Peddling to Work

Yesterday I hopped on the bike for my commute to work, doing my part in National Bike to Work Week.

Fortunately for the rest of the office, I beat everyone to work by about half an hour. That gave me time to dry the torrent of sweat pouring down my face (though one reader informed me last night that there are showers at the marina – this could come in handy).

The ride took a bit longer than I thought, since I’m not in great peddling shape. But it was a beautiful 45 minutes. It felt great to have a workout in to start the day, and to experience my commute in the open air. There’s so much more to notice on two wheels – weathered old barns, small “backyard” orchards, and groves of trees I’ve ignored a thousand times through the window of a car.

I saved about 20 miles of wear and tear on my car, and about 2/3 of a gallon of gas. My one complaint is the lack of shoulders on the roads through the center of the county. We don’t need full fledged bike lanes on all our back roads, but a couple feet of wiggle room along CTY A or F wouldn’t hurt next time they’re re-done.

The highlight of the ride was the deer that hopped out in front of me on Peninsula Players Road to say good morning, but the payoff pitch was the view of the lake coming into Baileys Harbor on Bluff Road. Of course, the view from the new office isn’t bad either (thanks Dave and Madeline!).

My new goal – bike to work at least one day a week. We’ll see how it goes and how much gas I can save. If you bike to work, drop me a line telling me how often and how far at [email protected].