This year I decided that I was going to continue to commute to work by bike, at least a couple times a week, as long as it was safe to do so. This meant finally buckling down and investing in all the necessary paraphernalia that allows it. Over the summer, when training allowed, I was riding into work about twice a week. I really enjoyed it. It's only 25 minutes each way, and I can usually factor it into my training a bit. Any time on the bike is good time on the bike. Especially riding home after work, it's really great to take some time to switch out of work mode and enjoy being outside after running around at work all day.
The best thing, in general, about commuting by bike to work is when you ride by a long line of cars at an intersection. Or across a pedestrian bridge over stop-and-go traffic on the 405. What strikes me is the feeling I get when this happens. No matter how much of a hurry I'm in, or what the weather is like, when I look at that long line of stopped cars, I can't help think "suckers". I don't think there has been a single time where I'd rather be stuck sitting in my car.
Tread also had a recent post about the space needs of cars versus bikes - with the image below. Wow.
Anyway, what was I talking about? Oh, right, winter gear. As it started getting dark really early, really fast, it helped motivate me to get my stuff together. It's all very geeky stuff, but here's what I had to to do be really winter ready:
1) Full fenders for the bike. This isn't unusual since I need them for team rides anyway. In years past, I'd kind of cheated with Race Blades, but this year I got the full-deal. Much nicer.
2) Flashing lights. Just the little regular clip on ones. One for behind the seat post, blinkin like crazy.
3) Helmet light. I originally got one of these for the handlebars, but it's not enough in total darkness, but it mounts easily on top of your helmet. It flashes or goes steady. I probably look like a dork, but it's kind of cool to be able to point it around. For example, right at the face of a driver that's not noticing me. Take that!
4) Headlamp. Needed to get a real light that lets me see where I'm going. Most of the roads I ride home have good lighting, but there are dark patches. I liked this one because it's rechargeable and the batter drops nicely into a bottle cage so it takes no time to take on and off of the bike. It also has two lamps that point in slightly different directions, down and forward.
5) Messenger bag. This was kind of the last piece of the puzzle. I'd been using a plain REI day pack but it wasn't great. It wasn't comfortable to ride with. It interfered with my ability to look around. It shifted on my back sometimes, and the weight was too low and my lower back would get tired. Plus it's shape made getting shoes, clothes, and laptop in there a challenge. I looked at a few bags and ended up with the Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger. This makes a big difference. Carrying the weight higher is much more stable and comfortable. And I can get another flasher on there. Nice!
With all that, plus a good jacket, some gloves, my beloved Sugoi Skullcap (I have three!), clear lenses on the glasses, and some booties and I'm pretty much solid in most weather. Having it get dark at 4:30 is also good for the schedule. Dark is dark, so I don't need to try to get out of work to beat the sundown.
It turns out riding at night is kind of fun. It's an eerie feeling to silently groove along a quiet street in the dark. But people do seem to stay home more when it gets dark early and there is less traffic.
posted @ Tuesday, November 20, 2007 4:18 AM