The Motorcycle Commuting Process
Wednesday, January 18th, 2006 at 10:08 pm by angrybob
My New Year’s Resolution was to try to force myself to commute on the bike as much as possible. There are a couple of reasons for this: 1. I’m a cheap ass, and gas is expensive at my SUV’s 19mpg! 2. I want to see if I am a weekend warrior or really enjoy riding. My thought is that if I really enjoy riding, this would be an excellent way to unwind on the commute home from work.
I am trying to employ the ATGATT philosophy as part of this New Years Resolution. ATGATT = All The Gear All The Time. I usually wear a jacket, helmet and gloves, but since crashing is a numbers game, the increased mileage means (to me) increase protective gear. Oh yeah, it’s around 37F in the mornings out in the desert where I work.
My gear includes a Fieldsheer 1-pc. Highland suit, Sidi ‘Way’ Tepor Boots, gloves, balaclava, earplugs, and a helmet. This obviously adds time to the departures on each end versus simply getting in, starting up the SUV and leaving. This was also a PITA because I didn’t have the process down in the beginning. I wear business casual clothing to the office so the oversuit idea is the best for my situation.
I have now commuted for several weeks and the extra time requires only a couple minutes, down from originally fifteen or so. Simply having a process that is the same every time shaved off many of those extra minutes. I have to say that the speeds are a little higher now and traffi management is easier, which also saves time ;).
I am not sure that I am a die-hard yet. I don;t necessarily look forward to riding to/from work but do enjoy it. I now ride in Tu, W, & Th each week. I work out Monday & Friday at work and simply have too much crap with the change of clothes, etc. For me, its an excellent mix and it will likely continue until June or so when its too friggin’ hot.
Any advice from hardcore commuters would be greatly apreciated. Hell, if we get enough comments I’ll post it in the permanent section for reference.
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AB,
Good on ya for up-ing your participation in the part of motorcycling that is least “romantic” but most practical. You’ll immediately notice the cost and psychological benefits. I’m surprised how much getting on the bike makes the days worries fade away (of course, don’t forget to pay attention and not be thinking about solving problems on your way home, motorcycling is NOT a multi-tasking pursuit). Another key benefit is being “sharp” when the weekend warrior opportunities present themselves, since the skills haven’t rusted from disuse.
Yeah, it takes longer to get ready and disrobe at your destination, but as you do it repeatedly, you’ll shave time. My biggest trouble seems to be remembering everything I need to bring. Opps, forgot the CEL phone. Oh no, no earplugs, damn! I frequently make an extra trip back into the house to retreive a needed items (fortunately, I usually remember before I leave the driveway). You are smart to know you are exposing yourself to more risk just by sheer the sheer addition of miles ridden.
A couple of other things to remember: You’re commuting, not sport riding. Cars always win any contact contest. When in doubt allow more space cushion (separation distance) to let boneheads sort themselves out. Read “Ride Hard, Ride Smart”. HAVE FUN!!!