This is why I commute by bike
11-30-11, 01:06 PM
#1
Riding like its 1990
Thread Starter
This is why I commute by bike
I get strange looks, funny questions etc from some coworkers and the kids I teach.
Not only do I get to start every day with excercise and a beautiful sunrise while experiencing a variety of weather and nature, but I also get to escape every once in a while.
Today I could start work a bit later so I left at my usual time and got a nice 26 mile ride in. Rode to the top of a local spot and enjoyed the quiet view just for me. Awesome way to start the day!
Not only do I get to start every day with excercise and a beautiful sunrise while experiencing a variety of weather and nature, but I also get to escape every once in a while.
Today I could start work a bit later so I left at my usual time and got a nice 26 mile ride in. Rode to the top of a local spot and enjoyed the quiet view just for me. Awesome way to start the day!
11-30-11, 04:43 PM
#3
working on my sandal tan
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11-30-11, 05:14 PM
#4
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11-30-11, 07:40 PM
#5
Riding like its 1990
Thread Starter
I also get to see coyote, rabbit, road runner, hawk, snake, lizard (and bugs) on the bike trail in as well as chicken, llama, sheep, horse and dog (of course) on the roads. I get to dodge 'road apples" too but that's not a perk.
11-30-11, 10:33 PM
#9
Senior Member
Where/what do you teach? I'm a bike commuting high school teacher in W. Mass. My habit has earned me increased credibility among my students. (I guess strange looks too when I arrive in lycra.) I'm with you on the benefits of commuting. The day always starts better with a ride and smooths out the wrinkles at the end of a difficult one.
11-30-11, 11:41 PM
#10
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12-01-11, 12:04 AM
#11
What, me worry?
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That must make your day!
Sunrise/sunsets here in Athens are the best time of the day, and it always picks me up when I get a chance to enjoy them on a bike.
Sunrise/sunsets here in Athens are the best time of the day, and it always picks me up when I get a chance to enjoy them on a bike.
12-01-11, 01:01 AM
#12
Riding like its 1990
Thread Starter
Here's the peak from a stock photo:
I was standing at the wall on the right side of that pic.
I teach High School and had a rough start to the week, was needing some 'therapy' and wouldn't you know the day was smooth as silk today.
I was standing at the wall on the right side of that pic.
I teach High School and had a rough start to the week, was needing some 'therapy' and wouldn't you know the day was smooth as silk today.
12-02-11, 05:35 AM
#13
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Where/what do you teach? I'm a bike commuting high school teacher in W. Mass. My habit has earned me increased credibility among my students. (I guess strange looks too when I arrive in lycra.) I'm with you on the benefits of commuting. The day always starts better with a ride and smooths out the wrinkles at the end of a difficult one.
12-02-11, 03:55 PM
#15
Lovin the O.C.
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Mount Rubidoux is indeed an inspirational setting and also very historical. It's been a while since I visited that beautiful landmark (I live in OC) and looking at your photo's reminds me to get back out there soon.
12-02-11, 04:06 PM
#16
working on my sandal tan
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12-02-11, 04:22 PM
#17
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Hey Hilltowner, where do you live/teach? I teach in Springfield & ride from S.Hadley into the city most days.
12-06-11, 05:08 PM
#18
Senior Member
I live in Ashfield and teach at Mohawk Trail Regional School. My daily commute is about 8 miles with a 700' elevation difference (all in the downhill direction on the way in and the opposite on the way back). Rte. 112 is my usual path of least resistance but I'll occasionally come home through the hills on different roads, some of which are dirt. It's an ideal commute, easy to get motivated to go to work (I can hit 40 mph+ on the way down the "mountain" from home) and the workout I get on the way home is an endorphin bath. I'm a year-round commuter. I've got Schwalbe Winter Marathons on the bike now. I'm a life-long biker, competed as a USCF sanctioned rider for many years, but I can't believe how commuting to work for the past four years has made me a local celebrity. I've been approached by "nearly complete" strangers and asked "are you the mad biker?" The football team has stopped their drills on occasion to give me a cheer when I ride out of the parking lot at the end of the day. I've been quite amazed.
Last edited by hilltowner; 12-06-11 at 05:13 PM.
