Get in Your Training Hours by Riding to Work!

Hardly anyone could disagree that commuting to work on the bike has many benefits for the avid cyclist. With many commitments at work and at home it is often difficult to get in all of your training miles during the week. But adding 2-3 days per week of commuting can make getting all your required time in the saddle much easier. Not to mention how much money you will save on gas over the long haul.

The most convincing argument I have heard against making the commute into work by bike is that it is dangerous. But there are a few simple things that you can do to make the trip safer. The first and most important thing I can recommend is to get a very bright color jersey. The uglier the better. There are brands made of material that actually reflects headlights (Illuminite is the brand I like the best). I know that some folks have to look very fashionable when then go anywhere on the bike. Save yout "kit" for the group ride. You have to drop your vanity and realize that your choice of practical over fashionable in this instance could be a life or death decision.

Another thing to consider is adding reflective tape to your crankarms, front fork, and chain stays. You can get reflective tape at any local hardware store. Of course if you are commuting into work on your 5K$ BMC I can understand if you do not want to go this route. Since the road conditions are often harsh and high end components are very expensive, I suggest getting a second "beater bike" for commuting. Even better get a Fixie!

In winter months when you will be riding home at dusk or even in the dark. I cannot stress enough the importance of having a reasonably bright light on you bike. And the 20$ brand that you are going to find at the discount biking outlet stores are not going to cut it. You need a light with high wattage. Most top end bike lights come with multiple settings to prolong battery life when the rides get longer.

More time on the bike is more time on the bike. And commuting not only benefits our legs, it benefits our wallets. You can use the money you save on gas to put your kids through college or buy that new GPS/Power/HRM 1000 function Bike Computer that mows your lawn and cooks you breakfast. Be as visible as possible, obey ALL the traffic laws, and constantly be aware of what is going on around you. You will save money, get in more riding time, and even do something positive towards preserving the environment for future generations of cyclists.