How do you do it?!?!

Today was my very first bicycle commute. It kicked my butt. I was so excited, but now I feel like a wet noodle. It is 20 miles round trip. I live in North Park and am commuting to Park Ridge. How do you daily commuters do it?!?!? Does it get easier? At this point, I don't think I could ride again tomorrow if I wanted to! I would say that I am reasonably fit, and ride my bike quite a bit, but I feel like I ran a marathon while carrying a 50 lb bag of cement mix. Tips???

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Permalink Reply by Crazy David 84 Furlongs on June 21, 2013 at 7:28am

Amanda:

I sore of ride your route (Lincoln Square to essentially Cumbererland and the Kennedy).  The trick is finding a good, safe fun set of routes.  (and get a rack and panier...) I am not a big fan of Northwest Highway in part because of that long slow gradual grade up and in part because, well, the cars go fast on it. 

As for doing the ride, it gets easier the more that you do it.  I easily clobber the CTA for commuter speed and I am an old guy with an old bicycle....   

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on June 21, 2013 at 7:56am

While you're adjusting to the commute, another option could be putting your bike on a bus for part of the trip, as there are rush hour restrictions on the trains (unless you're doing a reverse).  Using a rack with panniers of some sort is a very worthwhile investment.  Reduces the sweat factor a lot, and also lowers your center of gravity for a more stable ride.

Cameron 7.5 mi said:

Yes, it gets easier (unless you're overly ambitious, then you just go faster). The more you ride the easier it gets, and daily commuting means a lot of riding. As an added plus all of your other ridding gets easier too.

 

If your commute seems like too much at first, try to find a way to build it up slowly. For example if there's a train option for your commute bike part of it, and then hop on the train. Every week do a little less of it by train. Don't beat yourself up pushing to hard, cycling should be fun.

Permalink Reply by Apie (11) on June 21, 2013 at 10:02am

I have a 20 mile RT commute, and like you, I was beat the first few times.  I took it slow, and didn't give up.  I do have a shower in my building, and that does make a big difference.  Now my favorite part of the day is the ride home!

 

Drop my a line if you need any pointers, or help with your bike.  I live close to North Park.

Permalink Reply by Amanda on June 21, 2013 at 10:59am

Thanks for the tips everyone! I would say that I am usually pretty comfortable riding for distances up to and including 30 miles before I really start to feel like I am made of spaghetti. This ride in particular takes me through all back roads from my front door to the front door of the school were our summer camp is located. I am on NWHWY for a very short stint (just after that horrific incline thank God!! , but otherwise the route takes me through all back roads. I will definitely continue to commute by bicycle. I love my bike! I think that part of my issue yesterday was that I was trying to be a hero. I was trying to carry everything in my bag to avoid having to drive to work. I HATE DRIVING!!! My bag was jammed with a box of borax, 6 bottles of Elmers glue (we made flubber as a craft!), a 3 inch binder filled with camper forms, two other folders with camp documents, my u lock, 3 bowls, and my lunch. Needless to say my choice to carry everything wasn't exactly smart. I had next to nothing in my bag on the way home. 

I took the ride slow and steady. The route was completely new to me. Definitely different from the route I take when I have to drive. Because of this, I had to keep checking my directions to be sure that I wasn't going to get lost. It took me an hour each way. Not bad considering that it takes me 30 minutes in the car. 

I will continue to commute by bicycle. I really enjoy riding, and there was an undeniable feeling of excitement about riding even though I struggled quite a bit. I also work in the burbs during the school year, and I am considering a bike commute for that as well. Although, that will involve taking the Metra part way. I'm a teacher, and I don't have any place to shower at work. Can't stink all day. I also have to be there by 7am every day. So I'd have to leave my house by 5 to have a comfortable amount of time to get there. The school is in Palatine, and that is 27 miles from where I live. I pay about $60 a week in gas, and looking into a train pass I found that I can buy a 10 ride for $50.

Lot's to consider, but I do see much more bike commuting in my future. Thanks for the support! I'll keep you all up to date on my progress as I continue to work on my riding! I love being a part of the Chicago bicycle community. It is a truly wonderful group of people!! 

Permalink Reply by Bez on June 21, 2013 at 11:41pm

Yeah,  you need a rack and pans.  Might I suggest getting grocery panniers and a cargo net?  Get the wire type rather than the cloth.   When I used to use pans (switched back to a bag for personal preference), I  used one bag and one grocery.   My backpack or messenger bag went into the grocery side with the net over to secure.   Locks,  tools, and anything extra that I had to carry that day went into the bag and I ran my seat lock cable through the handles to discourage thieves. 

For your comment about not stinking all day,  you'd be surprised how much you can do with a change of clothes, a comb,  baby wipes, deodorant, and a bathroom stall/sink.   Leave dress shoes, a hanger, and a bottle of Febreeze (for your riding clothes) at work and you're golden

Amanda said:

I was trying to carry everything in my bag to avoid having to drive to work. I HATE DRIVING!!! My bag was jammed with a box of borax, 6 bottles of Elmers glue (we made flubber as a craft!), a 3 inch binder filled with camper forms, two other folders with camp documents, my u lock, 3 bowls, and my lunch. Needless to say my choice to carry everything wasn't exactly smart. I had next to nothing in my bag on the way home. 

Permalink Reply by Juan 2-3 or more mi. on June 22, 2013 at 4:54am

This is great Amanda, I hope you keep it up and join the growing group of cold weather commuters.

Permalink Reply by yai danche on June 22, 2013 at 7:33am

i'm assuming you work at a middle school since high schools typically have a locker room and shower.  a whole change of clothes will make a big difference in stink factor.  also if you shower before you leave, that helps, too.  i also like to use the hand dryer in the bathroom to dry my hair if it's super sweaty (otherwise it usually air dries in 20 minutes).  again big props to you for commuting to the suburbs.  i balk at riding to evanston from chicago, and it's so close!  even though you'll only be saving $10 a week by taking metra, it'll add up and it'll be less wear and tear on your car.  

 

Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on June 22, 2013 at 2:16pm
Your endurance will build up. I sometimes do 20+ just for a trip to Rogers park then back down for "fun"
Permalink Reply by Josh L. on June 23, 2013 at 6:50am

hmm..Well my ride is less than yours (14 miles RT) but I don't even break a sweat unless it is hot out.

I was a runner before I took up commuting so am in pretty good shape.

I also use a pannier to carry my stuff. Carrying junk on your back would be tiring (in my experience).

My belief is it will get easier for you as you increase your leg strength and stamina. For most commuters I know the ride becomes automatic and energizing rather than exhausting.

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