Perhaps one of the best ideas I've had in a long time is to drive part way to work (it is 19 miles), park my truck, bike the rest. The only problem is there are very few places to park where my truck will be allowed to remain for the day. I think it was Steve A who said that commuting is about time, not mileage. I agree, it takes me up to 1 1/2 hrs to ride 19 miles to work, so I want to reduce my commute time in the cold and the dark by driving part way.
I parked today at a public park - the only place where I'm sure my truck won't be towed. There are a couple of public access sites for boating where I can park, but when the snow gets deep, these areas aren't plowed. There are a couple of nature preserves where I could park also, but the park will be my first choice. There are no stores, malls, or other areas with large parking lots on the way where I can park.
I did get my new studded tires today, so I will be mounting them tonight for the ride tomorrow.
Happy riding!
6 comments:
I have no doubt that you will work that out.
IMO, that is a great idea. Good for you.
I agree with the other comments ... great idea! Good for you, riding in the cold and stuff. Awesome.
A part-way drive is an excllent way to make those really short and cold days a whole lot nicer. If you drove the whole way, it'd be Spring before you got a chance to ride again. I hope the part you ride is nicer than the part you drive.
Thanks for all of your comments. Actually, the whole commute is nice - it is all rural from my home to 1 mile from my work. And that last mile is in the small town of Auburn. I am lucky to have no significant traffic the whole way.
Sweet. The studded tires are a good idea. I've used mine for the past 3 winters, and it certainly makes icy rides a bit less scary.
Just remember to take it easy on turns. I find that, once or twice each winter, I forget about the ice and swing around a corner, only to find myself sliding down the road away from my bike.
It's amazing how far you sometimes have to backtrack to retrieve your bike!
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