I did it!

[Impy]

After thinking of it for months, and plotting how I'd pull it off, I finally did it - I split commuted to work over the last 2 days! Woo!

So I live in west LA and I work in long beach - its way too far with my work times to completely commute. So this is what I did. I have a friend who lives in San Pedro, and I brought my bike to work on Saturday. Then I drove from Long Beach to San Pedro, (eliminating the most boring and dangerous part of the whole trip through industrial shipyard land), and parked the car at friend's house. In San Pedro I then got on the bike and rode to palos verdes, then redondo and then along the bike path to ballona creek path to home, for about 26 miles. This morning I got up early and reversed it. Drove into work and showered and was only a little late.

I won't be able to do this all the time as it takes me 2 hours cycling time each way plus another hour to drive/shower etc ( + I work 12 hour shifts)....but I am so excited to make this work! Now I have something to look forward to when I have to work weekends, and hopefully here and there during the week as well.

I had to share. Noone at work knows or cares, they'd just think I was a nutcase anyway

[BFloFoxRider.]

I commuted from Claremont to San Marino, which is 26 miles and it took me an hour and ten minutes averaging 18.9 miles per hour.
Commuting is fun, and for me it got to the point where my legs were moving and i got bored just sitting there.

[Impy]

Originally Posted by BFloFoxRider.

I commuted from Claremont to San Marino, which is 26 miles and it took me an hour and ten minutes averaging 18.9 miles per hour.
Commuting is fun, and for me it got to the point where my legs were moving and i got bored just sitting there.

You must be fast, my mileage is only 26 but it takes me just about 2 hours. It's got some pretty good climbs though through PV (plus traffic lights/beach path traffic etc on some sections).

It will be awhile before I am bored of it - I'm pretty bored with the 405 at the moment.

[dirtmistress]

Way to go Colette. Thats quite an effort.All for a good cause though. I've commuted since '97 but I live a mile and a quarter away. Any farther and I don't know how committed I'd be. I have t be at work at 6:45 so that makes it tough also.

[BFloFoxRider.]

Originally Posted by Impy

You must be fast, my mileage is only 26 but it takes me just about 2 hours. It's got some pretty good climbs though through PV (plus traffic lights/beach path traffic etc on some sections).

It will be awhile before I am bored of it - I'm pretty bored with the 405 at the moment.

Well, not fast, but i dont have hills like you do...
Its pretty flat with maybe 1 or 2 slight inclines that dont last long
Very nice though, you get to spend more time on your bike

[MTBMaven]

Careful out there on Ballona. I hear of lots of incidents on that route. Don't stop riding just be cautious.

[Rob]

Good job. Have you also considered using the bus as part of the trip instead of your car?

[Impy]

Originally Posted by MTBMaven

Careful out there on Ballona. I hear of lots of incidents on that route. Don't stop riding just be cautious.

I've heard the scary stories, but I feel very comfortable on that trail, at least the portion that I utilize. (I exit well before the centinela gate). I ride it all the time. I wouldn't ride it at night, but 6 am is too early for the gangstas.

Originally Posted by Rob

Good job. Have you also considered using the bus as part of the trip instead of your car?

I would as I am a big fan of public transportation, but I can't spare any more time for the commute. As it is I have to ensure coverage and scoot out a bit early, and I don't like asking my colleagues for special favors all the time.

Ah well, at least I can save a few gallons, some emmisions etc. Aosty and I also are using the tandem more for local dinners/get togethers rather than the car. It's so liberating to not deal with west LA traffic or parking!

[Keith B]

Less cars, less pollution - way to go Impy

[Endo Verendo]

It's about freakin time!

[drclark]

Cool deal. Did you look into trying the metro? I know that the Green line to the blue line can get you from El Segundo to Long Beach. Getting to/from the El Segundo Green line station from the beach is fairly easy. I don't know if that would work getting you to where you need to go... also, there may be "peak" hours restrictions on taking bikes on the trains. It also might be longer, I've never tried taking the trains in this town since they rarely go where I want to go.

drc

[Impy]

Originally Posted by drclark

Cool deal. Did you look into trying the metro? I know that the Green line to the blue line can get you from El Segundo to Long Beach. Getting to/from the El Segundo Green line station from the beach is fairly easy. I don't know if that would work getting you to where you need to go... also, there may be "peak" hours restrictions on taking bikes on the trains. It also might be longer, I've never tried taking the trains in this town since they rarely go where I want to go.

drc

That may warrant some investigation. One limitation though of my job is that I often have to drive to meetings or other hospitals and thus I need a car some days.

Originally Posted by Endo Verendo

It's about freakin time!

woowoo

[Mdm. Dabalot]

Good for you! I live very close to work (2.5 miles) but I hate the hassle of changing into work clothes. I work for a sporting goods retailer but they haven't gotten into the casual mode so I have to dress up. It is tough to get my dress clothes out of a backpack and do a sponge bath. I did try it one summer, driving in with clothes on Monday, riding in Tues-Thurs, and driving on Friday to bring everything back. Now I drive a Prius so I don't feel so bad about not making the ride. Maybe I will try it again this year...

Anyway, I admire the people that make it work! Great job!

[Hollywood]

cool but you're crazy to ride on the streets! those cars are out to get you I swear! I'm staying on the dirt where its safe.

[Dman233]

I really want to start commuting by bike but I'm sketched out on riding some of the non bike path roads. I also work a swing shift so I would have to ride home after 11pm. I live in Lakewood and work in Fullerton(St Jude).

Does anyone else commute by bike at night?

[allison]

Tomorrow will be our third commute in a row! Thursday we're driving to do a mountain bike ride, and Friday is our rest day

[Rob]

Originally Posted by Dman233

I really want to start commuting by bike but I'm sketched out on riding some of the non bike path roads. I also work a swing shift so I would have to ride home after 11pm. I live in Lakewood and work in Fullerton(St Jude).

Does anyone else commute by bike at night?

My return commute is 17 miles at night from Mission Viejo to Dana Point. Just make sure you have lights and a very visible blinky on the rear. Also get a blinky for the back of your helmet too.

Check out www.bikemetro.com for different route ideas.

There's always the bus if you don't feel like riding. Still cheaper than gas if your commute is fairly long.

[dstepper]

Good work Colette, I am thinkin' with the gas prices more will be riding to work.

Dean