day 1: woo hoo!

My first day of REALLY riding a bike to work has come, and gone. I have a feeling that this is the beginning of a B-E-A-utiful thing! No major catastrophes, got to work on time, didn't smell funky all day - a success.

the Log
Things got off smoothly this morning - although I must say the first shower turned out to be unnecessary. I woke up and did my normal morning routine: showered, ate breakfast and made my lunch. I double checked to make sure I had everything I needed. I loaded my work clothes, lunch and towel into my backpack and gave the bike one last look-over. Everything checked out - time to go.

The ride in was easy going, especially since traffic at 6 a.m. wasn't too bad. Once I got to work, I checked online to see what the temperature was - it was 80 degrees with 76% humidity - which is unheard of in Phoenix. It is usually sub 10%!

The 7.3 mile ride took me right around 30 minutes. 10 more than it takes me to drive...and certainly more enjoyable.

Thankfully, my office building has a locker-room with showers - thus the second shower. It was certainly needed.

Later in the morning, I received a pleasant surprise of an email. It seems someone who had come across my blog from the Tempe Bicycle Action Group (TBAG) website is familiar with the area that I am using for my commute.

Congrats on your commitment. I just took a look at your blog and it looks great. Can I make a route suggestion? How about taking Oak Street rather than McDowell? It's a dedicated bicycle route with super-wide shoulders and much lower traffic than McDowell.

This is why I love the cycling community! Someone that I have never met cared enough to suggest an alternate, safer route. Much thanks to Kate and her wonderful suggestion. Sure enough, I took Oak St. on the way home - and sure enough it was a breeze! Hardly any cars even. And I got to cross over this cool (yet shady at night I'm sure) pedestrian overpass.

I will admit: I was curious what sort of route I would take to get home, because I knew that the major roads that I thought were my best options are notoriously busy in the afternoons. Not gridlock, but constant traffic - and not the best road conditions. So this alternate route was a much welcomed suggestion.

It really is amazing how interest in the same activity or sport can unite people in such a way as this. Again, mondo cool points to Kate.

Now it's time for a dip in the pool! Viva la Velorution!