Bike Commuting Tips for New Yorkers
I've happily made the transition to bike commuting and have been really pleased with the change in lifestyle. Not only do I get more time on the bike every week--a necessity now that I'm working more--but, I also get the benefit of missing that sardine-in-a-can feeling on the rush hour train. Here are a few ideas for bike commuters who need to be fresh at the other end of the ride.
Clean up
If you're lucky, your office will have a gym or showers. If you're not, you might want to join a gym near the office if you have to look good and want to feal clean after that morning ride. I ride to the gym, sometimes work out, shower, then leave my clothes in the locker until the end of the day when I pick up my clothes. Crunch gyms seem to be all over the place these days.
Look good
Leave hair products, a razor and shaving cream at the office just in case.
Keep that saddle dry
You may be able to lock your bike up indoors, which helps ease the stress about having your bike stolen. TransAlt keeps a list of garages that offer indoor bike parking. I've been keeping mine at one and am happy to have one less thing to worry about.
Some other things you might try
If you ride a beater, swamp out those quick release skewers with skewers with nuts on the end so you won't worry about locking both tires. With my fixed gear bike, I just lock the frame, because you need wrench to remove the wheels, and the rear chain is so tight, it's a major pain to get it off.
Keep one of those little packets of plastic bags in your bike bag. They come in great if you have to cover your saddle when parking it in the rain, or when keeping shoes separate from clothes.
Don't forget a pump and tube. Ride safe.