I finally gave it a go. I rode a bicycle to my new job. It’s been a struggle to come up with a commute plan. I show up, grab a set of vehicle keys, and then I’m in the field all day providing medical appointment rides. If I have a late ride sometimes the office is locked when I finish up. If I have an early start I can’t even get in the main building to use a restroom. There is no secure place to lock up anything but a beater bike.
However, there is a place to stash my folded up Brompton. This seems like a good use for my folder. At least for the non-snowy times of the year.
It felt great getting to work under my own power again. I felt a wee bit of freedom return to my daily routine. 😎
four season cycling 
Very liberating, I’m sure! Bravo. I was in your position about one year ago. It takes time to adjust to the new job duties then you acclimatize to the bike commute.
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Acclimatize is the word. After 14 years at the last job I didn’t realize I had a routine that helped me maintain the ability to ride everyday. It’s been frustrating trying to acclimatize to the new place.
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I do miss my bike commute. It’s the only thing I miss about work. I did have it good though. A locker, shower, kitchen, coffee club and a secure place to leave my bike. I also bought an iron and board to leave in the locker room. I kept a pair of shoes and would bring pants, shirt and socks in my backpack every day.
I would cook eggs at home, usually over light, and at work I would nuke them, toast an English muffin and make a pot of coffee. Then I was ready to begin my work day.
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I’ve been telling people the only thing I miss about my last job is my commute….and some of the people. I realize now I had it good. Almost as good as you. I had a secure place to lock up, a place to change, a place to hang my sweaty/wet clothes, a kitchen. I too kept a pair of shoes at work and brought a change a clothes. Now I have none of that. It’s a been a challenge to get it all figured out.
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Hooray! Brompton to the rescue! I am very happy for you 😀
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Hooray for sure! Funny that when I bought it in 2013 I wasn’t even sure if I’d like riding it, or what I’d use it for. I’ve used it for much more than I ever thought I would. And I really like riding it around town. It’s a fun little bike. And now it’s my best option for bike commuting to my new job.
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Yea for the Brompton. Glad you figured out a way to ride to work. What is it like driving around all day for your job? Have you had to adjust to that also? Or did you use to drive a lot at your old job too?
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In my last job I transported people maybe once a week. When I lived St Paul I worked for a vocational day program for people with disabilities. I spent 4 years taking a crew on a dry cleaning pick-up and delivery route. We spent all driving around the cities. It might sound odd to hear someone who hasn’t owned a car in 14 years say they love driving for a job. But I really do.
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It’s a lot different driving for work rather than driving to and from work each day. I only drive about 1,000 miles…… a year, and that is plenty for me. I don’t mind being in a car, as long as i don’t have to drive it! Despite the difficulties finding a solution to the commute, I hope you like the new job and it’s going well.
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“There is no secure place to lock up anything but a beater bike.”
Sounds like someone needs to add a beater bike to the stable! 😉
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Great to see! The Brompton comes through nicely. I had a Bike Friday Tikit for awhile, but life circumstances changed and I let it go. There are occasions when I think about how handy it would be to get a folder back into the stable.
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It’s great that you’re making it happen. Stay moving!
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