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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: JeffOlson on July 16, 2017, 11:10:19 PM
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Do any of you still commute by motorcycle? I mean riding regularly to and from work, not joy riding every once in a while out in the country.
I used to commute regularly by motorcycle, rain or shine. However, traffic has become so bad over the past couple of years that I have just about given up commuting by motorcycle. Every time I think it might be fun to ride to work again, I find I have to put my foot down 100 times on the "freeway". . . Traffic sucks the joy out of riding for me.
Saturday, I rode from Moto International in Seattle to our cabin in Olympia. Seattle traffic was a cakewalk compared to I-5 from Tacoma all the way down to Olympia. I started out thinking it would be fun to ride to work this coming week, but I soon change my mind. It took me nearly three hours to ride 80 some miles...
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Unfortunately, the greater Seattle-Tacoma area is regarded as one of the most congested traffic areas in the world, right in there with San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta and a few others. At least you don't have the smog now found in Asian cities!
I commute by motorcycle and have for years, but even the worst Las Vegas traffic is nowhere close to what you see. Matter of fact, the worst traffic in this area is the stretch from the NV-CA border at Primm to the Las Vegas strip - 60 miles of standing still on Friday afternoons (northbound) and most of Sunday (when they head home to California!).
I've previously been primarily a motorcycle commuter in San Antonio, Minneapolis, and even Edmonton (the last two about 8-9 months a year, depending on weather).
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Ah the joys...
I made the mistake of commuting out of the city (Sydney, Australia) on Friday night heading down south for a nice weekend away. 2hr 15mins for 86kms (53miles).
Mostly the first hour was the worst. Then cleared up to my destination.
Coming home on Sunday, 1hr 22mins same trip... Much more fun.
Overall a good intro to the new bike which has otherwise been stuck doing the 12mile hop to and from work on a somewhat moving freeway.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
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If you don't ride in Calif. where the weather is usually in your favor and you can split lanes, or don't work in a metropolis, riding to work is no longer fun. :sad: The last time I worked it was 50 miles 1 way in norCal but it only took me 1 hour because most the way was not in a city. Before that I lived on the perimeter of the city but my hours were 9 to 6 so only on Fridays was traffic really an issue and even then I could split lanes if it was necessary.
Legal lane splitting(filtering) makes such a difference. :thumb:
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I guess I am getting old! Why, I remember when some of the freeways were built in my neck of the woods. Very few cars back then. Strangely, it seems no new freeways have been built since!
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There's always a High-Traffic time and a Low-Traffic time. I commute by bike in Sacramento and have learned to alter my route and time of commute for speed and safety.
Also in California you have lane splitting. which is no mean feat on a Griso
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I commute here in LA more or less all year. If it is actually raining in the morning I normally drive, but that is maybe 20 days a year.
My commute is pretty easy. 7 miles each way and it normally takes me about 7 or 8 minutes. I used to have my office closer to home but moved it a few more miles away to get a better ride in.
A big reason I bought the V7iii was for this commute. The 5 plus gallon tank and the shaft drive on a nimble bike makes for a near perfect commuter.
And put a foot down on a freeway? We consider that an embarrassment here.
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Everyday on the Stelvio. Live in the Virginia 'burbs, work in D.C.
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In most cases, I can't see advantages over a used Honda Civic.
I consider commute miles to be "crap" miles as in most cases the same route is taken day in and out. Half that time in the dark, dicing it out w/ pre- occupied sleepy cagers running late..
Throw in the cost per mile in tires, and the math don't add up.
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I'm retired now, so I don't really commute anymore. However, I have in the past and the conclusion I came to was that safe, enjoyable commuting really depends on where you are. When I lived in Albuquerque I rode to work either by moto or bicycle just about every day. The weather was agreeable and the route was relatively short. Here in the New Orleans area on the other hand, commuting was tough. My route was 45 miles long, including a 24 mile long bridge over Lake Ponchartrain. The bridge made bad weather a show-stopper, as it was regularly closed to motorcycles. Other cities I lived in had similar pros and cons: Knoxville was great, but Houston was awful...location is everything.
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Every freaking day. Why?
- It's a long walk
- It's not just a commute ... it's an adventure
Here in DullAware it very rarely drops below five degrees in Winter, and helmets are optional in Summer.
:bike-037:
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In most cases, I can't see advantages over a used Honda Civic.
I consider commute miles to be "crap" miles as in most cases the same route is taken day in and out. Half that time in the dark, dicing it out w/ pre- occupied sleepy cagers running late..
Throw in the cost per mile in tires, and the math don't add up.
They're definitely crap miles in my case, but they're even crappier in a car!
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Been riding to work over 25 years in fact haven't owned a 4 wheeler in that time frame I just invest in good rain gear and hi viz , but the most dangerous commute was living on st croix usvi with the triumph sidecar with all the pot holes and stoned Rastaman
Tim Henry
Ponte Vedra Beach Florida
2015 griso rosso
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I'm fortunate enough to live and work outside the worst traffic zones, and don't have to go through said bad traffic zones.
That said, I commute most days between late March and the first snow whenever that occurs anywhere form mid-December on. If the roads are dry in the morning, and < 70% chance of rain in the afternoon, I ride. I'll commute in the winter if the roads are dry, and not covered in salt/brine. I usually get a dozen or two of commuting days in the winter.
Having to go to work sucks. It sucks less if you do it on a motorcycle. :bike-037:
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While living in the EU the past six years, I commuted by bike if I was not using public transportation. The difference between attitudes of non-motorcyclists in the USA versus most European nations is massive: Drivers in other nations often move over to let bikes pass, in most nations it is expected for bikes to thread to the front of a queue at traffic lights, and most drivers are trained to not only watch out for bikes but also give them space. Motorcycle-only parking is often provided near sites of high traffic, and no one ever complained when I parked on the sidewalk. In short, bikes make a sensible transportation option, not simply something fun to do occasionally. Wouldn't it be nice if we had the same thing in the USA?
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In short, bikes make a sensible transportation option, not simply something fun to do occasionally. Wouldn't it be nice if we had the same thing in the USA?
They ARE a sensible transportation option, but it's not going to happen in the USA. In Europe and the UK, bikes are a tried-and-true, well-understood since 1920 transportation option and most everyone understands.
In the USA, they are now and have always been bad-boy, Hells Angels, Wild One, Psycho Bikers From Hell, Sons of Anarchy, Wild Hog toys and butt jewelry for the posers (present company excluded of course). So no one is going to cut us any slack on the road except out of fear (like the folks in the Winnebago in the famous video who didn't stop to help the guy who ran into the gully because there were other bikes and "They'll Kick Our Asses!").
It's a shame but we're not going to change 100 years of culture as long as fuel is $2.00 a gallon, the standard man's commute and recreational vehicle is a Ford F350 Crew Cab Dually at $75,000, and people have more money than they know what to do with ..... Not saying we should force or legislate culture change, but us motorcyclists are just going to have to continue to live with Things As They Are out on the road ...
Lannis
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I motorbike commuted on I-405 near Seattle for 20 years, but have given up this year. I worry about cooking my engine. The carpool lane is so bad, it offers no advantage. The DOT has screwed it up in so many ways that I can't justify riding the bike while I have a company car with a\c and other amenities.
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I commute with favorable weather forecasts (less than 50% chance of rain) it's 25 miles one-way and I only take the super slab for about 2 miles then it's just state highways and county roads, really a pretty fun ride with some round-a-bouts for good measure. This year I've gotten caught in the rain a few times but I figure it's good to get some wet weather riding in just to keep those skills up. If it weren't for commuting, I'd get very few miles in at all.
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I still commute, some days. Mostly for fun. I have a short 18 mile trip one way. I avoid the highway on the way in (afternoon shift) or if I'm driving the sidecar. I do risk the freeway on the way home if I'm on the solo Bonneville, or a bike that will do 80 easily. I did it for years with a 250 Honda Helix. Now that I'm in my mid 60s, I take the 39.9 mpg Nissan Versa if it is 95 degrees or warmer, or raining. I also take my 4x4 PU every Friday. Too many hopped up drivers around here on a Friday night at midnight, plus my route takes me right through 'Leetle May Hee Co' :laugh:
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Last summer, my office saw four to six bikes in the parking lot every work day.
This year, one is rare.
Increased traffic congestion, dangerous work zones, aggressive drivers, inattentive drivers.
Several reasons for us all, I'm sure. But yeah, I've quit commuting because it just isn't fun in my little metro, anymore.
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I asked a friend in Knoxville about his criteria for commuting by motorcycle. He replied that he used the "40/40 Protocol." When I asked what the 40/40 was about, he answered, "I ride if it's above 40 degrees and the chance of rain is less than 40%." I thought that was a pretty good way to go about motorcycle commuting...
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I did commute to work on a bike for a total of about 20 years. But, I never rode in stop and go rush hour stuff. I was lucky that my route was either not in heavy traffic areas or I could adjust my work hours so I was not in the rush hours.
I have been caught in heavy traffic a few times. Really not fun at all, especially when the temps outside are over 100F. On a couple of those I got off the road and went to a restaurant to eat dinner until the traffic cleared.
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I am a fairly new motorcycle commuter...mostly summer/fall type :P
My traffic is almost as bad as the OP as Vancouver BC's lovely housing situation pushes everyone out toward the suburbs and work within a few major cities.
I wish there are less stop as well but I personally rather spend time stuck on my 2 wheels and work my way there than stuck in my 4 and bored the shit out of my mind.
During winter, I have "no choice" as when the rain & snow hits, people will treat it as a hell-a-gadon when the first snow flake hits the ground. So when I can hop on the 2 wheels and twist the throttle during the summer/fall time, I will take any opportunities to do so...stuck in traffic or out on the open road.
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I have a 100 mile round trip commute from east Texas to my workplace in Dallas. I do it every work day, year round, regardless of weather. On the few occasions when it's too bad for me to ride to work (ice storms, hail, tornados), I figure it's too hazardous to drive the car too, so I stay home.
In addition, I travel a lot for work, and if I can get there in a day's ride, I'll always take the bike. Houston, Austin, Beaumont, even New Orleans. Heck, a few times I've even done work trips to Atlanta on a bike. If I have to fly somewhere, I'm still riding the bike to DFW airport, which is about 65 miles from my house.
Why do this? Mostly because I love riding, and on many days the two best parts of my day are the ride in and the ride home. It is a very reliable stress-reliever. A long commute on a motorcycle is a pleasure for me----the exact same commute in a car is simply torture.
I think this started for me 30 years ago when I was in my late teens and early 20s. I had a 90 mile round trip commute to college, I owned a good motorcycle, and I did not own any cars. Just got in the habit I suppose.
I'm not sure there's a huge financial savings in commuting by motorcycle, as least compared to driving a beater Corolla. On the other hand, I've already invested a lot of money in bikes and associated gear, so I might as well get the use out of the stuff I've bought anyway. Financially, I've chosen to have some nice bikes for my commute, and I have not purchased nice cars for my commute--so I'm really just spending "car money" to enjoy something better, like motorcycles.
Secrets for success? You need great gear--I've got Sidi waterproof boots, Aerostich pants and jacket, good gloves and rain covers for the gloves. Electric vest for winter.
I also think it helps if you just dedicate yourself to doing this. I don't have a daily debate about the weather or consider other factors while trying to decide "do I take the bike in today?" No, it's just a given that I'm riding. If it's always a day-to-day decision whether to take the bike, you wind up taking a car most of the time because it's hot and you prefer A/C, or it might rain, etc.
Safety is the only serious downside for me. Cell phone and text use has gotten noticeably worse. On the other hand, I've strategically chosen the safest possible route to my destination, and I've made it my mission to carefully "study" that route over the years so I know exactly where the usual trouble spots are, where my escape paths are, etc.
Maybe I'm deluding myself, but I feel that I keep myself pretty sharp by riding all the time, and objectively speaking, I almost never have what I would describe as a "close call" when it comes to traffic.
What mostly worries me about my commute are more "freakish" accident scenarios---a deep jumping out at dusk, or me not seeing some spilled diesel on a wet road.
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From April to October the bike becomes my main transportation. During riding season I put about the same number of miles per month on my bike as we put on our car any month of the year. My commute is about 20 km one way across Edmonton. Traffic is not too bad here, so my 30 min. ride to and from work is usually a great relaxation for me. Rough roads are always a challenge here, but the City is gradually repaving a lot of the worst ones, so that helps some. Potholes and sand are still hazards to watch out for in the spring though!
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From April to October the bike becomes my main transportation. During riding season I put about the same number of miles per month on my bike as we put on our car any month of the year. My commute is about 20 km one way across Edmonton. Traffic is not too bad here, so my 30 min. ride to and from work is usually a great relaxation for me. Rough roads are always a challenge here, but the City is gradually repaving a lot of the worst ones, so that helps some. Potholes and sand are still hazards to watch out for in the spring though!
After riding to Alberta from BC numerous time, all I can say yes you guys have a awesome roads... constantly paved
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I'm north of Seattle and I commute on my bike, sometimes. I'm lucky to be able to start work after the worst of the rush-hour traffic is over. If I take the slab (I-405), I'll hop in the car-pool lane (which will usually keep my minimum speed up to something reasonable during these times). If the traffic is heavy, I'll usually take the back roads (although the back roads can get pretty busy at times, too). If I have to commute during the worst part of rush-hour, I take the cage and leave the bike at home (I see too many rear-ends by the side of the road to be in the middle of that mess on my bike).
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Increased traffic congestion, dangerous work zones, aggressive drivers, inattentive drivers.
Several reasons for us all, I'm sure. But yeah, I've quit commuting because it just isn't fun in my little metro, anymore.
I've lived in the Columbia, SC area for about 25 years now. When I first moved here I commuted by bike everyday, rain or shine. Enjoyed it for the first 20 years. Now, the last 5 years, I rarely commute by bike. For all the reasons Rocker listed above. Local population growth and lacking infrastructure are creating a nightmare. It's almost safer riding a bicycle to work.......almost.
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I commute by bike once or twice a week. I like the variety of it. If I did it every day, it might start to feel like a grind.
My other commuter vehicle is a ferry from Larkspur, Marin to San Francisco, paid for by my work. Not everything in my life is perfect right now, but when it comes to commuting I'm a lucky SOB.
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I'm north of Seattle and I commute on my bike, sometimes. I'm lucky to be able to start work after the worst of the rush-hour traffic is over. If I take the slab (I-405), I'll hop in the car-pool lane (which will usually keep my minimum speed up to something reasonable during these times). If the traffic is heavy, I'll usually take the back roads (although the back roads can get pretty busy at times, too). If I have to commute during the worst part of rush-hour, I take the cage and leave the bike at home (I see too many rear-ends by the side of the road to be in the middle of that mess on my bike).
Rear-end collisions are a constant worry, especially when "freeway" traffic yo-yo's between 70 mph and a dead stop.
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I commute by bike once or twice a week. I like the variety of it. If I did it every day, it might start to feel like a grind.
My other commuter vehicle is a ferry from Larkspur, Marin to San Francisco, paid for by my work. Not everything in my life is perfect right now, but when it comes to commuting I'm a lucky SOB.
Ah, the easy life! I have a friend who commutes to and from Seattle on a ferry from Bainbridge Island. I wish…
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Rear-end collisions are a constant worry, especially when "freeway" traffic yo-yo's between 70 mph and a dead stop.
For sure...
I think I look at my mirror 50% of the time and rest of 50% front.
Way too many ppl love to slam their brakes when they come up to a stop...
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Yes, except when the roads have ice. The main choice I have each morning is "which bike"?
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Yes, except when the roads have ice.
Oklahoma? Ice?!?
Try riding in Edmonton! :tongue:
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I have a short commute with no freeway. There are a couple choice curves between work and home - if I don't go in the most direct route, which I NEVER do. I like being able to filter up to the front of every stop light. I leave a pair of black (goes with everything) shoes under my desk so I can wear proper boots and not have to carry my "office" shoes back and forth.
Sometimes I go home for lunch, so I make four trips between home and office in one day. That's a "bonus" lunch-n-ride. :laugh:
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Before I retired, I commuted to/from work from April to October. It was a mix of slab and county roads - just over 60km (40 miles) each way.
My rain suit became part of my daily gear. I left a pair of dress shoes, trousers, and dry socks in my cubicle. I was able to adjust my work hours to avoid rush hour most days.
The ride to & from was the best part of the day!!
G
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I do love riding (when I can actually move in a forward direction). Here I am thinking I might just try commuting on my Norge again this week. I need to be down at my parents' house in West Linn Wednesday night for Portland area meetings all day Thursday, then return to Olympia in the afternoon. Repeat Sunday night and Monday afternoon.
The only bad part of the commute is downtown LA, er, Portland, and the 10 or 20 miles right before it and right after it. Depends on how much energy/patience I have and whether I am up for an adventure in gridlock...
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In most cases, I can't see advantages over a used Honda Civic. Throw in the cost per mile in tires, and the math don't add up.
You know I've heard this before but as an Estimator who's had to live by his estimates for the last 30 years that position hasn't ever penciled out for me in California.
My Griso 1100 with 30,000 miles cost me $4500 used. Sales tax $400, License $150 per year. New tires and brakes $550, insurance $400 per year (100/300 with uninsured driver coverage necessary in California). Fuel for 10,000 mi @ 45 mpg & $3.00/gal call it $700. Thats $6,700 for the Griso for the first year and each year thereafter it ran me $150 License, $450 tires , $400 insurance, $700 fuel and $300 for maintenance which I do myself (20 cents per mile). So I figure my Griso's going to run me around $14,000 for 70,000 miles or so.
The same year 2007 Honda Civic with 100,000 miles in California is going to cost me $7500 used. Sales tax $675, License $200 per year, Fuel at 29 mpg is $ 1,050 per year, Insurance $750 and maintenance (SMOG) say $600 per year because it's front wheel drive I won't do clutches. Tires run $950 for 40,000 or 2.5 center per mile which gives me a running cost of $20,000 for the same 70,000 miles.
I see a difference of 30% more for a car.
The real problem is it's hard to get by with just a motorcycle in the household ever try to carry a 3' 75 lb Carpenter's tool box or 5' steel digging bar on one?
In California bikes/scooters make sense because it rains less, doesn't snow unless your in the mountains and we can split lanes. Also with California Gas costing 30% more fuel consumption makes a huge difference and a car gets lousy to zero mpg in stop-n-go traffic on the freeway
Now if you don't do your own maintenance then that's when cars get real expensive in California just to keep fixing the SMOG gear every two years as they get older. and if it doesn't pass smog you can't license it
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Hey, thanks for the effort to inform. :thumb:
May have to move to California :boozing:
Now about that sweet LeMans of yours $$$... :drool:
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I have a 100 mile round trip commute from east Texas to my workplace in Dallas. I do it every work day, year round, regardless of weather. On the few occasions when it's too bad for me to ride to work (ice storms, hail, tornados), I figure it's too hazardous to drive the car too, so I stay home.
In addition, I travel a lot for work, and if I can get there in a day's ride, I'll always take the bike. Houston, Austin, Beaumont, even New Orleans. Heck, a few times I've even done work trips to Atlanta on a bike. If I have to fly somewhere, I'm still riding the bike to DFW airport, which is about 65 miles from my house.
Why do this? Mostly because I love riding, and on many days the two best parts of my day are the ride in and the ride home. It is a very reliable stress-reliever. A long commute on a motorcycle is a pleasure for me----the exact same commute in a car is simply torture.
I think this started for me 30 years ago when I was in my late teens and early 20s. I had a 90 mile round trip commute to college, I owned a good motorcycle, and I did not own any cars. Just got in the habit I suppose.
I'm not sure there's a huge financial savings in commuting by motorcycle, as least compared to driving a beater Corolla. On the other hand, I've already invested a lot of money in bikes and associated gear, so I might as well get the use out of the stuff I've bought anyway. Financially, I've chosen to have some nice bikes for my commute, and I have not purchased nice cars for my commute--so I'm really just spending "car money" to enjoy something better, like motorcycles.
Secrets for success? You need great gear--I've got Sidi waterproof boots, Aerostich pants and jacket, good gloves and rain covers for the gloves. Electric vest for winter.
I also think it helps if you just dedicate yourself to doing this. I don't have a daily debate about the weather or consider other factors while trying to decide "do I take the bike in today?" No, it's just a given that I'm riding. If it's always a day-to-day decision whether to take the bike, you wind up taking a car most of the time because it's hot and you prefer A/C, or it might rain, etc.
Safety is the only serious downside for me. Cell phone and text use has gotten noticeably worse. On the other hand, I've strategically chosen the safest possible route to my destination, and I've made it my mission to carefully "study" that route over the years so I know exactly where the usual trouble spots are, where my escape paths are, etc.
Maybe I'm deluding myself, but I feel that I keep myself pretty sharp by riding all the time, and objectively speaking, I almost never have what I would describe as a "close call" when it comes to traffic.
What mostly worries me about my commute are more "freakish" accident scenarios---a deep jumping out at dusk, or me not seeing some spilled diesel on a wet road.
That's very close to what I would have written were I still commuting ... especially the part about "just deciding to dedicate yourself to it."
Sometimes it doesn't make financial or comfort sense - it's just something you do because that's who you are, and, on the average and over the years, it's better for you and your peace of mind and your degree of living life ....
Lannis
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My career was so checkered, and my commute distances varied from 20 feet to 40 miles. I used the motorcycle whenever weather permitted.
When I lived in Manhattan I generally walked to work -- two miles in 40 minutes. Later I commuted in from Westchester, on the Honda, then the Laverda, then the 850T, unless there was the potential for ice on the road, or teeming rain. When not on the bike, took the train in on the old NY Central Hudson River line and walked from Grand Central.
When I lived in Boulder and commuted to Denver it was the 850T for years, about eight months of the year. Big problem was summer heat, not traffic. Often went in early to avoid rush hour, and for the trip home loaded my mesh jacket with freezer packs. Then I worked in Boulder, and cycled about three miles each way.
Very glad to be "retired" and once again working in a home office.
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Very glad to be "retired" and once again working in a home office.
So, does this mean you commuting by motorcycle again?
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98 miles round trip a day 4 days a week. I do not go if it is raining before I leave, but I get caught on the way home a lot, especially this summer. It's warm out, so no big deal. The journey is never dull. I hate riding in my truck to work!
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90 mi round trip a day, most of in on mountain roads on a Stelvio. I hit a deer a few years ago which has taken some of the fun out of it, but still way better than a car.
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So, does this mean you commuting by motorcycle again?
It means I walk downstairs, have breakfast, and walk back upstairs to the office. I ride one of the motorcycles every day, but for fun and errands rather than commuting.
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i was commuting 33-35k in the sf bay area the last 4 years on an aprilia caponord and mana. rain or shine. i've dropped to 20k starting tuesday. :laugh:
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I averaged 25,000 miles a year on two wheels until I got the infection in my back spring of 2017 that ate up my lumbar disks and had me down and took months to walk again without an aide. Now I ride for pleasure only.
The only two things that I would avoid when riding on the street was ice and lighting. Off-road, only lighting kept me from riding. :grin:
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I ride to work almost everyday - 4 miles each way, 8 rt. Living under that big HOLLYWOOD sign and riding to the studios - no freeway!
Although, about once a month I have to go to Santa Monica in the morning, a bit of a challenge with LA traffic and roads, but driving a car is really frustrating to me.
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I ride to work in downtown DC from Norther Virginia every day - unless icy or an inch of salt on the roads. Motorcycles are allowed in the separate HOV lanes and for free in the E-Pass lanes as well, which actually make the motorcycle an efficient mode of transportation. Not the most inspiring ride, but still a ride.
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In most cases, I can't see advantages over a used Honda Civic.
I consider commute miles to be "crap" miles as in most cases the same route is taken day in and out. Half that time in the dark, dicing it out w/ pre- occupied sleepy cagers running late..
Throw in the cost per mile in tires, and the math don't add up.
I feel for you. If my commute were crap miles I would be in a cage. When I was commuting my commute had one stop sign and 4 traffic lights in 26 miles and no interstate. Country living is nice.
I worked from 0600 - 1530 with every other Friday off.
I have been working from home for the past 18 months if I am not on the road for work.
I would chose something a little more fun than a Civic, manual transmission and rear wheel drive please if I start commuting again.
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I commute three to four times a week about a hundred miles round trip. I'll take the Norge 80% of the time, and the griso. Last month I bought a stornello and have ridden that a few times but it's not as much fun at 80 miles an hour on the highway. so I have to admit that some of the expansion strips and humps are fun when I'm launched all in the air. 😁
I prefer the Norge because it gives the obvious weather protection a little bit more comfortable and I normally just leave the top case and tank bag on for anything I might need to carry or pick up on the way to or from work.
I commute in the Metro DC area so it is on occasion not a lot of fun. I try and plot my route home on Google Maps before I head out of the office to avoid sitting in 8 Lanes of bumper to bumper traffic.
if you're worried about traffic you have to take some extra precautions like bringing water so you don't overheat and dehydrate. The other reason I like the Norge is the clutch lever is so light compared to the griso. The arthritis in my left hand can be murder in stop and go traffic.
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I commute in the Metro DC area so it is on occasion not a lot of fun. I try and plot my route home on Google Maps before I head out of the office to avoid sitting in 8 Lanes of bumper to bumper traffic.
Unless you're going in to work at 5:00 AM and leaving before 2:00 PM, I don't see how that's possible in any direction .... ? I've only been under GPS control once up there; a friend had one to get us to the downtown Mall area from Manassas one morning, and it took us down every residential street, redirected us everywhere, and finally dumped us into 8 lanes of stop-and-go traffic.
Otherwise it's just jam-packed all the time. If I thought I had to commute into DC every day in my job, I'd quit and take that job as towel boy on Turkish tramp steamer that I've heard was open .....
Lannis
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Benefits of being a local and knowing the flow.
Thankfully, live in a sweet spot (by Mount Vernon), and take back roads to the south ramps of the WW Bridge, then go North from Alexandria towards Baltimore in the AM and South in the PM. Heaviest traffic is travelling the other way. Most mornings I am heading in between 530 & 6, and afternoon 5pm-6pm. 295 Baltimore Washington Parkway can be an issue due to 2 lanes. 50 minute average in AM, 1 hour in PM. I can also pop over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, navigate East and then North. East side of the beltway is better than the West and Southwest.
As for quitting, nah, I just go where my Great Uncle Sam sends me....... Though the chains come off April 2021.............
Unless you're going in to work at 5:00 AM and leaving before 2:00 PM, I don't see how that's possible in any direction .... ? I've only been under GPS control once up there; a friend had one to get us to the downtown Mall area from Manassas one morning, and it took us down every residential street, redirected us everywhere, and finally dumped us into 8 lanes of stop-and-go traffic.
Otherwise it's just jam-packed all the time. If I thought I had to commute into DC every day in my job, I'd quit and take that job as towel boy on Turkish tramp steamer that I've heard was open .....
Lannis
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I commute from the first day that there isn't ice on the roads in spring, to the first day that the ice on the roads appears in fall. Which works out to about 6 months a year, give or take depending on what El Nino is up to.
I did it when I lived in the big city for years, and I do it now that I live in the sticks, too. I prefer doing it out here over the city, but it sure was preferable to driving, in the city.
I carry a small 9 Litre backpack, bungie it to my rack and away I go. If need be, I upsize to my 20L pack.
In the city my commute was about 60 km daily. Out here it's closer to 70km. Packs the miles on the odometer pretty damn quick.
I spent a year car-free in the city... did everything on my bike. Groceries (once packed home $100 worth, through careful assembly), takeout, everything. Helped my fine tune my gear requirements, and, honestly, made me a much better rider.
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Oklahoma? Ice?!?
Try riding in Edmonton! :tongue:
Bah. Edmonton's a breeze. I used to commute from South Central to Acheson. I think my coldest ride to work on record was -15, (can't remember the year, but it was super late snow), and the latest ride I ever had while living there was November 28th, from Edmonton to Red Deer and back. Earliest I was ever back on the road was March 2nd. That was a good, but chilly, year for riding.
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Work???? What is this work you are talking about? <scratching head> It seems like maybe I used to do that? Maybe? Rode there?
Can't remember.. :cool: :boozing:
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My choice for commuting really depended on where I was living. In Albuquerque, NM and Knoxville, TN, Newburgh, NY I nearly always took my motorcycle or my bicycle. I even walked sometimes. However, in Houston or New Orleans it was tougher to make the commitment. Houston is a bad dream for a commuter: the volume of traffic is high and tempers tend to be short. My commute in New Orleans was about 50% over water and crosswinds on long bridges really take a great deal of fun out of the ride. Most of my motorcycle/bicycle accidents occurred when commuting (including a nasty one in Knoxville). I still enjoyed such rides, but not as much as the open-ended trips on unfamiliar roads.