So, it's gonna be 66F and I get to head in at 10am, so I'm not expecting heavy rush hour traffic. I've got about 700 miles under me, and about 100 of those are freeway. Thinking about commuting for the first time tomorrow (25 miles each way). Thoughts / tips / advice?
Leave extra early so you don't have to rush. You will do fine.
Once you get into the traffic you'll
- be nervous
- think they're all maniacs
- be reluctant to change lanes
- most likely forget everything you learned at riding school
- suddenly realize there is more to this riding stuff than just twisting a throttle
- feel like you've accomplished something when you arrive at work
The trip home will be Much easier for you as your brain has had all day to assimilate the experience from the morning.
None of the above are big deals. They're just natural feelings to be expected as you try new things for the first time. Now you know, you won't be surprised by them. Thus, you'll be fine :thumb:
Quote from: Bluesmudge on April 29, 2011, 12:15:22 AM
Leave extra early so you don't have to rush. You will do fine.
as i said, i don't have to be in til 10am, so i will leave around 930am, after traffic dies down.
Quote from: mister on April 29, 2011, 12:23:25 AM
Once you get into the traffic you'll
- be nervous
- think they're all maniacs
- be reluctant to change lanes
- most likely forget everything you learned at riding school
- suddenly realize there is more to this riding stuff than just twisting a throttle
- feel like you've accomplished something when you arrive at work
The trip home will be Much easier for you as your brain has had all day to assimilate the experience from the morning.
None of the above are big deals. They're just natural feelings to be expected as you try new things for the first time. Now you know, you won't be surprised by them. Thus, you'll be fine :thumb:
i've put in 100 miles on the freeway already, just not in rush hour traffic, but i live in the SF bay area where the freeways are always somewhat busy. i'm not really nervous on the freeway anymore. it's more lane splitting that would make me nervous, but at the later time i'm leaving, traffic should be flowing fine and i shouldnt have to worry about it.
Wait a minute, you said 25 miles each way but you are leaving 30 minutes before you have to be there? I personally would leave 10 or 15 before that. If you get there early, good. Take a victory lap around the block. That's all just my opinion though.
Remember when you commute eventually at normal time that it's cooler and you might need an extra layer (I wera silk underwear under jeans, personally), plus neck cowel and jacket liner.
Remember that cars change lanes at the time they signal, if they bother to signal at all, so be wary of what's around you.
Count seconds using a poll marker to make sure you're not tailgating. Sometimes people tailgate the car ahead to get away from the car in back of them.
My commute is 35 miles and my first few commutes I avoided highways, but my wrists killed me from holding the clutch in at stop lights. I got stronger eventually, and after replacing the windshield the highway speeds don't bother my head as much.
My hubby bought my the pulsating front lamp that pulses to high/low/high beams when it's set to high beams. There's a light sensor so when it's dark, it just works as a regular high beam. I find that cars are more cautious changing lanes when I have that on. I'm a small person and just not as noticeable as a 300 pound guy on an 800 pound Harley... That light makes me feel a lot more confident.
Have a great time!! Tell us how it went! What will you do differently next time?
When I ride into work I always go early to go before the rush or later to go after it. Going home is the same deal, go in early, leave early.
For the highway, I stick in the left lane. The way i see it, I only have to worry about idiots on 3 sides of me instead of 4.
Congrats, I've doing it for a few years. On the days when I have to use the suv, I kinda miss riding the bike to work, even more so the ride home. So how was it, any problems or anything?
Tony
i actually didn't ride. wasnt over 60 this morning, so i wimped out. i like warmth, and not having to change clothes at work. next week is supposed to be 10 degrees warmer, so ill probably try then.
Quote from: MarTeeNez on April 29, 2011, 05:09:48 AM
My hubby bought my the pulsating front lamp that pulses to high/low/high beams when it's set to high beams. There's a light sensor so when it's dark, it just works as a regular high beam. I find that cars are more cautious changing lanes when I have that on. I'm a small person and just not as noticeable as a 300 pound guy on an 800 pound Harley... That light makes me feel a lot more confident.
Can you ask him to give you the link to this light so I can take a look? I find it intriguing.
Quote from: StevenDavisPhoto on April 29, 2011, 10:24:40 AM
i actually didn't ride. wasnt over 60 this morning, so i wimped out. i like warmth, and not having to change clothes at work. next week is supposed to be 10 degrees warmer, so ill probably try then.
Wasn't over 60 so you wimped out? WTF!?
Coldest it got down here last winter was about 27F. I still rode to work. Got called mad, crazy and hardcore. That's what a winter lining with a rain lining (rain lining stops the wind ripping through, winter lining gives padding between cold rain lining and skin) is for. Toss on a pullover beneath and on top of my cloths and a balaclava or neck warmer and it's all nice and toasty.Legs just have to deal with it but don't seem to get too cold anyway for some reason, even on a naked.
Above 68 I'll just wear the mesh jacket.
Between 59 and 68 I'll add the rain lining - usually but not always
From 50 to 59 I'll wear a pullover beneath the rain lining
Below 50 I'll add the winter lining with pull over
Around 40 I'll add the balaclava or neckwarmer (neckwarmer blocks all air getting into the helmet from the neck)
I do find, as the temp drops below 50 and more so as it nears 32, other riders are way more amiable to give a nod. Normally, commuters don't nod. but when it's nearing freezing we all share a common "hardcore" bond and the nods are more free flowing - same when it's raining.
Get some warm gear so you can ride in the cool. It's awesome! :thumb:
Michael
my point is that i dont wanna have to put on all that stuff to ride to work, then have to take it off, then put it back on, etc..
Quote from: StevenDavisPhoto on April 29, 2011, 01:15:03 PM
my point is that i dont wanna have to put on all that stuff to ride to work, then have to take it off, then put it back on, etc..
What is "all that stuff"? The linings are Part of the jacket. Remove the jacket and the linings follow. The pullover stays on me - cause it's cold and would be worn even if I drove the car. Balaclava easy goes in a jacket pocket. It's not like you have to add the rain lining and then the winter lining and then the jacket and do the reverse to get it off. Once zipped into the jacket it's part of the jacket. And cause it's cold you leave it attached to the jacket from day to day.
If you don't have a jacket with removable linings and would need to buy Another jacket to do this, then that's different. Same with gloves. No point spending extra money on gear to ride in colder temps when you'd rather the warmth of the car and it's heater. Fair enough. :thumb:
But understand that owning a motorcycle is full of bothersome things...
-chains that need lubing
-chains that need adjusting
-service intervals half that of cars
-warming up the bike before riding off
-tires that go one third to one twentieth the distance compared to car tires
-PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) IE your riding gear - helmet, jacket, pants, boots, gloves
A jacket with some linings is the Least of the hassle.
I understand not everyone rides in near or just below freezing like I do. But a few jackets linings that are part of the jacket are Nothing. And certainly not "all that stuff". :cheers:
Michael
yeah, i have a dianese mugello jacket. very nice perforated leather for summer riding, but not the warmest in spring, and no removable lining. i usually wear thermals underneath my kevlar jeans and t-shirt, but then i have to take those off when i go indoors cuz it gets too sweaty.
Ride like you are invisible.
Quote from: centuryghost on April 29, 2011, 02:14:19 PM
Ride like you are invisible.
yeah, that's the first thing i learned when is started riding.
You will enjoy riding to work once you "break the ice". 30 minutes is not enough time. There is no way you are going average 60 MPH going door to door. My commute, In Houston, TX is 26 miles and takes 45 minutes to or so with 80% freeway at 65+. Allow an hour. If you get there early, no problem, but you won't have the pressure of running late. As for lane splitting, forget it. I guess its legal in CA but you are a new rider. You don't need the added risk of riding within inches of other cars which can, and do, make unpredictable, illogical moves.
If you think you will commute regularly, think about a set of gear designed around that purpose. Mine is all Olympia, GT Air Transitions jacket and AST pants. I sized these to fit over street clothes. Once at work I just take off the suit and change from riding boots to shoes. When I had the GS, I put street shoes, etc, in a backpack and strapped it to the seat. Works great.
Most of all, relax and enjoy. It gets easier the more you do it.
BTW, my first commuter rides were in the DC area, Fairfax to Regan National Airport. I found that with the suit above and an added thick sweater I could get down to 35 degrees.
Keep the shiny side up,
Chuck
Quote from: mister on April 29, 2011, 12:54:42 PM
Coldest it got down here last winter was about 27F.
Michael
I hate you so much. I don't think we got up to 27 in the month of January in MN. I'd ride year round if the lowest it got was 27 no doubt. Rode to work this morning at 35 no problem, what's a few more degrees?
Hey, CarlTheProducer, the headlight modulator he got me was Comagination.
The review and info is here:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motorcycle-products/comagination/visipath/visipath.htm
I generally ride above 40 degrees, mostly because the wind chill kills me, even with fleece plus jacket plus two liners plus turtlefur gator on my neck plus silk liners under jeans. Mostly hands and legs get cold. I commute with a backpack that holds the silks and extra liners for the afternoon ride home, and have room in the tank bag for stuff if I need to stuff extra layers in there. But it is definitely worth it. I'm cold for half an hour in the morning, and the ride home is glorious. And the 40 degree limit just eliminates most of 3 months. Until I get better gear, I'm OK with a temp limit.
Quote from: MarTeeNez on April 30, 2011, 05:44:09 PM
But it is definitely worth it. I'm cold for half an hour in the morning, and the ride home is glorious.
Yeah, the ride home makes it all worthwhile. At work they call me hardcore (or crazy) when I ride in the cold weather, but the guys who have bikes always say "I wish I could ride home in the nice weather, just couldn't take the cold this morning."
I'll be doing my first commute to work for the season on Monday...really looking forward to it... :thumb:...for more reasons than one... ;)
Later.
Quote from: madjak30 on April 30, 2011, 06:39:19 PM
I'll be doing my first commute to work for the season on Monday...really looking forward to it... :thumb:...for more reasons than one... ;)
Later.
Yeah yeah. Still waiting for pics. Pics or it didn't happen. :flipoff:
Michael
I love to ride in to work in the mornings, but 5 oclock houston traffic s-zucks riding home.
I'm from MN. 37° is my low limit for riding. It was thus, when I rode my new GS home from the dealer on March 18th. Just dress warm with good ff helmet. :thumb:
Quote from: mister on May 01, 2011, 03:10:02 AM
Yeah yeah. Still waiting for pics. Pics or it didn't happen. :flipoff:
Michael
Well, I have to sheepishly admit that the ride to the mountains didn't happen today...went for a ride and got to the foothills, but not the mountains (needed two more hours that I didn't have so the ride got cut short)...but I do have pics...but I am going to start a thread for the ride...
Surprise coming...hehehe :icon_twisted:
Later.
So did you make it there and back A-Okay?
i didn't try. the 880 is pretty crazy and i'm kinda taking my time. and i got a sunburn this weekend, so i cant wear a helmet right now :P
Werd. Take your time. How many miles have you logged thus-far?
about 700 since september. i plan to do a lot more now that the weather is improving.
I was at about 1500 before I felt really comfortable on the freeway. And I'm still learning. "Don't be a hero," as my mechanic says :thumb:
yeah, i don't have a death wish like many young riders. i just like the enjoy the ride. it was mostly to save gas money. riding the freeway actually sounds kinda boring. i prefer the twisties.
Quote from: MarTeeNez on April 30, 2011, 05:44:09 PM
Hey, CarlTheProducer, the headlight modulator he got me was Comagination.
The review and info is here:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motorcycle-products/comagination/visipath/visipath.htm
Sweetness. I wonder if these are legal in NY?
I don't blame you for not wanting to ride on 880 yet. That can be a tough commute even in a cage. Makes it even more nerve racking with other bikes lane splitting on both sides of you.
Maybe I'm in a bad mood or that time of month. But, good grief, man the fluck up and ride :o it seems as if you are making up every excuse in the book not to ride!If you are that afraid to ride maybe riding is not meant for you. Hate to be harsh but if you are second guessing yourself this much before you get on the bike what will happen when you actually swing a leg over?
I'm dying to ride right now but being my shoulder will not allow me to extend my hand to the throttle. I'm stuck here with the forecast of sunshine an 82 on Friday! I've ridden on I-4 at 0300 when it was 32 out and it didn't kill me and a slight chill won't kill you either.
Exhausted mentally and physically yours!
Mary
@mary: well, i ride for fun, not to save money or to go fast. it's mostly a weekend thing for me. i prefer to reduce my risk of getting injured/killed. that's my style and i'm ok with that.
Quote from: Toogoofy317 on May 02, 2011, 09:18:10 PM
Maybe I'm in a bad mood or that time of month.
Exhausted mentally and physically yours!
Mary
Umm...yup...or maybe riders withdrawls... :icon_mrgreen:
You really have to ride your own ride...but 700 miles since September...you just need to get out there more...just sounds to me like you ride so rarely that you aren't building confidence...if you are worried, don't just jump on the freeway...it will probably scare the crap out of you (moocho idiots out there)
I ride strictly for pleasure...not out of necessity...I ride my bike to the office for the fun of it (3/4ton truck isn't fun in the city, but needed when I go into the field)...so when the roads are clear, I ride...I am a little fanatical about it...as soon as the snow and ice thawed, I was out there riding on the sandy roads...today was the first commute day this year, but I've put on over 1500kms (940miles) so far this season...I'm not saying you should go over board, but to build you confidence get out there a little more and take the back roads to get used to travelling at speed...passing the odd car...then go to the freeway...
Just keep practicing and put in more seat time...the riding will become more natural feeling, then you can concentrate more on what the cages are doing... :icon_eek:
Later.
i'm confident. i just don't see putting in 25 miles on "the slab" as fun. i'd rather drive my car and listen to NPR.
Well, if that's the case...you're having fun, so you must be doing it right... :thumb:
Like I said, it's your ride...we can't tell you what that is...
I agree about the slab thing...I usually find alternative routes...part of my fun!!
Later.
Quote from: madjak30 on May 02, 2011, 10:00:46 PM
Quote from: Toogoofy317 on May 02, 2011, 09:18:10 PM
Maybe I'm in a bad mood or that time of month.
Exhausted mentally and physically yours!
Mary
Umm...yup...or maybe riders withdrawls... :icon_mrgreen:
Mary has PMS: Parked Motorcycle Syndrome.
I couldn't even push Flick up into the garage today :embarassed: I reached over felt a pop and immediate pain!
While I do understand about only riding for pleasure. It does concern me about the confidence though so few miles in a good amount of time. Skill just does not come from time of owning the bike it takes practice and lots of it! I mean if your prefer the car why are you bothering with a bike at all? With me it is the other way around the only reason I own both is for times like this. Because, anytime I am on the bike it is better than being in a cage! In the car too many distractions that take me away from being in the moment. Maybe it's the vulnerability of being on the bike but I feel more alive. When I mount Flick we become one when I'm not happy he's not happy and vice versa. This is also my time with God I have speakers in my helmet and typically play praise and worship music ever so softly I can usually only hear it at a red light or after a close call. After one particular close call when a car came into my lane that the only thing that got their attention was kicking in their quarter panel. When I pulled over to let my heart recover the first thing I heard was Amazing Grace "twas grace that saved a wretch like me" and it brought me back to the moment with a realization to always live your life because it may be your last.
I just believe in living your life not surving it. Sorry, if I made others mad but it does tick me off when others make excuses or complain when it is a choice not to do something. I know what I'd be doing if I had a choice!
Mary
Quote from: Toogoofy317 on May 03, 2011, 09:05:11 PM
While I do understand about only riding for pleasure. It does concern me about the confidence though so few miles in a good amount of time. Skill just does not come from time of owning the bike it takes practice and lots of it! I mean if your prefer the car why are you bothering with a bike at all? With me it is the other way around the only reason I own both is for times like this. Because, anytime I am on the bike it is better than being in a cage! In the car too many distractions that take me away from being in the moment. Maybe it's the vulnerability of being on the bike but I feel more alive.
Mary
+1 :thumb: :thumb:
Confidence /= skill. Ownership time /= skill.
Don't want to come across as bust'n your chops, but it seems to me you look for excuses NOT to ride.
I think you might benefit from riding with others - not necessarily an entire group of 20, but maybe one or two others.
You have done the relevant Course in your area, haven't you? Contact the organisers and ask them about any Rides you could attend. You can learn a lot by watching other people and analyzing what they do and just talking to them. All experienced riders know everyone has to start out with no skills and a whole bunch of apprehensiveness and will not think down on people who ask for pointers.
Michael
Quote from: Toogoofy317 on May 03, 2011, 09:05:11 PMI mean if your prefer the car why are you bothering with a bike at all?
well, i miss rush hour, so i go the same speed. also, riding on the freeway for long distances doesnt seem fun at all. its just a constant speed with the wind batting u around. i havent enjoyed the freeway riding i've done so far. the hills are what i love.
that said, i might try riding tomorrow. MIGHT :P and i'm also a christian, so i listen to NPR or K-LOVE in the morning in my car. i dont believe i'm skilled enough to ride with music yet.
i'm not making excuses. i LOVE to ride. i just don't think the freeway is that fun. we'll see.
Quote from: StevenDavisPhoto on May 03, 2011, 10:56:23 PM
Quote from: Toogoofy317 on May 03, 2011, 09:05:11 PMI mean if your prefer the car why are you bothering with a bike at all?
well, i miss rush hour, so i go the same speed. also, riding on the freeway for long distances doesnt seem fun at all. its just a constant speed with the wind batting u around. i havent enjoyed the freeway riding i've done so far. the hills are what i love.
that said, i might try riding tomorrow. MIGHT :P and i'm also a christian, so i listen to NPR or K-LOVE in the morning in my car. i dont believe i'm skilled enough to ride with music yet.
i'm not making excuses. i LOVE to ride. i just don't think the freeway is that fun. we'll see.
I ride whenever i get the chance, even if its just commuting, i just enjoy being outside the cage and being so exposed to everything.
Don't get me wrong, twisties are awesome, but i dont think you can beat just being on a bike (i dont listen to music, i just use the time to clear my head and relax) :thumb:
well i'm gonna commute to work tomorrow (probably) and i'll let u know if i change my mind.
Don't let them pressure you into something that you don't really feel comfortable doing...they should know better :nono:...some people are strictly recreational riders...
I know a few people that were quite pleased with themselves...last year they rode 3000kms (1875miles), the riding season is 6 months so they averaged 500kms per month...I have to bite my tongue when they are boasting about their good riding year...I ride 500kms per week, but they are not me and I shouldn't expect them to be...they are happy riding their ride and I am happy doing mine...although I thought I didn't get much riding in last year...only 10,000kms (6250miles)...but that is me, not anyone else...I talked to another guy (retired), he averages 35,000-40,000kms per year (damn Goldwing riders anyway)...I just don't have time for that kind of mileage, but that is what he planned for retirement and he is living his dream...
I know that it is good to stretch your boundries once in a while, that's how you learn...but learn at your own pace...there is no race, just enjoy it and try to keep learning...if you want to ride to work, givver...but if you prefer to drive and listen to calming music (I can relate to that...I feel the road rage building if I don't), then do that and save the riding/learning for your free time...I think the others are more like me, and hate getting off their bikes...but others are content to ride when they have time and don't have any deadline to meet...it will take you longer to learn the skills, but so what...it's your ride :thumb:
Later.
I commute everyday it's above 40 and dry. Although, my ride is only 5 miles and takes 10-30 minutes usually. One thing I've found to help a lot is to grab a tank bag or strap something to the seat instead of using a backpack, it's a lot easier to ride without having to worry about something else.
Good luck with the commute!!
Lately with gas at 1.39/L for regular (in ON, Canada) I've gone from a fair-weather commuter to an almost every day commuter. I keep a spare pair of clothes in my desk just in case.
I totally agree about the highway being not that much fun, and enjoying the curvy hilly back roads. My commute is 35 miles one way, and the highways in NC run really fast (which hurt my head/neck even with a higher windshield). They're not fun. Riding is fun, but I don't find highways and idiots who float lanes while they're texting on their phones fun. I like my car (and NPR on the radio..). I hated commuting by bike at first, scared me to death. There's a 5 mile stretch where the slow lane is going 75. And there wasn't a good back road route to get there. But I got used to most of the highways, found more mellower roads, and to be honest, the back roads I take totally make up for the highway I take.
Don't let folks rush you. There'll come a day when you'll miss being on the bike so much that you'll be willing to be on the highway. And research different routes even if they take a bit longer to get there.
Good luck!
i thought about commuting on the bike but it looks so dam uncomfortable. if i didn't have to sit at a desk all day and dress somewhat nice i would give it a shot.
I agree about only doing what you are comfortable with.
For me I wouldn't get on a bike without boots, CE armoured pants and jacket and high quality gloves (and quality helmet). Yes it takes time to take off and put on but sliding down the road isn't the time to wish you had put it all on.
I wear a reflective sash as well (nearly always). The cagers seem to think it is a badge of incompetance and give me heaps of space .... suits me fine :) .
If you take the plunge, the first time try to stay in the far right or far left lane when it makes sense to do so, this way you remove one lane of possible problems. But plan ahead for on ramps and off ramps.
Its daunting the first time but great fun too. Go for it, when you are ready.
Dress for the ride, not for the crash is what I go by.
Being on a motorcycle is dangerous. But, you can reduce the risks by taking a few extra precautions. All of those precautions involve driver skill and not gear.
That being said, I never ride without a full face and gloves. I wear sneakers if I'm not getting on a highway and I usually wear jeans. I've been riding since I was 14 and all the crashes I've seen personally it would not have mattered what gear they were wearing. Your jacket doesn't make you a better rider.
by the way, before anyone gives me a speech on riding gear (there's always one of them) please understand I don't care.