http://bikingtoronto.com/forum/ BikingToronto Forum Topic: Beating the Biking to Work Blues en Sun, 26 May 2013 06:56:45 +0000 http://bikingtoronto.com/forum/topic.php?id=357#post-1173 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:15:17 +0000 Duncan 1173@http://bikingtoronto.com/forum/ <p>I keep meaning to try my mp3 player on my route. I don't have noise-canceling headphones, and I have cycled long distances with people who still carry on a conversation while their music is on. So, as long as I can still hear some of the ambient noise around me, I'll see how it goes. I think it may help in pushing me over humps as it starts getting windier every day.</p> <p>The computer idea is really good. They are fairly inexpensive for a basic model and easy to install. My mother's riding group tracks every single km they bike and constantly push themselves based on their best distances. </p> http://bikingtoronto.com/forum/topic.php?id=357#post-1172 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:15:26 +0000 joe 1172@http://bikingtoronto.com/forum/ <p>Yeah, I don't agree with the mp3/podcast thing either. But, I don't know what the writer's commute is like. It may be down country lanes or separated bikelanes... BUT he does mention getting lost in the streets of London (something I'd love to try on a bike), so I'll have to say that the mp3 idea is not the best one.</p> <p>I generally vary my east-west route through East York north of the Danforth by trying different sidestreets... initially it was a quest to find the most level streets for the easiest commute, and then to find the quietest, traffic-wise, to make things calmer. I've settled into a pattern at the moment because I've explored and found a quiet route of sidestreets and alleyways that take me almost all the way to Broadview and Danforth, at which point I join the Viaduct Bikelanes that lead me to the Sherbourne and Wellesley lanes that take me all the way to work. It's a very calm ride, and I love it. :) </p> http://bikingtoronto.com/forum/topic.php?id=357#post-1169 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:57:11 +0000 toddtyrtle 1169@http://bikingtoronto.com/forum/ <p>I like and use them all except for the mp3 player thing. That is really stupid, IMO. Might be fun to have a stereo on a trailer like I often see at Critical Mass but not worth that effort. I actually like the time spent in relative silence.</p> <p>For me, having lots of different routes helps. Some days I actually like traffic while others I want to duck into a ravine and avoid traffic entirely.</p> <p>Also, it's nice to have a few places to stop sometimes as well. My destination changes (and at the moment it is at home) but it stayed constant for the longest time when I went from Thorncliffe Park to Dufferin &amp; Steeles. Sometimes I'd stop for a few groceries along the way. Other times, depending on what I'd had for lunch and how late I'd worked, I might need to stop for something to eat part way home. (Tip for Duncan and anyone else who might be passing along Wilmington between Sheppard &amp; Finch: King David Falafels are cheap and really good!) </p> http://bikingtoronto.com/forum/topic.php?id=357#post-1167 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:51:27 +0000 toddtyrtle 1167@http://bikingtoronto.com/forum/ <p>Just as the "what to eat before leaving for work" topic came up, this one wound up in my feed:<br /> <ul><li>I did the maths. Approximately 252 working days a year (minus holidays), multiplied by 14 miles each day, equals ... 3,128 miles. This is the distance I commute, per year, from my house in Walthamstow to the Guardian offices in King's Cross.</p> <p>I wouldn't trade my bike commute for the world – and especially not for the London underground. But the number does seem high, especially considering that I am a relatively slow cyclist (it usually takes me around 40-45 minutes to get to work).</p> <p>That's a lot of time to spend pushing pedals along the same route, day in, day out. And while I take pride in my carefully crafted journey, which took weeks to perfect (a shortcut here, a nicer street there), I can't deny it any longer: I am experiencing commute fatigue and I need a change in my routine. Here are a few things I have tried or am thinking about trying in order to fight my growing boredom on the road:</p> <p>1. Change your route. This seems simple enough, and has a few definite perks in my eyes. I fear that overfamiliarity with a route may lead me to become less careful over time, as I presume to know every light, every turn and every roundabout by heart. Tinkering with my circuit might help to keep me alert – and, let's face it, it's always fun getting lost in London's backstreets. The downside is that the new journey is likely to waste precious minutes, which could have been spent in bed.</p> <p>2. Listen to your MP3 player. I'd hesitate to blast Rage Against the Machine at full volume through my earphones, as I'd like to hear cars coming, but I won't settle for music on low volume that I can't hear. I have therefore plumped for podcasts – talk shows, ebooks and stories are good enough to entertain me, played with some volume but not so loud as to put my life at risk. Most podcasts are also the perfect commuting length, lasting just under an hour. I would personally recommend Good Food, This American Life, Radio Lab and of course, the Guardian's bike podcast – but would love to hear about your favourites, too.</p> <p>3. Become a bike-geek. Invest in a bike computer, and track your progress or set yourself goals. The cheapest ones on the market should still be able to crunch numbers and tell you your average, current and maximum speeds, and will also sport an odometer and a timer. I really enjoyed using mine – until it was stolen, along with my previous bike. In the same vein, you can download many iPhone applications, such as MapMyRide, which let you calculate elevation and show you street level views.</p> <p>4. Contemplate. With such an emphasis placed on having to ride as fast as possible – while avoiding dangerous drivers and discourteous pedestrians – perhaps a deliberate attempt to slow down and enjoy the act of cycling could be in order, if only once or twice a week. Setting aside a few more minutes to arrive at work on time leaves you free to ride around town and contemplate the seasonal changes. Alternatively, count how many cats you can spot in one go, or take mental notes on new autumn fashion trends by people-watching. You'll be surprised at how many faces will quickly become familiar.</p> <p>So, those are my tips to counter commuter fatigue. What are yours?</li></ul><br /> From <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/sep/25/bike-blog-commute-fatigue-cycling">The Guardian</a>. </p> <p>So what tips do you have? </p>