Friday, May 30, 2008

The First Commute


Speaking of commuting, recognize this commuter aircraft?
Talk about riding to work in comfort!
Well, as some people say, talk is cheap. As I mentioned last week, I intended to ride the Fast Red Bike to work at least once this week. With the price of gas approaching $4.00/gal., a more workable shift schedule, and (finally) some mild weather, all the pieces fell together to make commuting a reality.
Sunrise, about 5 miles north of the ARTCC
Thursday and Friday I was able to ride to work, saving 50 miles of driving. It’s only a small dent in the cost, but it’s a start at least. Why only 50 miles? Well, since my season is off to a slow start I didn’t want to overdo the first attempt. So, I drove the car and bike to the halfway point to Centerville, and rode the rest of the way into work. It worked out to be right around a 13-mile ride each way. So, assuming I at minimum ride 50 miles per week commuting, that means I will save one full tank of gas every 6 weeks. If I ride the full distance on Fridays the cost savings rise dramatically.
At least it didn't rain until after I got to work!
More importantly, I was able to enjoy two lovely morning rides on both days. I had forgotten how lovely peaceful and quiet the 5:30 AM rides could be. Of course, there are the usual challenges, especially during the afternoon ride back to Centerville: Traffic, construction, the traditional afternoon lake breeze, and of course, more construction. It seems like all of Bountiful is under construction. So far, I have only had to create one detour. During Friday’s ride in to work, I did see four other commuters on bikes. I will keep track of how many I see as summer approaches.
My luxury parking by the security office...
Speaking of functional cycling, please check out a new web page: Ecovelo, is a project by Alan Barnard addressing the use of bikes for a purpose. That is, using bikes for commuting, shopping, traveling, etc. Alan, who for years published a wonderful recumbent blog, has been moved by our societal and economic changes to now write about more global cycling issues. Please, I again invite you to enjoy his latest endeavor.
That’s all the news for now on cycling. Have a great weekend.
Jim
P.S. Someone LOVES me very much!

7 comments:

  1. still waiting for pics of Dan????

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous7:46 AM

    Jim, have you tried using the new Legacy Parkway trail as part of your commute? Is it even open yet?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Gump..

    As far as I can tell, the Parkway Trail isn't open yet. It will be great when it does, as it will end right about where I took the sunrise pictures about 4.5 miles from the office..

    De JIm

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jim,
    I am commuting too this year when the weather is moderate. 20 miles roundtrip/day. I enjoyed Recumbent Blog, but Ecovelo is, at times, way too political for my taste.

    ReplyDelete
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