Braving Rt. 1

Today was my first attempt at an actual bike commute, Downtown Stamford to South Norwalk. It’s part of my attempt to drive less.

I haven’t had time to figure out a scenic, less congested route that’s not taking me miles out of the way so I took her right up Route 1. A few spots were slightly hairy, but it’s not nearly as dangerous as everyone would think. In any case, I’m looking for an alternative route, especially through Norwalk’s strip mall hell.

The second challenge is sweating. A slow pace and a temperate morning held off the worst today. A co-worker who has biked in the past confessed she will shower out of a bucket in the bathroom on really hot days. I’m looking to avoid a bucket shower if possible.

There’s also no non-shady place to lock the bike down here. Without bike racks, you’re usually left locking down to a rail, fence or pipe behind a building, sharing space with dumpsters and all the fun stuff you can imagine you often find discarded in these areas.

The whole experience though was actually more relaxing than driving which can feel downright combative around here at times. Maybe that will change when the novelty of it wears off. I’m also lucky enough to live & work in walking distance of a train station so I can easily swap a train ride in during inclement weather, hang overs, general laziness, etc.

Try and not mow me down out there if possible.