Guest commuter Don Pillsbury joins us again – if you’d like to share your bike commuter experiences, please contact us at [email protected].
Most people assume as a bike commuter I’m some sort of “eco-warrior.” While there might be some merit to that, my reason for riding is much more personal. When I first started cycling to work 16 years ago, the original intent was to build activity into my otherwise sedentary life. My very first trip to work was just a couple of miles – and it took me exactly 1 hour. I drove to a park near the office, pulled the bike out of the car, left the car behind for the day, and pedaled a very short distance. Over time, and as the park commission improved the conditions of the D&R Canal tow path, I was able to eventually do the full 35 miles from Trenton to New Brunswick. For the round trip I developed the habit of driving to work (with the bike), leaving the car there overnight (the building had security), riding home, and cycling in the next day – after a restful night of sleep.
While my original goal was to combat a bulging waistline, other health benefits quickly became apparent. I didn’t fully comprehend the chemistry behind it until I read an article in Bicycling magazine entitled “Riding is my Ritalin.” I’ve since seen other scientific articles demonstrating a link between cycling and happiness. So, as I like to say: “Rekindle your youth; hop on a bicycle.”
Please welcome Whit Anderson, our guest commuter this week – if you?d like to share your commuter experiences, contact us at [email protected].
I love my commute. Rarely a weekday goes by when I am not appreciative of how lucky I am to have it. I bike commute from Hopewell Borough to Princeton University?s Forrestal campus, four or five times a week, all the year round. For the most part, my route is quite idyllic – lovely bike lanes on most of CR518 (I am working on Mercer County to address the parts lacking), scenic bike path on the Kingston Branch Loop Trail and a quick turn up to Mapleton where I give the bald eagles a nod if they happen to be nesting.? When I get to my lab, a suite of bike lockers and racks are waiting for me, and inside we have showers and changing facilities.? Yep, it is a pretty sweet deal.
Even after describing my commute to people I still get the ?you are crazy? comments. Most of the time I laugh and shrug it off – too bad for them, they will never know what they are missing. ?Me crazy? They are crazy? – that?s what I would always say to myself.
Then this winter happened. A few times this winter I caught myself agreeing with them – even with the multiple layers of wool and synthetics, the studded winter tires and a large thermos of steaming coffee I found myself thinking, ?I am crazy?.? But the thought never lasts long. As soon as I get to my destination the feeling of accomplishment washes away any lingering negativity. That, and the hope that spring is just around the corner. Come on spring.
Let?s talk commuter accessories ? those extra bits that let you enjoy your work life on the bike. At only two miles, it?s easy for me to bike in work clothes without overheating, especially in winter. Pictured hanging from the handlebar is helmet, safety glasses with rearview mirror, plus a reflective velcro leg band.
A handlebar bag is held with a quick release system, and is large enough for planner and personal effects, along with a small first aid kit and snacks ? it has a shoulder strap and functions as a briefcase. We won?t talk about all the extra ?stuff? that ends up rattling around in there. The same quick release system is on all my bikes, with several compatible bags and backpacks that can be attached.
Permanently attached to the back rack is a lockable plastic trunk box ? both the handlebar bag and trunk box are dry in a rainstorm, and the box is large enough to hold dress shoes and the helmet. Inside the trunk box is a saddle bag (off my road bike), with spare tube, foldable tire and multi-tool, which lives in the box along with a tire pump and bike lock. The pump can move to the handlebar bag if it?s rattling around too much in back.
The platform pedals don?t require special bike shoes, and this very cold and snowy winter I?ve enjoyed nice warm dry feet, thanks to rubber-covered neoprene shoes. If it?s dry and not too cold the dress shoes are OK to bike in.
Layers are key to commuting comfort ? single digit temperatures or wet conditions bring out the rain pants, while a weather-proof shell parka and fleece mid-layer keeps the cold at bay. You can fine tune your comfort by having a variety of knit caps of different thicknesses (for under the helmet), as well as a waterproof helmet cover for rain. For your hands, the running companies make fleece liners and stretchy shell fabric mittens, which can then be used inside a larger waterproof mitten shell for very cold conditions. Bright colors and reflective trim add visibility on the road, a plus for outer layers.
Monthly meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month, at 6:15 pm at the WW library and via Zoom. Email us at [email protected] for details, including the Zoom code.
Find us at the West Windsor Farmers Market (Vaughn Drive parking lot) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every other Saturday from May through Halloween.
Guest commuter Don Pillsbury joins us again – if you’d like to share your bike commuter experiences, please contact us at [email protected].
