It takes me longer to get home from work when I bicycle commute since I have to take a different route that keeps me out of most of the rush hour traffic.
I have about 3-4 spots on my 10-13 mile commute home that involve me having to directly interact with traffic (e.g. taking a lane due to no shoulder or bicycle lane).
One of these spots is a northbound leg on a NW Military Highway. This road has two lanes going in each direction (good!) but no shoulder or sidewalk of any kind (not so good!). The speed on the road is 45mph.
Most of my experience on this road has been good but I’ve had a few times where folks have driven uncomfortably close to me since it was just killing them to wait a 3-4 seconds to hop into the left lane and pass me. Go figure.
One day I decided that instead of making a left turn onto this road, I’d go straight into a large neighborhood and program my Garmin Edge 705 to route me home. I knew it’d figure out the potential maze of streets I was entering and would direct me on an appropriate course of action to get home.
The Garmin did its job and in no time I was back on NW Military highway.
The time I spent in the neighborhood – Shavano Park – was rejuvenating. Low to no traffic, well paved country roads. A quiet escape from engine noises, honking cars, etc. A perfect opportunity to take a breath, grab the water bottle to hydrate and spin easily to recover before tackling the last few hills of my route.
When I got home I used Google Earth to evaluate my GPS track and found a perfect segment in Shavano Park that doesn’t involve a lot of back tracking but gives me an opportunity to rest a little and escape some of the fast moving traffic.
Moral of the story? Always look for opportunities to optimize your bicycle routes. Just when you think you have the perfect route, keep your eyes open for new possibilities!
Calm, new section of my bike ride home
Justin, I’m glad you found a alternate route that is free from inpatient drivers. I have a question for you, I want to start commuting to work on a bike about 11 miles one way. I’m considering buying a Valencia bike like your’s , would you recommend this bike to a perspective commuter
Thanks’
Future Bike Commuter
I think the Trek Valencia is a great option for your proposed commute. My commute is similar – about 8-12 miles one-way depending on the route I take.
The Valencia offers a stable ride with a lot of gears to tackle any hills that may be on your route. The upright ride position makes it easier to look forward while riding to watch for hazards.
Is it as fast as a road bike? No. If you’re looking for a commuter bike where speed is priority one for you, there are other bicycles to consider.
That said, if you want a safe, stable workhorse that is pretty nimble, looks great and has some all-weather features, the Valencia should be looked at closely.
Have you read my ten ride reviews? If not, check them out!
I’ve had to give up my commuting mostly due to temperature. In the mornings it’s below 50 degrees and too cold for this guy. In warmer times I would sail around in the dark of pre-sunrise Hill Country until I arrived at work. In the evening there would be twilight until I got home. Now, though, with 12 hour shifts and less than 12 hours of light….
i have made 90% of my daily commute off road, avoids all the stress of bad drivers/pedestrians and also shortened my commute by 10-15 minutes.
helps that i ride a full suspension cross country bike, but i wouldnt say its needed for my route. yet to see anyone else on the off road section in 2 months.