My very first commute!

[Danimal]

Well I finally got up enough balls to try and commute downtown today via bike/light rail since it was nice and cool temperature wise.

It wasn't half bad. Thanks Mara for the directions to the Ft Snelling light rail, that worked out slick, total time on roadways was about 5 minutes, the rest was paved bike trail/sidewalk.

Nice leg burn for the 7 mile trip from my house to the rail station. I LOVED getting on the train and looking at all the people in business suits eyeing my massive C-dale, then eyeing me up. I felt sort of... well... bigger than them!:D More manly, tougher, capable. Twas a nice feeling. I know some of those business women wanted to go for a ride on my dirty red Prophet. Sorry ladies, I is a married man;)

All in all, I went totally gassless today and it feels good. Oh and Mara... I rode every hill :banana::banana::banana::banana:

[col200]

Awesome! It is perfect today. I love that you rode the Prophet:D
I was commuting to work in the spring and haven't built up the courage to do it again (St. Louis Park to St. Paul).

[Danimal]

Yeah, the 2.3 Panaracer DH tires don't help either, but hell, it'll help me get stronger.:)

[jkalla]

Dan - Can you post your route to the Fort Snelling light rail station from Eagan (I assume you are crossing over the Mendota Bridge)? I have been thinking about doing the same thing you did - but in the reverse. I work in Mendota Heights off Pilot Knob and 494. How long was your total commute time?

[bigwheel]

Dan - Can you post your route to the Fort Snelling light rail station from Eagan (I assume you are crossing over the Mendota Bridge)? I have been thinking about doing the same thing you did - but in the reverse. I work in Mendota Heights off Pilot Knob and 494. How long was your total commute time?

How about taking the train to the MOA, and riding across the 494 bridge to Pilot Knob?

[bigwheel]

Excellent, Dan. From what I've seen, the bike commuters kick everyone's butts on group rides after a season of riding to work.

Still, you might want to try another set of tires or even a beater bike. People might look at that lefty and think you are a wierdo.

[jkalla]

How about taking the train to the MOA, and riding across the 494 bridge to Pilot Knob?

That is also an option - but I think Fort Snelling is closer and fewer stops on the light rail- I'm not sure.

[Trevize1138]

Still, you might want to try another set of tires or even a beater bike. People might look at that lefty and think you are a wierdo.

A beater bike is also an excellent theft deterrant. ;) Outfit a good old MTB frame with commuter tires, full-coverage fenders (stay dry even riding full-speed through 6 inches of water), rear rack and panniers and you're set!

[Danimal]

My Directions to Ft Snelling train Station...
Pilot Knob to HWY 13 (go across 13) and continue on Pilot knob about 1/4 mile.

Make a right (there is a bridge that goes over HWY 55 and connects to the bike trail running along side of it). Follow to the Fort Snelling visitors parking lot to the other side and pick up the bike path to Hiawatha, hang a left follow over to the train station. Total miles from HWY 13 & Pilot Knob to the train station about 5.5 miles (I'm guessing).

Coming from Hiawatha, the bike trail is on the right hand side of the road (if you are going from the train depot). Right past the 55 off ramp. That'll get you to the Ft Snelling lot, cross the lot and pick up the trail going to the bridge, when you cross the bridge hang a right and that'll take you to Pilot Knob.

[jkalla]

My Directions to Ft Snelling train Station...
Pilot Knob to HWY 13 (go across 13) and continue on Pilot knob about 1/4 mile.

Make a right (there is a bridge that goes over HWY 55 and connects to the bike trail running along side of it). Follow to the Fort Snelling visitors parking lot to the other side and pick up the bike path to Hiawatha, hang a left follow over to the train station. Total miles from HWY 13 & Pilot Knob to the train station about 5.5 miles (I'm guessing).

Thanks Dan.

I'll post up if I ever give it a try.

[Thewavebb]

Congrats Dan,

Thats pretty nuts that your using your big bike to ride to work.

I have been commuting from the 252 and 73rd ave Park and Ride in Brooklyn Center to downtown minneapolis (10mile) the past 2 months now. I actually get more done at work now that I ride to work. My co-workers think i'm kinda strange though.

[destrago]

Dan,

I used to do that commute to the U of MN. I come basically from Pilot Knob and Diffley (up the stupid hill on diffley to Pilot Knob tho). From my house to the Ft. Snelling station is about 8.5 miles if I recall. It's about 3/4 of a mile shorter to go across the river at 494 to the Bloomington Central Station, but I found the ride to snelling was just a nicer ride for some intractable reason.

The hills in eagan on pilot knob are a good wake up in the morning. I've been riding to work on Mendota Heights Road (the stop sign just north of 494 on pilot knob) for the last month now. It's only 4.5 miles for me, which after a month I barely even notice anymore.(My only complaint is riding home in 95 degrees and a headwind. One thing I might suggest is I found it easier to turn onto 13, cross 55 at the light, and there's a quick route back there to the bike path on the Mendota bridge. I liked that because it gave my legs a little rest as opposed to climbing the hill in front of the cemetary (doing that you've been climbing basically since the bottom of the hill after Yankee Doodle). Just a suggestion to try if you plan to keep riding. Oh, and note: winds generally come out of the south, so expect a slightly more frustrating ride home.

-Tony

[Nickel]

I don't know if this is close because I'm not sure where the ft snelling light rail station is. I like Mendota over 494 because it doesn't have a hellicious climb into Eagan.
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1089124

[destrago]

I like Mendota over 494 because it doesn't have a hellicious climb into Eagan.

Oh yeah, the 2.5 miles of unending uphill at the end of the day. That's why I decided I like going to snelling better.

-Tony

[THUMP!]

Would like to start commuting to work but have a kinda dumb question...
My wife has a shower at her office that she can use if she runs before or during work hours but I have no such option. How do most commuters deal with not starting off the day smelling like an old sock and what about non-wrinkled, clean clothes? Sounds dumb even as I type it but I just gotta ask!

[manual63]

Congrats Dan. You are becoming a real cyclist!

Let JJ know mara gave you good directions.....:)

[Konaboy]

Would like to start commuting to work but have a kinda dumb question...
My wife has a shower at her office that she can use if she runs before or during work hours but I have no such option. How do most commuters deal with not starting off the day smelling like an old sock and what about non-wrinkled, clean clothes? Sounds dumb even as I type it but I just gotta ask!


2 Words - wet wipes. You can get them in various styles and they work pretty well for freshening up.

How long would your commute be? If it's not too long, you can ride at a easy pace which might prevent you from getting too smelly.

Wrinkles are a different issue. What do you have to wear at your job? Usually if you're careful about how you pack your clothes you can avoid getting too many wrinkles.

[Danimal]

Would like to start commuting to work but have a kinda dumb question...
My wife has a shower at her office that she can use if she runs before or during work hours but I have no such option. How do most commuters deal with not starting off the day smelling like an old sock and what about non-wrinkled, clean clothes? Sounds dumb even as I type it but I just gotta ask!

I wore shorts today and brought an extra shirt. Smelling not too bad thus far. Going auNatural.

Oh and ROLL your clothes up, don't fold.

[smklugherz]

Would like to start commuting to work but have a kinda dumb question...
My wife has a shower at her office that she can use if she runs before or during work hours but I have no such option. How do most commuters deal with not starting off the day smelling like an old sock and what about non-wrinkled, clean clothes? Sounds dumb even as I type it but I just gotta ask!

I have been thinking about the same thing? I would like to bike to work, but there is no shower option.

Also, if there is anybody that knows a good route from Highland Park HS in St. Paul to Lexington and 694 in shoreview, I would appreciate it. I would like to avoid biking on the road, I just don't have the guts for Snelling Ave in rush hour.

[manual63]

Read this!!

Dan, you just became a part of it!

http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1274101.html

[destrago]

Would like to start commuting to work but have a kinda dumb question...
My wife has a shower at her office that she can use if she runs before or during work hours but I have no such option. How do most commuters deal with not starting off the day smelling like an old sock and what about non-wrinkled, clean clothes? Sounds dumb even as I type it but I just gotta ask!


A lot of this depends on your workplace. I, for example, work for a REALLY laid back computer company where no one cares if I dress similarly (or in the same pants) for a week straight. I leave a pair of pants at the office and toss the rest into a pannier bag. I get in about 1 hour before everyone else so I sit down and let myself cool down for 30 minutes while I read my morning e-mail and make coffee. Then I go change in the bathroom, redo my hair due to helmet, and generously reapply deodorant. (REapply - application before you start riding helps too) Its sufficient for my work. The other trick is ride 2mph slower than normal on your commute. Takes 5 minutes longer and you sweat 80% less. The thing to do (which I don't always do right now) is treat your ride to work differently than any other ride - it's not a race or a hard workout: don't push too hard. It makes a HUGE difference for me.

-Tony

[Paul Swenson]

Read this!!

Dan, you just became a part of it!

http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1274101.html

We also have some of the worst traffic congestion. Correlation or coincidence?

[Nickel]

I don't know if my computer is messed up but I have lost of some of the board functionality ?

smklugherz--

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1089786

Lex has a bike lane, Roselawn doesn't but is nice, cut through campus and Raymond sort of now has a bike lane, then you can get on the bike path near the river.

[igor]

A beater bike is also an excellent theft deterrant. ;) Outfit a good old MTB frame with commuter tires, full-coverage fenders (stay dry even riding full-speed through 6 inches of water), rear rack and panniers and you're set!


Ditto! This is what I did.

Dan, congrats on the first commute!

[genny1]

If you work in downtown Mpls near the federal courthouse (immediately north of City Hall), you can rent a full bike locker and have access to a locker room/shower for $150 or so a year. The bike locker and locker room/showers are located below the federal building. You also get a small locker assigned in the locker room.

If anyone is interested, I'll get and post the phone number that can be called. The City may have similar arrangements in other buildings, I don't know. The federal building is skyway connected FWIW.

[Danimal]

I'm on the corner of Hennipin & 6th.

[genny1]

Upon further review, the federal cthse lockers apparently are only open to fed/state/city employees, but there is another bike locker-shower option at Municipal Parking Ramp A – 7<SUP>th</SUP> Street at 101 N 9<SUP>th</SUP> St. That's actually only a block or two from 6th and Hennepin.

Here's a link with info, location, and rental rates:

http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/bicycles/bikeparking-lockers.asp

[jodzeee]

An alternative to being smelly at work is to ride the bus in and pedal home. AFAIK, all MTC busses are now equipped with the bike rack on the front.

Now if I could only practice what I preach!

Jodi

[tedsti]

Do nothing. Keep being stinky until your employer gets the hint and installs some showers.

How do most commuters deal with not starting off the day smelling like an old sock

[Thewavebb]

With the packing of clothes question....I work four day weeks and I usually just drive one day a week to haul in all my weeks food and clothing. The clothing goes in my locker at work and the food in the fridge.

We have a shower at my companies fitness center so I can't help you on that. I sweat and stink like crazy after my 10 mile commute, I can't imagine not cleaning up fully.

[Pandl]

I live in Cottage Grove, and work in downtown Mpls. I the am I bike 4.5 miles to the bus, take the bike on the bus, and have parking under the building I work in. No showers. I ride slower in the am, and don't get stinky during that ride. Perspire a bit, but that rinses off in the bathroom sink. I fold my clothes, and they make it fine. We are a semi casual place, no blue jeans, so mostly dockers and polo shirts/button shirts,or short sleeve shirts. I carry my food and clothes for the day in a backback. Works pretty good. I get more the 'weirdo' looks, but a few wonder about it. On the way home, I take a different bus, usually to St Paul, and ride the trail from there back home, and put in a few extra miles for the fun of it. Only have had a problem twice about too many bikers on the bus. My am bus could have 3 bikes, but only spots for 2 on the rack. One guy brought his bike on the bus, another guy waited the half hour for the next bus. Don't know if he asked to bring it on. It is up to the driver.

Great job Dan!

[Heuy]

Would like to start commuting to work but have a kinda dumb question...
My wife has a shower at her office that she can use if she runs before or during work hours but I have no such option. How do most commuters deal with not starting off the day smelling like an old sock and what about non-wrinkled, clean clothes? Sounds dumb even as I type it but I just gotta ask!


I work close the the gym that I'm a member at. I walk over there and then shower. that way My card gets swiped and I'm sure to hit my 12 workouts a month for cheaper health insurance.

Non-wrinkled clothes? roll then instead of folding and ya gotta love microfiber/wrinkle resistant technology. Its not like I would ever Iron anyhow.:embarass:

[bike>>rider]

An alternative to being smelly at work is to ride the bus in and pedal home. AFAIK, all MTC busses are now equipped with the bike rack on the front.

Now if I could only practice what I preach!

Jodi


This is what I do now. Throw the bike on the bus rack, lock it up in a bike locker and ride home from downtown. I used to ride both ways but often found myself making morning excuses not to ride, especially when it gets colder in the mornings. This way, I can't wait to hit the trail on the way home at the end of the day, and I don't have to worry about showering at work and packing work clothes in.

There was an article in the MPLS TRIB yesterday or day before saying MPLS is second only to Portland in major metro area per capita bike commuters, at something like 2.7% of workers regularly biking to work.

[DmacBmac]

Do nothing. Keep being stinky until your employer gets the hint and installs some showers.


That's exactly what I do. I have commuted just about everyday since the beginning of May and on some of the days the humidity doesn't allow the body to cool down for a hour so after my ride. Even wiping down and applying deodorant can be futile. So when my boss mentions I as a little ripe that day I say install a shower....dumb a$$. I have even recruited a couple of other people into commuting a couple of days a week. Its amazing how many people have told me they live two or three miles away and drive their cars to work everyday. What tools!!

Glad to see Dan has join the rest of us crazies as they call us at work.

[MisterClaw]

That's exactly what I do. I have commuted just about everyday since the beginning of May and on some of the days the humidity doesn't allow the body to cool down for a hour so after my ride.
There's one thing that can help you cool down: Get a small (10" or so) fan and blow it right at your face for a while. It does wonders for cooling you down fast, assuming you get to sit at work.
I do this, and I stop sweating very quickly. Then I clean up, change clothes, slather on more deodorant.
It's also handy if the HVAC system at work goes on the fritz.

[Nickel]

There's an interesting commuting blog:

http://bikecommutetips.blogspot.com/