I figure that I've been commuting as long as I've had this bike, which would be since 2000. I bought this Specialized Allez (French for go) for doing triathlons but its racing duty days are over and I've transformed it into a daily commuter. It's been trial and error for gear over the last ten or so years and there has definitely been some things I've learned.
1. Living in the Northwest means rain. Every year I treat myself to something for my commute. I figure that since I'm saving so much gas money I can afford the small luxuries. This year I purchased a new coat. I've been balking because I'm a cheapskate when it comes to spending on myself. The coat has been AWESOME! It is from Showers Pass and is breathable and water resistant, which if you know anything about outdoor gear is a hard feat to accomplish. It has under arm vent zippers, good pocket locations and is wind proof to 100 mph. I even wore it as a top layer skiing this winter. The only downside of it was that I had to purchase the attachable hat seperately, which was a total fail. Last year I bought great pants from O2. When you buy pants be sure and buy them large enough to wear warm under layers.
2. Light up the world and you'll arrive in one piece. I have this theory, if your not prepared it will happen, if you are, it won't! So....I am lit up. Being hit by a car is on my most NOT wanted list, but by riding a bike I realize that it is a real possibility. It's funny because you think that being on the highways would be the most dangerous, and its true, being hit by a car at a high rate of speed would be lights out, but to be honest, city driving is by far the most dangerous. However, most days, my greatest danger in the morning is things unseen (especially in the winter). We are blessed to have a biking trail and I use that to ride into town to catch the bus. Branches, bumps, garbage cans, and blackberry brambles are always in the lurch ready to accost me at any moment. I wear a 1 watt headlamp that also comes with a flasher which I can tell works well because it sends most cars almost into the ditch. I think that people focus on the light and drift towards the ditch! I also have covered my bike in reflective tape and added additional tape on my helmet. I have a flasher on my helmet as well as a rear flasher on my bike. I have had people comment that they can see me and that's a good thing.
3. Wet feet equals misery. Nothing worse then arriving to work and having to start the day with cold feet. I am lucky to have a washer and dryer at work so I can always dry my clothes if needed, but just wearing the right thing to start is even better. Socks that come up to mid calf, shoes that are water proof and if that's not enough those silly looking shoe covers. They may look silly but they work! And at my age comfort is MUCH better then looks!
4. A bike lock...no explanation necessary.
5. Carry every thing you need but no everything you don't. You need the basics like flat tire repair equipment including either a WORKING (mine didn't) bike pump or the instant cartriages. Extra socks (for the times you forgot #3), snacks for waiting at the bus, toothbrush and floss, and an Ipod (to drown out the other commuters) and water.
So there you have it.....geared up and ready to go! Join me if you dare!
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