ryan786i

In October, I switched jobs and ended up much closer to home, but with way fewer amenities for biking to work. So I pretty much ended up not riding at all for the last two months of the year. It wasn't a resolution or anything, but once the holidays were over and everything was back to more of a normal rhythm, I decided I was going to get the bike commute back sorted. The trick is lack of lockers and lack of showers.

Anyway, I did two days this week (Friday unfortunately has some activities that prevent me biking), and while it was slow and, on the Wednesday morning at sixteen degrees, somewhat painful, I also remember how much I like it. Since I have to be a little more strategic, I added an Ibera rear rack, Banjo Brothers Grocery Pannier, and Two Wheel Gears' Pannier Briefcase (yes, that means previously I just lugged everything in either my backpack or messenger bag or, once or twice, both). The Grocery Pannier wasn't 100% necessary, but I want to bike more often to the store and such, and that capacity should help make that more comfortable.

Unfortunately, still stuck changing in a bathroom stall (there are some empty offices on a lower floor I may be able to use till they do something with them, though) and cleaning up with baby wipes, but with a commute of 3 miles versus 8, sweat won't be quite so terrible a problem unless I just want the exercise. Currently I'm bringing clothes daily, but I expect I'll pick up a duffle bag or something to bring and hold a week's worth at a time; it's only awkward because the way our office is I'll basically be setting it neatly by a window or something in an open plan space (desk area isn't actually big enough to stow more than a change of clothes in a file cabinet drawer, unfortunately).

Anyway, thanks for letting me ramble. And if any of you can help it, don't just stop cold turkey for two months because then it's a hell of a time when you do start back. Especially if you do it over the holidays when everything is way more sedentary.

Notso_fastLane

My commute is 5 miles. I just bring a change of clothes with me every day (but leave a pair of shoes at my office.

I will sometimes find an empty conference room or office to change in the mornings, but usually I just use the men's room (which is as cold as a bloody meatlocker here...but that's another thread).

Feels good to get back to it, though. I'm happy to finally have a way to keep riding through the winter, even with snow and occasional ice.

Do you usually take a longer route home? I almost never do less than 8-10 miles on the way home. Today, I'm planning about 16 miles.

ryan786i

I need to start trying to. I'm still used to the mentality of the longer commute. A second eight miles after a 12 hour day generally on my feet usually didn't leave me wanting to add extra miles. Shorter commute with eight hour days mostly sedentary? Very different. Especially since my slacking has kicked my ass so badly.

chas58

It is nice when it comes together. For sure, when things line up, its great to take the long way home. I have a beautiful rail-trail I use sometimes that gives me about 20 miles on the way home.

matimeo

When my commute dropped from 5.0 miles to 2.5 miles, I just stopped changing clothes. It's too close to bother and sweat isn't an issue. Even at 5.0 miles I never bothered showering. Have you considered simplifying by just riding in your work clothes?