Many more people are commuting, or thinking of it, now that gas prices have risen to frightening levels. Here are a few thoughts on cycling to and from work or school, from Wade first, and then from Drew.

Wade Moore: The Basics
First, let's set the stage for commuters. Most people will ride in the dark at least one way for part of the year. Commuters will need to carry extra clothes, food and possibly work documents. But, keep in mind that your commute usually has two relatively short legs. Your commute is very different from going out on a two to three hour training ride or an all day tour. If you get a bit wet, you probably only have 15-20 minutes to suffer before you arrive home, or at work, and can change clothes.

Let's start with the basics. In addition to the bike, you will need lights, a bell or horn, and some sort of carrying device. I use a rear rack and a top mounted trunk bag that expands. Drew uses a messenger bag. I use a bar-end plug light on the left (vehicle) side along with seat post and a rear-bag mounted flashing red lights. I don't expect to see much with my front light because I ride on roads with traffic and lighting, so I use a front light that flashes so I can be seen. Drew uses a higher powered, rechargeable front light so he can see the bike trail he is fortunate to ride on for most of his commute.

Neither of us wants to deal with flats so we both use self-sealing tubes. We use larger tires, often with treads in case we see snow, or want to take the alternative dirt road. We both use fenders to help eliminate some of the discomfort of rain or snow. Those wet moments are much easier to take if you aren't also getting road grime sprayed in your face and up your crack by your own tires. We don't expect our commuting bike to as light as, nor perform quite like, our racing bikes.

Depending on where you keep your bike and if you like to make stops on the way to or from work, you may want a secure lock. Even though your commuter bike may be dirty and look cumbersome compared to your racing bike, it may be the nicest one your local bike thief sees in his busy day, so discourage him if you can, and beat him to a pulp if you catch him in action. Just kidding, call a cop.

Many commuters ride in vastly differing conditions for their two rides. It is often cold in the morning and warmer in the afternoon. For this reason, I dress in layers. In the summer I might wear arm and knee warmers and a wind vest with my shorts and short-sleeve jersey. I almost always wear a base layer (wool or the like). that makes me feel dry In the evening, I stuff the vest, warmers and, if it is hot enough, the base layer into my trunk bag.

In the winter, it is very cold in the morning (10-20 degrees) and warmer in the evening (40's). For these conditions, I need more clothes and still vary what I wear from morning to evening. I wear a long-sleeve wool base layer, thick wool socks, heavy tights, and jacket. In the morning I wear liner gloves and fleece windproof gloves. I wear neoprene toe covers under windproof, oversized booties. I wear a wool skull cap and often wish I were wearing my balaclava when I go downhill. Drew wears a skull cap and also likes a cycling cap to provide eye protection from sun on the horizon or snow/rain sprinkles. On the way home I remove the liner gloves and toe covers and often, at least partially, unzip my jacket.

For the "shoulder" seasons, I vary my gear from the summer version to the winter version by moving to a summer weight tight, then at around 50 degrees I move to the thermal tights; I'd rather be a bit warm than a bit cold. Under 70 degrees I start putting something over or adding to my jersey. A wool jersey adds a bit of warmth and is very breathable. Once it is 50 degrees I move to the thermal jersey and add a wind vest, which can be removed for the ride home.

Drew rides every day, whereas my outside demands and longer commute mean that I drive some days. The occasional drive to work makes it easier for me to leave, and pick up, clothing. Since Drew rides every day, he has more need for rain gear. Keep in mind that rain gear is completely windproof, some of it is also breathable. Breathable means from the inside out, the ability to pass your body moisture to the outside. Waterproof-breathable materials move moisture vapor across the membrane using a temperature gradient. This means that they work better in the winter than summer and work better when the outside humidity is lower (Colorado versus western Oregon). Wind resistant materials are not wind proof nor waterproof, but they are highly breathable.

Everyone has an opinion on the pros and cons of waterproof breathable materials. Heavily sweating individuals may prefer more thermal, but breathable, layers to for insulation. Other riders may prefer less insulating layers, but like to cover the insulating layers with a waterproof or waterproof-breathable layer. This is an area where there is no right and wrong, you have to experiment. For the new commuter in Chicago where the wind is frequent and biting a windproof outer layer would be an advantage. Since I am usually riding in cold but dry temperatures, I prefer additional thermal layers but not a windproof outer layer so that some air moves through my clothes and keeps my fat, sweaty body from getting too wet.

Even a short commute will get you hot and possibly dirty. We don't have a shower at work but, we have a bathroom and sink. You may want to take a wash cloth, towel, soap, deodorant or other personal items to make you feel fresh, and keep your co-workers from complaining. One of my mentors, I'll just call him Bob, from the old days at Life Cycle in Denver, was fond of the Euro-shower which featured heavy doses of lilac water. All I can say is it seemed to attract very good-looking women.

Drew Bourey: Why commute? Why drive?
If you haven't used your bike to commute, you'll need to change your thinking a little to embrace it. There are lots of real obstacles - length, safety, or maybe you're a plumber. Initially, you'll have to ride on days you don't want to. Might need a different bike (available at Goodwill stores everywhere!) and a few accessories (see Wade's list above). Your bike and clothes will get dirty. Occasionally you'll have to clean them, not unlike a car. After decades of opportunistic bike commuting, I rode to and from work the past year with nary a day off. I look forward to every ride and dread the day I'll have to waste my distance to work by driving. In one year of commuting to work in Durango it's never been too cold, too wet, too snowy, too hot, too humid, too windy, or too icy to ride and enjoy it. Granted my direct ride is only five miles in one direction, but with some time, I can always make it longer!

The benefits, oh the benefits:

You'll be in great shape
A lot of us get wrapped up in elaborate training schemes, but if you ride your bike to work and back every day, you'll be in better shape and healthier. Toss in a long weekend ride and a weekday club ride, and you might be in the best shape of your life. When you ride ever day you become acutely aware of your physical well-being. When you're tired, you'll find yourself riding slowly. When you feel strong, you'll find yourself riding harder and adding distance. Just because you're riding to work and back doesn't mean it isn't a real ride. Most importantly, you won't let weeks go by without riding your bike. Daily commuting will improve your health, both mental and physical. I'll have to get back to you on my research concerning sexual vitality, but so far it's looking good and I've experience no numbness.

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Cars R Coffins (credits to Hurl Everstone at www.carsrcoffins.com)
Maybe it's just me, but I take little pleasure in driving around town. Sure, I use it for some of my shopping and multi-kid toting, but usually it's really because I feel lazy. Do I really need my car to carry one DVD and/or bottle of wine? Plus, driving puts you in close contact with Americans at their worst. C'mon, how many times have you come home after rush hour commute and said, " I had the greatest time driving home. I was filled with transcendent thought and waved to some really swell folks on the highway"? Not to mention the environmental ramifications of driving...

The things you'll see! The thoughts you'll have
OK, I live in Durango, but I see some great stuff when I ride to work. Take for instance the breeding pair of bald eagles I've seen fishing the river most days this winter. When I don't see them, it's probably because I'm too busy thinking about stuff - often important, sometimes trivial, occasionally idiotic stuff. My brain works better when my legs are moving.

It's adventurous!
Once you're dialed in, you'll be ready for anything. Blizzards, high wind, monsoons, even locusts will become something you'll look forward to when your normal commute needs a little extra pizzaz. More importantly, you will be amazed how easily you can overcome these seemingly difficult obstacles on a bike. One day this winter I was riding in early. It was bitterly cold and there was recent snowfall. As I started to work I was already anticipating the new chest hairs that would appear after riding to work on such a cold morning. Then, as I cross the Animas River I see our friend Val riding to work with his beard encrusted in ice. He lives 10 miles up the valley and leaves in the dark to get to work. A mile later, I see a smiling, waving Bicycle Bob riding to work, too. Bob lives 10 miles west of town and 1,000 feet higher and had just endured a 30+ mph descent for most of those ten miles. It was with great shame and humility that I was forced to add an additional five miles onto my commute that morning.

So, give it a try. You'll be healthier, doing something positive for the environment, and probably have a good time. And, I don't think you'll miss your car much (no matter how beautiful she is).

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