Open your fly...beware of bees!

 

That's a good point. Though my commute is all "in town" riding, I'm 100% certain that, even at it's worst, it can't compare with LA.

I'm lucky in that I was able to shift my work day to 7:30am-4:00pm. It makes a big difference in the amount of traffic I have to deal with.

I'll add, for me, the worst part of commuting is that I don't live FAR enough from my office!

 

As soon as we get a good rain, and all the road salt residue is off the road, I will be on the bike any day that its not raining. I have a 53 mile commute each way, and from early spring thru fall, I ride 8 days out of ten.

 

I commute every day from Oceanside to downtown San Diego about 90 miles round trip and love it. Yes traffic is a pain but I have such a smile on my face that all my coworkers wonder whta Ihave been up to. It is very emotionally unsettling to have to cruise past a downed biker which I have done several times in recent months. It does make you think long and hard about the risks we take very time we sling our leg over the saddle. But yet I never hesitate to ride because it is a part of me and makes me who I am today. A strong, confident lady who loves motorycles and riding!!

 

No $hit! Seemed like my 13 mile ride to work on Wed turned into a 85 mile ride home. BTW, I would ride everyday possible, but I have to take my 16 month-old to daycare and pick him up. He is a little big to fit in the saddlebag, but too small to ride in the seat.

 

I bought this bike for my soon to be retirement. I got it in Nov. Thanksgiving weekend, commuted 22 (11 one way). That's no biggy, but I did it until I retired at Christmas. Some days in the teens to 20's. Allot of days I was the only idiot out there. Even among younger HD riders. I won't ride in snow that is laying or if it's raining when I'm home. Any thing else I'm open for.

 

Bluerose, when I worked I commuted 35 mi. one way. The main thing I told myself was no matter how late I left the house, no matter any delays on the way, I would NOT rush myself. No pushing to get to work on time. That's when I believe we start to make mistakes by not focusing on whats important in the ride.

Six thousand miles is a good start but if your like me you will find you improve 2x as much in the next 6k miles. Thats half the fun for sure.

 

Bluerose, I seem to recall you brought this up last year too. I am glad you are riding to work. I started riding to work last year and haven't looked back. I cannot imagine sitting in traffic after work wasting away for 90 minutes. My commute is 64 miles roundtrip. It take me about 40 minutes each way in the car pool lane and lane sharing when necessary. The only days I don't ride are when it is raining, or if I know I won't get home until very late at night - too many drunks on the road.

I wear slacks and tie everyday, so I bought myself a set of coveralls - winter version and summer version. I keep a pair dress shoes at my desk, so I wear boots on the bike. Something for you to consider.

As far as accidents, they occur everyday car, motorcycle, bicycle etc. It is part of life driving motor vehicles. Don't let that scare you, just be careful. If we were scared of all the dangers in the world we would never leave the house, and what fun would that be?

Cheers

 

Yesterday i left work, made it through the "city 5pm rush hour", got on the interstate and made it thought that mess until i got further from the city. Got to my exit in the middle of no where and had a guy pull out in front of me at the interchange gas station. It was just he and I, me with my 07, bright headlight and hwy lights on a big ultra. Who's to say, can happen anytime anywhere reguardless of the location and day of the week. By the way, no problems, plenty of breaks. Scared the heck out of the guy, me too for that matter.