Bike to Work from Lakewood next week....

[Tim Liston]

Since we’re talking bikes today....

Next week, May 14-18, is National “Bike to Workâ€Â

[David Anderson]

Thanks for the post, Tim.

I bike to work, Terminal Tower, during nice weather months (by nice I mean above freezing) and when I don't need my car during the work day (unfortunately, I need it on most days).

This "exercise" takes pre-planning. Here are some tips that may help folks have an enjoyable bike commute:

1) Obviously, keep a set of clothes at work including shoes. Fortunately I have a tall cabinet in my office perfect for clothes storage. Sometimes, I'll just bring a pair of sneakers the day before I plan to bike and leave my dress shoes at the end of the day.

2) A towel or washcloth will be needed when you get to work. Fortunately, it's cool in the mornings minimizing my production of sweat. Even so, you'll need a wet cloth to wipe your face, arms, etc.

3) Plan to arrive at work 20-minutes before co-workers. Nobody wants to see you changing and cleaning-up. Nor do you want your boss to think you are wasting company time getting ready for work at work.

4) Keep your bike visible during the day. Co-workers will be intrigued and possibly motivated.

5) Get yourself a Camelbak or small backpack to carry personal items, tools and inner tube (hex set, screwdriver), water and a couple of bucks worth of quarters.

6) Rush Hour Riding Tips - Always keep your head on a swivel. Keep a sharp alert for potholes, parked cars, broken glass and jaywalkers. Always adhere to the rules of the road.

7) Short summer hair-cuts are the greatest. Take it “down to the wood,â€Â

[Suzanne Metelko]

Tim,

Just back from biking to First Federal. My office is in downtown Lakewood so I bike to work whenever possible. Thanks for the reminder about next week!

[Jennifer Desilets]

Tim,

Biking to work is a great idea. Unfortunately, I work in Brecksville. Do you know if there are any car-pool groups? it would be great if Lakewood residents who work further away could get together and car pool.

Jennifer

[Bryan Schwegler]

I wish I could bike to work, but I work in Mayfield Village. I just started riding again so that's probably a little far for me at this point, but perhaps one day!

I have made it point though to ride my bike around Lakewood whenever possible instead of driving.

[Tim Liston]

Good hints David....

Let me relay one thing I think most people won't believe. At the risk of “too much informationâ€Â

[David Anderson]

Tim -

"Sweat doesn't smell." True dat, Tim. True dat. Hilarious.

I'll likely be able to ride next Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and will make it a point to go by Phoenix around 7:15-30 am.

Thanks much for your original post and for mentioning rendezvous points, etc.

Perhaps we'll meet next week.

[Tim Liston]

OK so yesterday (Monday) the normal ride leader (Brendan McNamara) asked me to lead the Bike to Work ride tomorrow (Wednesday). I said sure. Little did I know about the weather forecast. Brendan is the guy who was in the picture in the PD article last Friday.

According to the weatherman it should stop raining by 7:25 AM tomorrow at Phoenix. So here's the deal. One year's free membership to BikeLakewood for anyone who joins me tomorrow. This is not a Board approved offer but I'm sure they would agree. It's not about the money. It's about cycling. Meet at 7:25 AM at Phoenix or 7:50 at Arabica.

For what it's worth I don't work downtown. I work in Middleburg Heights. So the last two days it's been Lakewood to downtown to Middleburg Heights back to Lakewood. It's good exercise.

We've had a decent West Side turnout yesterday and today. Someone is gonna surprise me tomorrow. Will it be you? David?

[Tim Liston]