Holy shit I biked to work!!!

[intellectsucks]

Typing this after cooling down from my first ever bike commute!  Some thoughts:
Google was amazingly accurate on time frame.  I counted on the ride taking an hour.  They estimated that it would take 40 minutes and it ended up taking me 45 minutes (including one or two breaks for a couple of minutes).  I could probably get this time down to 30-35 minutes if I do it more regularly and need fewer breaks. 
The sweat factor was there, but not as bad as I anticipated.  I have to wear a full suit to work, so I took the suit and shirt (forgot the tie…DOH) to work yesterday, then wore comfortable clothes on the ride in.  I’m planning on wearing my undershirt and jeans on the way back.  The sweat was also mostly on my back and shoulders.  Of course, this was on a 70 degree day, so on hotter days, it will probably be a different story.
I felt way more energized starting my work day than usual.  We’ll see how I feel later in the day….
Excuses and fear are bullshit.  Two years ago, I wasn’t able to ride a bike at all.  Now I’m riding a 7 mile commute along a four lane street where people routinely drive 50+ miles.  Fear and excuses are BULLSHIT.  Leave them to the bullshit complainypants losers.  You can do SO MUCH MORE THAN YOU THINK YOU CAN RIGHT NOW!!!
The wife and I made a deal that if I can get the travel time to 40 minutes or less one way, then I’ll do this all the time.  Looks like I’ll be a bike commuter from now on.  WOO HOO!!!

[nereo]

Congrats
My current bike commute is much shorter than yours (4 miles, ~20 minutes) but here's what I've learned.
I hate driving everyday. I hate taking the bus.  I actually enjoy the bike ride, and it makes me feel better and increases my productivity.
YMMV (literally and figuratively)

[Ratherboard]

Thanks for posting this as I really needed to see it! 

I'm starting a new job in Irvine, CA in 3 weeks and I was lucky to find an apartment only 3.2 miles from my office.  I don't currently own a car and while I anticipate buying a used (less than $5k) car for my monthly Costco trips, the prospect of riding a bike to work was worrying me a little bit. 
So, I decided to park my rental car and walk from the apartment to the office just to see what the commute (combo of bike trails and bike lanes on busy roads) would look like.  I agree with you on Google Maps.  I was impressed with the accuracy and it even showed me the elevation changes from start to finish.  I'm very lucky that my commute is mostly downhill going TO work and of course uphill coming FROM work.  That should cut down on the sweaty-ness, I hope. 

That's my biggest concern is being all sweaty and smelly at work, so I'm considering wearing "riding clothes" to work and back home and just changing when I get there.  It was about 82 degrees and I worked up a pretty good sweat on the walk. 

All those fear aside though, I am really looking forward to this daily commute.  Fresh air, exercise and energy.  Woohoo! 

[bigalsmith101]

I felt way more energized starting my work day than usual.  We’ll see how I feel later in the day….
Excuses and fear are bullshit.  Two years ago, I wasn’t able to ride a bike at all.  Now I’m riding a 7 mile commute along a four lane street where people routinely drive 50+ miles.  Fear and excuses are BULLSHIT.  Leave them to the bullshit complainypants losers.  You can do SO MUCH MORE THAN YOU THINK YOU CAN RIGHT NOW!!!
The wife and I made a deal that if I can get the travel time to 40 minutes or less one way, then I’ll do this all the time.  Looks like I’ll be a bike commuter from now on.  WOO HOO!!!

If you keep this up, unless there are a lot of hills or traffic lights on your route, I bet that you can bring that 7 mile commute down to 28-30min over time. NO EXCUSES! Love it.

[alex trebeck's mustache]

I actually enjoy the bike ride, and it makes me feel better and increases my productivity.

Bingo! I have had the same experience. My bike is the one possession I point to as the best purchase I've made in recent memory.

[alex trebeck's mustache]

That's my biggest concern is being all sweaty and smelly at work, so I'm considering wearing "riding clothes" to work and back home and just changing when I get there.  It was about 82 degrees and I worked up a pretty good sweat on the walk. 

Congrats on the new job and place!

Consider getting panniers or a basket for your bike instead of wearing a bag or backpack to cut down on the amount of sweat. Also a bike with gears will allow you to adjust your pace to reduce the amount of exertion and thus sweat.

Also about the Costco trip, consider pulling a bike trailer. If the trip is too far or dangerous Uber or Lyft are also an option. Remember the cost of a car includes tag, insurance, gas and ongoing maintenance. You could probably come up with a calculation to decide how much it would save you to skip the car. You're in a good position to see what life is like without the car before making the purchase as opposed to most who already own a car and have "wean off" it.

[Manguy888]

Congrats! That's really impressive.

[meghan88]

That's my biggest concern is being all sweaty and smelly at work, so I'm considering wearing "riding clothes" to work and back home and just changing when I get there.  It was about 82 degrees and I worked up a pretty good sweat on the walk. 

Congrats on the new job and place!

Consider getting panniers or a basket for your bike instead of wearing a bag or backpack to cut down on the amount of sweat. Also a bike with gears will allow you to adjust your pace to reduce the amount of exertion and thus sweat.

Also about the Costco trip, consider pulling a bike trailer. If the trip is too far or dangerous Uber or Lyft are also an option. Remember the cost of a car includes tag, insurance, gas and ongoing maintenance. You could probably come up with a calculation to decide how much it would save you to skip the car. You're in a good position to see what life is like without the car before making the purchase as opposed to most who already own a car and have "wean off" it.

+1. 

12 Costco trips a year?  Even if you spent $100 / month on taxis, you'd still come out ahead if you remain car-free.  Those are your precious after-tax dollars you'd be saving.

[Aggie1999]

Now I’m riding a 7 mile commute along a four lane street where people routinely drive 50+ miles.  Fear and excuses are BULLSHIT.

Hate to be a downer but IMO doing something like this is very dependent on how safe it is. If you have nice wide bike lanes, etc then go for it. If not I would be hesitant. It may feel great doing it but you gotta factor in safety. You may be completely in the right but that's not going to help when some idiot smacks you with their mirror going 50 mph. I see way to many bikers taking a lot of risks here in Houston. Of course most areas of Houston are not bike friendly at all.

[fredbear]

The following only works if you have an office or a locker.  I kept the suits, shirts, ties at work behind a door, and used real bike clothes for the ride.  In particular the padded bike shorts make a real difference.  I also arrived about 20 minutes early, used the last mile or so as a cool-down, and had a towel there.  A non-mustachian part of the arrangement was that there was a laundry near work, so I didn't have to take the shirts home and bring them back stuffed and wrinkling in a backpack; just walked across the street and picked them up once a week, washed, ironed, and ready to be hung up behind the door.  I found bike commuting made one smarter at work, and less in need of a wind-down beer afterward. 

[intellectsucks]

The ride home was even better!  It’s mostly downhill on the way home so it was easier, way more pleasant and took less time (around 40 minutes).  I wasn’t able to bike in today (had some car necessary things to do during and after work), but it will definitely be an ongoing thing!
@aggi: There is a very wide bike lane for about 2/3-3/4 of the ride.  The rest I ride on the sidewalk, which is huge during that stretch of road.

[Aggie1999]

The ride home was even better!  It’s mostly downhill on the way home so it was easier, way more pleasant and took less time (around 40 minutes).  I wasn’t able to bike in today (had some car necessary things to do during and after work), but it will definitely be an ongoing thing!
@aggi: There is a very wide bike lane for about 2/3-3/4 of the ride.  The rest I ride on the sidewalk, which is huge during that stretch of road.

Nice. Sounds like you got it down.

[kenaces]

I have been thinking about getting a bike for over a year.  Your post gave me the extra kick in the but to pick up sweet new ride on Offerup yesterday :)

[lchu]

You're in a good position to see what life is like without the car before making the purchase as opposed to most who already own a car and have "wean off" it.

Seconded -- I already own a car and I cannot seem to break through the "what if I want my car?!" mentality.  Bizarrely, I spent my first 3 years as an adult commuting by train into NYC and not owning a car or bike (no parking or storage), so I am completely aware that it is possible to survive with no car.

Then I bought a car for a job that required me to have one (I needed to be able to travel to job sites; mileage was reimbursed, but there was no company car available to use), but still walked to work on the days I didn't do site visits.  Fast forward 8 years, and I'm driving my car 4 miles to work each day and having trouble convincing myself to use a perfectly serviceable bike I already own.

Fear and excuses are BULLSHIT.  Leave them to the bullshit complainypants losers.  You can do SO MUCH MORE THAN YOU THINK YOU CAN RIGHT NOW!!!

intellectsucks, you inspire me.  I am taking the bike out of the garage and around the block, because bullshit complainypants loser ends today.  :-)

[Ratherboard]

@Intellectsucks - you rock, keep it up!

Consider getting panniers or a basket for your bike instead of wearing a bag or backpack to cut down on the amount of sweat. Also a bike with gears will allow you to adjust your pace to reduce the amount of exertion and thus sweat.

Also about the Costco trip, consider pulling a bike trailer. If the trip is too far or dangerous Uber or Lyft are also an option. Remember the cost of a car includes tag, insurance, gas and ongoing maintenance. You could probably come up with a calculation to decide how much it would save you to skip the car. You're in a good position to see what life is like without the car before making the purchase as opposed to most who already own a car and have "wean off" it.

Great ideas there!

I think I'm going to intentionally postpone the vehicle purchase so I'm forced to use my bike.  Uber/Lyft is very active in my area (one of the things I checked while at the new apt) so I think I can get away with it for now, but only when I have a long trip. 

I scouted the area and there is a moderately-priced grocery store within easy biking distance.  I'll use them for filling in the grocery gaps (some fruit/veggies) and there's also a farmer's market close by on the weekends so I'm hoping I can avoid the fancypants-facepunch grocery store. 

I'm going to search for bike trailers as well. (helluva lot cheaper than a car)  I may try to buy one here in Longmont before I move.  My company is paying for my moving expenses and since the tax rate in CO is 2.9% vs. CA at 7.5 - 8.48%, purchasing here and getting a "free" ride to CA probably makes more sense.  (of course I plan to check Craigslist first) 

I'll look into the panniers as well.  That would make packing my laptop and sack lunch a lot easier! 

My bike is a Schwinn Trailway with 3/7 speed shifters. (just got it brand new on Craigslist - lady bought it for her son and he didn't like it.  $350new - $100 my price)  Her loss, my gain.  So I think that will help with the pace and grinding, thus less-sweatiness...

Any thoughts on fenders/splash guards for commuter bikes?  It rarely rains in Orange County so I may try to get away with no fenders for now, but I'll have to see after a couple of trips.  I'm moving into my apt a week before my first work day, so I plan on testing the trip on my bike during my normal commuting hours to ensure I know what I'm doing.

As for a vehicle, my apartment comes with a covered garage, so I plan on looking for a project car and taking my time with working on it.  I may use it for a while (if I need it) or I may just sell it and make a profit.  My only concern is, I've been consulting for the last 18 months and I still have some side hustles going on which are mostly up in Los Angeles.  I'm going to research the options for trains to see if I can bike to the station and take the train to my clients' offices. 

Again, thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement!  Moving from Longmont, CO to Irvine, CA is going to take some adjustment and of course ignoring the "status quo" in the OC. (ie - fancy cars, clown-like traveling, fancy houses, fancy food, fancy lifestyle), but the paycheck was just too good to turn down. *sigh*

[nereo]

Fenders, yes.  The first time you have to bike on wet pavement you'll be happy to have them (it doesn't even have to be raining... just wet).

Also - get a couple of bike lights for when the days get shorter.  Might seem silly now but come September you'll need them. At the very least some cheap-o lights that let you be seen.  BIke lights are waaaaay better than reflectors at making you visible.  Usually in cities there are enough street-lights where you don't need something bright enough to see by, only to BE seen.

Had a friend that lived in Irvine - might not be very exciting at first but he grew to like it, and even cycled most places.

[Ratherboard]

Thanks @Nereo !  - even though it doesn't rain much, I'm sure I'll run into someone over-watering their lawn. 

I have my eye on a bike light set (headlight, rear blinking light and one red helmet light) It was cheap on Amazon for $22.00

Fenders: any recommendations?  I see that Nashbar has some SKS B42's for $30.  Been looking on CL but no good deals yet.

Also Bike Locks?  I'm considering the Kryptonite 18mm New York Fahgettaboudit U-Lock and using an additional Kryptonite Kryptoflex 4ft Cable to lock it up.  I may buy a longer cable to run through the trailer as well.  I'm not worried about home (garage) or work (bike locker), but more for Costco, errands, etc.

I've read a lot of blogs and seen tons of videos on how to make it hard for thieves to steal your bike.  Trust me, I had my $5000 fancypants S-Works stolen from a secure bike locker + U-lock and cables in Vancouver in 2009.  I will never forget it. 

[intellectsucks]

Thanks for the positive feedback guys!

@ichu, rather board and kenaces: to make the case even more compelling for bicycle commuting- my energy level was way lower yesterday (the day I had to drive) than the day I biked.

I have at least one day next week when I'll have to drive and I'm actually dreading it!!!

[nereo]

Thanks @Nereo !  - even though it doesn't rain much, I'm sure I'll run into someone over-watering their lawn. 

I have my eye on a bike light set (headlight, rear blinking light and one red helmet light) It was cheap on Amazon for $22.00

Fenders: any recommendations?  I see that Nashbar has some SKS B42's for $30.  Been looking on CL but no good deals yet.

Also Bike Locks?  I'm considering the Kryptonite 18mm New York Fahgettaboudit U-Lock and using an additional Kryptonite Kryptoflex 4ft Cable to lock it up.  I may buy a longer cable to run through the trailer as well.  I'm not worried about home (garage) or work (bike locker), but more for Costco, errands, etc.

I've read a lot of blogs and seen tons of videos on how to make it hard for thieves to steal your bike.  Trust me, I had my $5000 fancypants S-Works stolen from a secure bike locker + U-lock and cables in Vancouver in 2009.  I will never forget it.

re: Lights.  Bike lights can be divided into two broad categories; those that help you be seen, and those that help you be seen AND help you see.  If you're commuting in a well lit area (urban or suburban w/streetlights) the former is fine and costs a heck of a lot less (and is less likely to get stolen).  $20 is acceptable, though you can find ones for even less.  Depends somewhat on how much you value rechargable, AA or 'watch-battery' style lights.  I commute through some dark areas so I have nicer, brighter lights but I still keep a backup ~$8 light in my bag for those occasions when I forgot to recharge.

Fenders... I prefer full fenders with mud-flaps.  Since they're on my commuter I'm not worried about the extra 0.5 lb vs those tiny clip on fenders which don't do nearly as good a job.Mine are planet-bike but I'm not brand specific.  They should last at least as long as your bike (yeeeeaaarrrsss) and are in the $30 range.

Bike locks:  You've got it - UBolt + 4' cable is the safest bet. Pay attention to where you lock it up - if there are lots of bike parts chained there it's not a good spot.  Also constant foot traffic and illumination is your friend. No lock is 'theft proof' but the goal is to make it not worth stealing though a combination of location, time to cut the lock and not having the nicest/easiest bike to steal in the first place.  On that last point, if theft is a worry in your area consider making your bike less attractive.  Engrave the serial number in an obvious place and scuff the paint (tip: use a grease pen to make it look scuffed... it can be cleaned off months later (if you want) but makes it look beat up and less desireable).

[PaulMaxime]

Now I’m riding a 7 mile commute along a four lane street where people routinely drive 50+ miles.  Fear and excuses are BULLSHIT.

Hate to be a downer but IMO doing something like this is very dependent on how safe it is. If you have nice wide bike lanes, etc then go for it. If not I would be hesitant. It may feel great doing it but you gotta factor in safety. You may be completely in the right but that's not going to help when some idiot smacks you with their mirror going 50 mph. I see way to many bikers taking a lot of risks here in Houston. Of course most areas of Houston are not bike friendly at all.

Nonsense.

Biking along the roads is pretty darned safe. This is a common impression from those that don't ride. You should look at some of the MMM articles on the topic if you don't believe me. I've been a cyclist for 40 years now and I've never really had a problem and I like riding through the streets of San Francisco daily. I've ridden all across the country (literally) for thousands and thousands of miles.

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2013/06/13/bicycling-the-safest-form-of-transportation/

[FinallyAwake]

  I don't currently own a car and while I anticipate buying a used (less than $5k) car for my monthly Costco trips

I just received an overnight delivery from Costco through Google something (Google Express maybe?).  So it looks like they are following Amazon's lead.  Not sure if that was a test market thing, but if not, you might be able to just get your Costco supplies delivered cheaper than the upkeep on a car.

That, or just rent a car thru hotwire. 

[Ratherboard]

@intellectsucks - I'll be sure to update the thread in a couple of weeks when I'm commuting regularly, but that is certainly encouraging! 

@Nereo - great advice on all of the accessories. While I anticipate riding mostly during daylight hours, as I expand my radius of cycling, I'm sure I'll need nicer equipment.  I figure these are decent entry level accessories for now.  I can always upgrade as I go and donate the used items to a kids' cycling program. 
One more question: for a rear rack and panniers - what do you prefer?  Seat post mounted or the arm mounts at the wheel and frame?  I noticed the seat post mounted ones have a lower weight tolerance. (not that I'll be carrying more than 20lbs of gear) I just need enough space for my 15" Macbook + notebook and power cord.  +maybe some space if I need to swing by the store for something (like a 6-pack to reward my biking efforts) :)  - and does the rear rack serve as an adequate rear fender or would you recommend an additional fender as well?  Thanks so much for patiently answering all of these questions!

@FinallyAwake: Thanks, that's a cool feature.  I noticed Sam's club and Walmart started it as well.  I'll use Amazon Prime as much as I can, depending on the deal.  Also, after some research, there is a Costco only 7.5 miles away and mostly by protected bike trails and its only 240ft of uphill going in and of course awesome downhill coming home. *thank you gravity* So yeah, not nearly as bad as I thought and hell, I could use the exercise. 

Thanks everyone! 

[nereo]

One more question: for a rear rack and panniers - what do you prefer?  Seat post mounted or the arm mounts at the wheel and frame?  I noticed the seat post mounted ones have a lower weight tolerance.

Arm mounts at the wheel and frame, for exactly the reason you mentioned (weight capacity).  You might normally truck around with just a laptop and some cables, but someday you might go to the store and want to pick up a case of beer because it's on sale (or something similar)... with a proper rack you can do that and not worry.  It's surprised me just how often I wind up carting 25-40lbs of stuff on my bike.

[kenaces]

I rode my bike to work today for first time - awesome!

Got in a short workout as it was about to rain so I put the hammer down on the way home to beat the rain by a few minutes :)

[Ratherboard]

@kenaces Nice work!  or "workout" I should say!

@Nereo - sounds like a good idea.  Especially if I'm near a store and don't have the trailer attached.  Plus, the added bonus of the side arms is it keeps the panniers attached firmly and not flapping around.  I'll attach a pic once i get it all set up.  Thanks!!

one more bonus, due to research: There are (3) ZipCar locations within a mile of my apt at the UCI campus.  I found a promo code online and based on my address they thought I was a student, so I got the yearly fee ($15) waved for the 1st year and $30 in credit towards my first ride.  One more reason not to buy a car!
Now I kind of want to move sooner so I can start doing this!

[CloserToFree]

The ride home was even better!  It’s mostly downhill on the way home so it was easier, way more pleasant and took less time (around 40 minutes). 

Huge congrats!  I felt the same way when I first started bike commuting a couple years ago, and I have a similar distance commute -- except it's uphill on the way home, which kind of sucked at first but then became a non-issue once my body got used to it.  Now I just go on auto-pilot and barely notice the slight uphill climb.  On the days I bike I'm in SUCH a better mood than when I don't, and once you factor in the hassle and real time involved in driving/parking or taking public transit, it really is the most time-efficient way to get to and from work.  Plus you've gotten your workout in for the day by the time you get home, which is awesome.

On gear, I adore the 2 Wheel Gear Classic 2.0 Panier bag -- it's basically like a garment/shoulder bag that goes over your back tire and can fit suits, dresses, etc. and will keep them wrinkle free and dry during your ride.  I have a biz casual work environment but mostly like to wear dresses so this was a game changer for me.  Google it and check it out - it's pricey but maybe you could find one on Craigslist in your area.