Nervous About Starting A Bike Commute!

[Crystalcity_one]

I usually ride my bike just for fun on weekends. Thought that I would share my experience with anyone else who may be going through the same thing. If all goes well, I will be traveling from the Potomac Yards area all the way to Foggy Bottom.

Hoping I'm not the only girl too. I'm excited and nervous!

[Subby]

You got this!

[Crystalcity_one]

You got this!

Thank you!

[LeprosyStudyGroup]

If it works out for you time wise, tomorrow morning (and every Tuesday) a bunch of us regular bike commuters meet up in the Crystal City water park right at the trail connection between Crystal drive and the MVT. People start showing up about 7am and stay till 730 or 8ish, whatever works, to chat and sip coffee, and we frequently bike convoy into the city together. Come say hi!

I see from another thread you already heard about the Crystal City Coffee Club so I'll just add another "You got this!"

[dasgeh]

You got this.

And, you may want to join the Women & Bicycles: Washington D.C. Region Facebook group. An amazingly supportive group of women, who are happy to help with advice, directions, funny stories or just a "good job" when you need it.

But this forum is pretty great, too.

[Mario20136]

I'm happy for you! The key things to remember:

1. Logistics - Identify which route you planned on taking.
2. Time - How long is your commute e.g., morning commute vs. afternoon commute
3. Dress appropriately based on the time of the year
4. Other cycling stuff - Headlight/tail light, bike bell instead of calling the passes (you don't have to have it now)
5. Hygiene - Do you have shower facilities/locker where you can store your biking stuff safely
6. Secure place to lock your bicycle

I started commuting last year and haven't looked back. I truly enjoy commuting regardless how hot, wet, or cold the day may be. However, I don't ride in the snow or ice; regardless how fast or slow I'm happy when I ride my bike! Btw, I commute 5 days per week and sometimes ride on the weekend as well.
I take a week break after 8 weeks of continuous riding just to break the monotony.

Additionally, riding a bike to work gives me positive outlook in life and relieves a lot of stress working and commuting.

It doesn't get any easier but I must say you'll get faster. There are days when I can pace myself to 3.15 minutes/per mile or simply ride at a leisurely pace.
I have a 12 year old bike and I must say it's not the bike, but it's the engine driving it. In other words, it helps you condition or acclimate your body to different type of riding fitness level. I've lost about 12 pounds since I started riding.

Happy riding.

I usually ride my bike just for fun on weekends. Thought that would share my experience with anyone else who may be going through the same thing. If all goes well, I will be traveling from the Potomac Yards area all the way to Foggy Bottom.

Hoping I'm not the only girl too. I'm excited and nervous!

[Crystalcity_one]

I'm happy for you! The key things to remember:

1. Logistics - Identify which route you planned on taking.
2. Time - How long is your commute e.g., morning commute vs. afternoon commute
3. Dress appropriately based on the time of the year
4. Other cycling stuff - Headlight/tail light, bike bell instead of calling the passes (you don't have to have it now)
5. Hygiene - Do you have shower facilities/locker where you can store your biking stuff safely
6. Secure place to lock your bicycle

I started commuting last year and haven't looked back. I truly enjoy commuting regardless how hot, wet, or cold the day may be. However, I don't ride in the snow or ice; regardless how fast or slow I'm happy when I ride my bike! Btw, I commute 5 days per week and sometimes ride on the weekend as well.
I take a week break after 8 weeks of continuous riding just to break the monotony.

Additionally, riding a bike to work gives me positive outlook in life and relieves a lot of stress working and commuting.

It doesn't get any easier but I must say you'll get faster. There are days when I can pace myself to 3.15 minutes/per mile or simply ride at a leisurely pace.
I have a 12 year old bike and I must say it's not the bike, but it's the engine driving it. In other words, it helps you condition or acclimate your body to different type of riding fitness level. I've lost about 12 pounds since I started riding.

Happy riding.

Thank you! I am actually really slow right now. Looking forward to improving my speed, as I try to make bike commuting a regular thing. Wouldn't mind losing a few pounds either. Lol.

[Crystalcity_one]

You got this.

And, you may want to join the Women & Bicycles: Washington D.C. Region Facebook group. An amazingly supportive group of women, who are happy to help with advice, directions, funny stories or just a "good job" when you need it.

But this forum is pretty great, too.

Thank you! I really enjoyed meeting everyone at the coffee club today. I was surprised to see that women outnumbered the men, and I felt really comfortable riding in a group. I also learned how to use my gears more efficiently. My Foggy Bottom group was very patient and supportive the entire way as well.

[Crystalcity_one]

If it works out for you time wise, tomorrow morning (and every Tuesday) a bunch of us regular bike commuters meet up in the Crystal City water park right at the trail connection between Crystal drive and the MVT. People start showing up about 7am and stay till 730 or 8ish, whatever works, to chat and sip coffee, and we frequently bike convoy into the city together. Come say hi!

I see from another thread you already heard about the Crystal City Coffee Club so I'll just add another "You got this!"

Thank you!