Last Thursday, I finally made my first ride into work of the year. My commutes are never round-trip since one leg of the trip is almost 16 miles. That probably makes me a pseudo-bike commuter. I do pack a lot since we dress business professional at work and I can’t keep a stock of my necessities in our locker room since we can’t rent them. I weighed my panniers when I got to the locker room and they were 18.2 lbs which included a laptop, an outfit, shoes, a towel, small bottles of toiletries, and my makeup. I really only noticed the extra weight while I was going up hills in that I was slower. I firmly believe now that my rack will suffice is that for the most part on the ride I had pretty good clearance with full panniers. If I had bigger feet or shoes though, I probably wouldn’t have the option.
The commute was uneventful just as a commute should be and I’m really getting use to the seat now. It’s downright comfy now. I really love my bike and feel like I have the right one since the concept of touring and really long rides really appeals to me.
I came across Adventure Cycling’s website and looked up their C&O Canal/Great Allegheny Passage fully-supported tour. If we weren’t going to buy a house this year and otherwise be busy I would probably consider going this year but am instead really gunning for doing it next year. Like REALLY considering doing it. Next year is the time because then the husband and I will probably try to start a family afterwards and who knows what will happen then?
Till then, I ride!
Where The Bike Takes Me 