First Bike Commute Completed!

Today was my first commute to work via bicycle, a pretty decent haul from Lakeview (Irving and LSD) to Elmhurst. 

 

Total distance: 18.66mi

Time: 1:22:00

Avg Speed: 14.0mph

 

Not too shabby for a outta-shape clydesdale if I do say so myself!

 

Lessons learned:

-Bring a towel at work

-Carry less on your commute - lighter is better on your back

-You don't need 20 gal of water - see above

-Buy taillight, don't like how close some people will get to me

-Eat a bigger breakfast!

 

Thanks for hearing me boast my success this morning.  I've been a reader on this forum since I started researching this idea, I appreciate all your help!  Now the challenge is making the trip back...hope I'm not too beat!

 

Best Regards,

B

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by in it to win it 8.0 mi on June 6, 2011 at 2:17am

Great!

Keep some Gold Bond powder at work also. 

 

Permalink Reply by Duppie on June 6, 2011 at 2:18am

Nice! Welcome aboard.

 

When I got back to daily commuting, it took me a number of weeks to find a routine (what to carry, what to wear, what route to take). I'm sure you will figure it out as well.

 

Permalink Reply by ChristopherMCA on June 6, 2011 at 2:29am
Congrats!!! keep it up!
Permalink Reply by Jack on June 6, 2011 at 2:32am
Congratulations! That is a great feat! Keep up the great riding!
Permalink Reply by Joel on June 6, 2011 at 2:45am

Nice!

 

A headlight and taillight are necessities (and the law on the headlight).  If you enjoy doing the commute by bike, a rack and pannier will save your back and make the journey more comfortable.

Permalink Reply by Brian on June 6, 2011 at 3:04am

I took Sheffield (S) til I got to Diversey (W) and took that all the way to Oak Park Ave (S) then hopped on Grand Ave (W) for the remainder of the ride.

 

It wasn't too bad of a route, definitely want to see what I can do about keeping off of Grand Ave for as long as possible.  I loose all the bike lanes at that point, traffic speeds up, and I started to get tired.  Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

Start Point: Irving and LSD (Lakeview)

End Point: Grand and Lake (Elmhurst)

 

BR,

B


Chris C said:

What route did you take?
Permalink Reply by Tiberculosis on June 6, 2011 at 3:07am
Way to go and welcome
Permalink Reply by Jared on June 6, 2011 at 3:24am
Elmhurst does have the Prairie path, not sure how out of the way that would be for you.  Starts in I think Maywood and goes through the western suburbs.
Permalink Reply by K on June 6, 2011 at 3:38am
Good job!!!!
Permalink Reply by Chris Hainey on June 6, 2011 at 4:07am

Congrats! I ride the opposite direction (Elmhurst to Lake & Wacker) so my route is south of yours. Bad part is there is no real alternative to get to Lake and Grand from your location without using Grand west of Mannheim. Green Street/Franklin or Belmont in Franklin Park are a little better. Good luck.

Permalink Reply by Sue Clark on June 6, 2011 at 4:10am

Congrats!

 

I keep wanting to try a commute out to Oak Brook on one of my days out here, but so far I keep wimping out.

Permalink Reply by Brian on June 6, 2011 at 4:21am

My girlfriend and I committed to start bicycle commuting.  She combines biking with a jog to get to her work downtown.  I'd say the hard part will be to just keep up the commuting, its a big lifestyle change, fingers are crossed!  I don't know if after my 2nd commute today I will try again this week...depends on how quickly my body heals up I suppose.

 

Best Regards,

B

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