, 03:57 PM
  #5  
BobbyG
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
BobbyG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,959

Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V

Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1359 Post(s)
Liked 1,658 Times in 822 Posts
Originally Posted by Daniel4
Congratulations.

Next, anticipate the "Are you crazy?" comments from your new coworkers.
Especially when it snows!
BobbyG is offline  
Likes For BobbyG:
Old 07-08-22, 04:01 PM
  #6  
HelpSingularity 
Full Member
 
HelpSingularity's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: San Diego, California USA
Posts: 333

Bikes: 1974 Masi GC, 1982 Trek 728 (aka 720), 1992 Trek Multitrack 750

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 112 Post(s)
Liked 207 Times in 132 Posts
So don't leave us hanging! What kind of amenities do they have?
Secure Indoor parking?
Locker room, locker room with shower?
Any monster climbs to or fro?
There really is hardly any better to stay in shape than riding to work, especially for geezers.
HelpSingularity is offline  
Likes For HelpSingularity:
Old 07-09-22, 07:04 AM
  #7  
BobbyG
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
BobbyG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,959

Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V

Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1359 Post(s)
Liked 1,658 Times in 822 Posts
Originally Posted by HelpSingularity
So don't leave us hanging! What kind of amenities do they have?
Secure Indoor parking?
Locker room, locker room with shower?
Any monster climbs to or fro?
There really is hardly any better to stay in shape than riding to work, especially for geezers.
Will report when job begins.
BobbyG is offline  
Old 07-09-22, 01:23 PM
  #8  
Korina
Happy banana slug
 
Korina's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Posts: 3,752

Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930

Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1524 Post(s)
Liked 1,513 Times in 906 Posts
Congratulations! Definitely give us a report when you start, so some of us can live vicariously through you.
Korina is offline  
Likes For Korina:
Old 07-09-22, 05:21 PM
  #9  
BobbyG
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
BobbyG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,959

Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V

Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1359 Post(s)
Liked 1,658 Times in 822 Posts
I've kept my commute bag intact on top of my bike-gear cubbies in my closet where it's always been. I keep my bike glasses, gloves, sun and rain gear, headlight and batteries in it as well as my office toiletries. When I need something I take it out, then return it when done, just like I did on my non-commute rides. And for the last 18 months, all rides were non-commute rides. Last spring when I wasn't sure of the temperature, and there was a good chance I needed my rain gear, I just brought the bag. It was the first time in over a year I did that.

This morning when I went in the closet to get some clothes for today I saw the bag and realized that soon, soon I will be using it again!
BobbyG is offline  
Likes For BobbyG:
Old 07-10-22, 12:12 PM
  #10  
Korina
Happy banana slug
 
Korina's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Posts: 3,752

Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930

Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1524 Post(s)
Liked 1,513 Times in 906 Posts
Remember to charge your lights.
Korina is offline  
Likes For Korina:
Old 07-11-22, 12:40 PM
  #11  
fat biker
Full Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 374
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 25 Post(s)
Liked 38 Times in 25 Posts
Congratulations on both counts.

I am in my 60's, to counter the old guy image I try to ride my bike to the interview.
Seems to be effective.

fat biker
fat biker is offline  
Likes For fat biker:
Old 07-12-22, 06:13 PM
  #12  
holytrousers
hoppipola
 
holytrousers's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 423

Bikes: fausto coppi

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 512 Post(s)
Liked 227 Times in 163 Posts
Congratulations BobbyG !
How does your new route campare to the old one ?
holytrousers is offline  
Old 07-13-22, 06:23 AM
  #13  
BobbyG
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
BobbyG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,959

Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V

Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1359 Post(s)
Liked 1,658 Times in 822 Posts
Originally Posted by holytrousers
Congratulations BobbyG !
How does your new route campare to the old one ?
https://youtu.be/HHfOejlvVsY
After 28 years on the old route I was all about variety, and had three major groupings with variations, but the average was 9 miles.

This new commute will average 7 miles and two of the obvious routes will contain 1/3 to 2/3 of some of the previous routes. I will also explore a third approach that adds an extra mile or two.

Having lived and biked in Colorado Springs for 30 years, none of the routes take me anywhere I haven't ridden before.

The biggest issue will be a section of MUP near the office where homeless people tend to spread out over the trail.

Last night in bed, I was running through possible routes and there is one that would be 80 to 90-percent MUP which would provide the least amount of traffic interaction, but half is not paved, so wet weather and snow would be an issue, and it is usually crowded on the weekends...no idea about commute times. The last time I did ride it, before 2020, there was some encroachment from homeless camps...like on the trail itself.

Except for the 'third approach' it would be flatter than my old commutes, and with only half the elevation change.

I expect 30 minutes in and 35 home as opposed to 40 in and 40-50 home for the old routes.

My first day starts in 90 minutes and I hope to start riding next week!
BobbyG is offline  
Likes For BobbyG:
Old 07-15-22, 01:09 PM
  #14  
jfouellette
Full Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: Montreal
Posts: 390

Bikes: 1999 Bike friday NWT, 2009 Bike Friday Tikit, 2023 silverock Dewy, 2008 Dahon Smooth Hound, 2023 Litepro Trifold

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 190 Post(s)
Liked 228 Times in 138 Posts
Congratulations. I'm your age. At work I carry around my bike helmet when I arrive in the morning and leave in the evening. I also get to ride a bit over lunch. That helmet gets a lot of attention and has a positive affect on age discrimination.
jfouellette is offline  
Likes For jfouellette:
Old 07-15-22, 01:21 PM
  #15  
zandoval 
Senior Member
 
zandoval's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 4,416

Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites

Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 928 Post(s)
Liked 1,594 Times in 1,020 Posts
Originally Posted by BobbyG
...I was hired...
Happy HAPPY! Joy JOY!!!!!!

__________________
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
zandoval is offline  
Likes For zandoval:
Old 07-15-22, 05:50 PM
  #16  
BobbyG
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
BobbyG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,959

Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V

Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1359 Post(s)
Liked 1,658 Times in 822 Posts
I was able to clear space today to park the bike in my shared office. There are two places I can change, but no showers.
I get a company car and a gas card for when I have to meet clients at their place of business, same as before, so I can ride any day I want.

I plan to ride Monday.....
BobbyG is offline  
Old 07-16-22, 08:57 AM
  #17  
Darth Lefty 
Disco Infiltrator
 
Darth Lefty's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,775

Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem

Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,102 Times in 1,366 Posts
Originally Posted by BobbyG
Last night in bed, I was running through possible routes and there is one that would be 80 to 90-percent MUP which would provide the least amount of traffic interaction, but half is not paved, so wet weather and snow would be an issue, and it is usually crowded on the weekends...no idea about commute times.
I have a route like this and take my hardtail. There's more fun to be had.
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
Darth Lefty is offline  
Likes For Darth Lefty:
Old 07-17-22, 05:03 PM
  #18  
noglider 
aka Tom Reingold
 
noglider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,691

Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem

Mentioned: 510 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7287 Post(s)
Liked 2,361 Times in 1,380 Posts
I'm happy for you.

I've worked mostly in offices. In my last office job, I had a private office. I kept spare clothes at work in case I needed them. I never showered. If I was really sweaty, while changing clothes, I wiped my body down with witch hazel. That would cool me and stop the sweating. Consider this if you need it.

My next job will be in a school, so I'm not sure what I'll do. It will probably be a long commute, so I probably won't commute by bike every day. I'll take the subway on non-bike days.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog

“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author

Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
noglider is offline  
Likes For noglider:
Old 07-17-22, 08:09 PM
  #19  
But its me 
Junior Member
 
But its me's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Memphis, TN
Posts: 196

Bikes: A few older US made Cannondales, a modern Soma Saga (no longer made, alas!), and one gifted crabon Specialized. Never enough.

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 45 Post(s)
Liked 60 Times in 39 Posts
+1 for witch hazel, both the Dickinson brand wipes and bottles.
But its me is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.