Cycling Sucks

A great video by some Danish Students.

Ways to keep your commute enjoyable

Do you ever start to dread that morning/evening commute? I do occasionally. I don't stop commuting I usually just switch things up a little bit and viola I'm back to smiling. Here is what I do.

Take a new route

Instead of going the exact same streets or trail every time you commute by bike try going an alternative route. You will be suprised at how different your experience can be. You may even find a permanent new rout like I did. My old route consisted of a long gradual hill next to a four way, 55mph road. Sure the speed was fast and the shoulder was wide but it got a little boring. I also grew concerned that an unattentive driver may drift into my lane. So I chose a route that meanders through a nearby park and spit me out pretty close to where I would have turned anyways. It does take me a few minutes longer but it also boost the enjoyment factor ten fold.

Leave at a different time

This isn't always possible but if you can try to vary the times you commute. This has the possibility to change a repetitive habit into something with a little more variety. I used to leave work religiously at 5:00pm as if the whistle blew just like in the old Flintstones cartoon. I would pedal straight for traffic jammed cars. I wouldn't get stuck because I was on a bike : ), but the roads were annoyingly pack with people that were angry and bitter about being stuck in traffic. So, some days I would sneak away an half hour to an hour early and sometimes later just to avoid this traffic. Things were different. Give it a shot you'll see what I mean

Ride with a friend

Get others you work with or are friends with to commute and meet up if you are headed in the same direction. Start chatting and BAM you're home too soon. It is also safer to ride in a group or pair because you are now a larger moving object that is less likely to hit. Also, there have been times I was riding solo and have spotted a roadie out for a his evening workout. I jerkishly would hammer down on the pedals panniers and all, pass the bloke and boost my spirits. I feel bad passing them sometimes because I know they are out training but more times than not they try to pass me back so thats fair right? Also if you use commuting for training along with the many other reasons you will see it as a tempo set or interval and get a little extra kick from the workout.

Drive your car

Ha! I only say this because you will instantly miss riding your bike (I know I do) and be back in the saddle as soon as possible with a new found appreciation for what you had just taken for granted. Do it! I dare ya!

Cycling while sick

It all started Sunday. The whole day I felt groggy. I had snowboarded all day on Friday and Saturday in blizzard-like conditions which I'm sure factored into my health somewhat, but nonetheless I was getting sick. Sunday night a sore throat which you always hope isn't there the next day got worse and my nose was starting to run. So there you go a regular old snotty, gross feeling cold. It is that time of year but I always hope I can avoid them. I wash my hands after touching everything and avoid sick people at all costs. My attempts failed me this time.

So how do you commute by bicycle when you feel awful? Honestly, sometimes you can't, but don't instantly rule it out either.

If you feel like you are good enough to go to work than you are probably good enough to commute by bike.

Here is what I do. SLOW DOWN. It is much easier to breath when you aren't pedaling as hard. You wont start sweating really either which will keep you warmer in the long run. Keep from exasperating your cold by pushing the pace. Sometimes you just need to drop a few gears and go with the flow. Pick more tranquil music (if you listen to it while cycling, not always safe) but it will help you relax.

Wear a little warmer clothes. You aren't going as fast so you wont build up as much heat. Remember you are always trying to stay as warm as possible without sweating much at all.

Lastly, have a warm drink when you get home, work or whereever you are going. This will help you stay warm and relaxed. It is easy to get chilled if you have built up a slight sweat when you arrive at your destination.

Finally, If you don't know how to do a snot rocket learn. It sounds gross but it is much less gross than snot running down your face or smeared on your sleeve.

Cycling isn't always pretty but it is often much prettier than sitting in a traffic jam sucking exhaust fumes!