Riding a bicycle to work is a great way to lose weight, reduce stress and save chunk of the more than $8000 a year the Triple-A says it costs to own and operate your car. I've other articles you can find here that explain how to choose a bike and dress properly for comfort. This article is about the logistics of commuting to work.I love riding bikes and often recommend using a bicycle as part of wellness and weight loss coaching for my clients. It's very low impact and fun.One of the common objections about riding a bike to work is that you arrive sweaty, smelly and disheveled. With bit of planning you can over come these challenges.No doubt that if you are going to ride your bike to work you will sweat. How much will depend on the temperature and how much effort you exert. Most companies and offices don't have a place to shower and you need to plan ahead so you can freshen up.First, you need a change of clothes. I always recommend using cycling specific clothes for your commute but even if you don't, you'll need to change into something fresh. You can carry clothes with you each day in your pack or saddle bag or you can store some changes at work. One common trick is to drive one day a week and stock up with clothing for the rest of the week.Next, you'll need to freshen up a bit. Bathing in the washroom sink makes a mess so try one of these options instead:Bring a damp-wet towel in a zip-lock bag. Wipe down from head to toe and then get dressed. This is an "OK" method but there is a better way...Try diaper wipes. You can get wipes now for a number of uses and it's the perfect way to clean off the sweat and leave you feeling fresh.Either way, be sure and wipe down well.Plan for other accessories you need, deodorant, perfume or cologne, hair spray. These are all easily stored at the office.For some, the distance to commute is more than they can imagine riding. In most cases you can plan on covering 10-15 miles per hour with a moderate effort. You want to ride at a modest pace so that you don't arrive to work exhausted and requiring hours to "cool down". If you want to push yourself you can do that on the way home. If your commute distance is to far to manage there are a couple of options.First is to drive part way. For example, if your commute is 30 miles find a safe parking place, like a mall or grocery store, 10 or 15 miles from work. Park there and ride the rest of the way.Another is using public transportation for part of your commute. Many buses now have bike racks for just this purpose.Give some thought to your route. Find a safe way to get too and from work. There are many online resources for this but your best resource is always a local bike shop. Pick one close to your office and stop by for a chat. In most cases there are enough guys hanging around who know the area to give you great suggestions.Many communities now have "bike paths" marked on their major thoroughfares. There are some cases when dedicated bike trails where there is no motor vehicle traffic to contend with. Lay out a course and try it on a non-work day to see how long it take and if you run into any unforeseen challenges.The last rule I can offer is to ride as though you are invisible. Never, ever assume that a motorist see you or property anticipates what you may or may not due.With the right bike, gear and a plan you can commute to work on your bicycle and enjoy the many benefits that result
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