Do you commute to work by bike? Our Online Ed wishes she had today.
- By Kirsten Curtis
There’s nothing worse than regret. I regret not riding in to work this morning. Big time. Here’s why.
Today was supposed to be my “Big Return To Commuting Day”. But sadly it was not to be. Mornings are always chaotic in our house with getting myself, hubby and baby ready for the day ahead. That, coupled with a nagging cold I decided to delay my grand start of riding to work by bike.
But now I am sitting at my desk kicking myself – for a number of reasons.
1. It’s an absolute pearler of a day. The sun is out, there’s not a breath of wind, and the temperatures are forecast to be 28 degrees today.
2. To support Transport Month (did you know October is Transport Month?), my cycling club, The Outriders set up a gazebo at Woodbridge Island and were offering free coffee, muffins, donuts, and crunchies to all commuters.
3. There was a broken down truck and road-works, so traffic was at a standstill for most of the journey, so it took me longer to get in than if I had ridden my bike.
4. I now have to drag myself to gym at lunch, rather than enjoy the awesome day outside.
The thing is, I could have so easily done it. All it takes is a bit of planning, twisting of my better half’s arm to help with the morning routine and the cold is almost gone anyway. Instead I had to sit in my car and watch the hundreds of cyclists cruising past enjoying the perfect weather and reaping the benefits of cycling.
So I have decided, I will be commuting to work one day a week from now on. Okay, so I won’t get breakfast en route but all the other benefits are well worth it.
See you on the cycle path.
Suffer babe , suffer ……………. you missed the highlight of the year – what a pleasure – I just couldn’t believe it !!! I had no idea it was going to happen and afterwards it was very difficult to go to work. Well done The Out Riders !!
This little story might help you to put you out of your misery. I commuted in London for about a year. It took me juist about 1 hour to cover 20km, which would take me by public transport/walking more than 1 hour. You can’t have a better incentive. It was always a good start of the day. Yes I had the luck that the office provided shower and a good breakfast kitchen. The weather funnily enough was always reaonable to good. It doesn’t rain that often. I must admit the summer time was the best. The return journey always took me along the scenic routes. Ultimeately it is a mind setting and too many obscure reasons make us jump into the car. There you sit waiting for things to happen, stressing about the other road users. Despite all the traffic, in the 80′s people were not cycle friendly in London, I was never stressed.