Started riding to work - Loving it!

[gooch]

Quick rundown - took and passed the course Aug 1. Got my license, and started practicing on and off after work on local streets (very quiet)

First upgraded to busier local (2 lane, yellow lines) over the last week.

Started commuting today.

I live in Northern NJ, and my commute takes me on two state highways - For those of you who know the area, 4W to 17N. About 10 years ago a massive construction project was completed at this junction - it was one of the most dangerous cloverleafs in the country, and is now a very smooth set of flyovers. I have an incredible short commute - 5.8 miles each way, opposite traffic.

About highway speed:

1 - I like it. Way more relaxed than local driving, even with stop and go.
2 - I have been in various levels of traffic - sparse to stop and go - and have found that most cars around here are treating me like a car. I am still watching everywhere, and very wary, but so far so good.
3 - Really appreciating the "riiding over an object" skill from the course - some really weird bumps on these highways, due to some scattershot repairs over the years.
4 - This is a quiet bike, even at speed.


I think that I have an advantage in that these are the highways I have been riding and driving on my entire life - I know every exit and entrance, every weird merge, every driveway. I think I would be alot more nervous on a similar but unfamiliar highway, so this is a good place for me to get used to highway driving.

I will probably write again after riding to work through my first storm.

[Sarris]

Congrats and enjoy. Nothing beats a GZ to commute on.

[jonathan180iq]

Congrats on your new ride.

[Blues]

Gooch, congrats on joining the community of commuter bikers! I have ridden my GZ to work every day since early April, with the exeption of two days. I agree with you that it is very relaxing. In fact, I find that the bike takes so much concentration to ride safely that I have no time to get pissed off on the way to work and it unwinds me on the way home. Cathartic is how I'd describe my bike ride to and from work. No cupholder, no radio..just me and my bike. I think if gas were free, I'd still leave my car at home and ride.

As far as your first storm..just use your head and you may find you actually enjoy a ride in the rain. My trip home last night was in the rain and it was a great ride. I put my rain jacket on (left the rain pants in the saddle bag since it was warm out) and rode. Ya just have to be careful, obviously. And don't ride in hail..that really sucks! Look foreward to the ride in the rain though.

Aloha,
Aaron

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Blues

Look foreward to the ride in the rain though.

Kind of. A HEAVY downpour is no fun either. Stop and you get soaked in about 5 seconds. Keep going and you can't SEE, regardless of what kind of gear you have on......including none. NOT fun.

[john1096]

The main reason I got a GZ was to commute. I've only had it a couple of weeks, but everything's been good so far. For the first time in years I look forward to leaving for work in the morning. Of course, that all changes once I actually arrive. Congrats and be careful.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by john1096

For the first time in years I look forward to leaving for work in the morning.

Bike races in Springfield, IL this coming weekend. 4 days; 4 races.
You could take a 2 hour ride and still be happy when you get there !!

[roscosmom]

I've been riding mine to work nearly every day. Only ride the Yamaha on weekends. I dont have to ride on highways or interstate...just about 10 miles through town.

[john1096]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

Bike races in Springfield, IL this coming weekend. 4 days; 4 races.
You could take a 2 hour ride and still be happy when you get there !!

Won't make that one, but thanks for the info. I am looking forward to some longer trips. I didn't know they had bike races in Springfield. I've been out of the culture for so long, I don't even know where the local bike shops are. I found one nice one that's close, but they don't sell Suzuki's. Said they couldn't even look up or order parts for me. They have a nice gear and apparel department, though.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by john1096

I didn't know they had bike races in Springfield.

For future reference, Memorial Day and Labor Day....weekends.
Grand National Flat Track races on the world's fastest mile on dirt.
Also TT and some other stuff I don't care about.
Two runs on the mile this weekend 'cause Memorial Day was rained out.

http://www.illinoismda.com/