Last year, I was writing about my progression strategy to get my skills from my class to out on the road. Now, after nearly a year of riding (excluding those frosty winter months when the motorcycle was winterized), I’ve finally reached the point where I feel ready to start my workday with a nice ride, at least on the nice days, and try my hand at motorcycle commuting.
It’s that time of life again. The time where I start teaching one of my children how to operate and drive safely in my car on the roads. I’ve been through this once before with my daughter, and now my son is starting driver’s ed in a few weeks.
This got me thinking about some of the differences in the progression strategy between driving a car and riding a motorcycle. In the car, you are learning and progressing your skills before you take your driving test for your license. On a motorcycle, you are learning foundational skills and being tested on them before you ever get out on the road.
Why Commute by Motorcycle?
Besides the fact that riding my motorcycle brings me joy and therefore sets the tone for the day at work, my “why” boils down to three main benefits:
- Pay at the Pump: Gas prices aren’t getting friendlier. I still remember the days of $0.99 per gallon. While I already drive a fuel-efficient car, it can’t compete with the MPG of my motorcycle. With prices now hovering over $4 per gallon, every extra mile I can get out of my tank is a win for my wallet.
- The Ultimate Skill Builder: You don’t become a better rider by letting the bike sit in the garage. By committing to the commute, even if it isn’t daily yet, I’m forcing myself to grow my skillset. Navigating heavily trafficked roads builds a level of comfort and awareness that you just can’t get on a weekend ride. Plus, Jason and I have big plans for long-distance trips when we retire in a few years. Every mile I clock now is preparation for those future adventures.
- The Parking Perk: One of the most underrated benefits of riding? The parking situation. My workplace has decent parking, but space is still at a premium. When Jason and I ride together, we can fit both bikes into a single parking space which means I can fit in a space when two larger vehicles have overshot their lines.
The Commuter Challenge: Backroads vs. Highways
I work 35 miles away from my house, and it takes me 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. Around me, the highway speed limit is 70 mph and the stretch of road I drive in the morning had several fatalities last year. I have had to take some backroads around heavily trafficked areas before so I’m familiar enough with those that I could avoid a good stretch of highway. On the Triumph, I do believe that the backroads are the better way for me to travel. At least for now.
Preparing for the Long Ride
This journey hasn’t just been about learning to handle a motorcycle. It has been about patience, progression, and overcoming a few literal bumps in the road. How did I prepare for a 35 mile ride to work?
- Build Endurance: First, I have been working in progression to be comfortable on my bike for that duration. Riding with some good friends has been great for building up my endurance and confidence.
- Studying the Route: Second, I have been really looking at the roads I am driving in the mornings and evenings. I am looking for any areas that might take special attention for a motorcyclist (hills, roundabouts, blind spots, etc.). Driving in a car on a road is not the same as riding, but it is a starting point.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: I decided to test out the route on a day with less vehicles. Getting an opportunity to ride the route without the added obstacle of stop and go traffic along with many many drivers is something I wanted to take advantage of.
The Dry Run
The week I wanted to start commuting on my motorcycle, I ended up injuring my finger. I very quickly realized I could not pull the clutch, nor could I even fit my hand in my gloves.
Thankfully, it wasn’t broken and I could somewhat resume normal activities about two weeks after. so it took a little more planning to find the right time to practice my route.
Riding to work on a Saturday didn’t really appeal to me, but it was the best time to reduce the pressure of rush-hour congestion. My friends at Bob’s Motorcycles have been an incredible resource and they are relatively close enough to my workplace that I could practice the majority of my route. They happened to be having an “Open Haus” on a Saturday morning and that became just the event I needed to ride my route. The event showcased their BMWs and brought together food trucks, enthusiasts, and a bit of motorcycle history on display at the museum.
At the end of the day, I had met and exceeded my goals. I rode the (nearly entire) route to work and I even led the way there and back (safety in numbers). Along the route, I thought back to the start of my riding as I easily navigated areas I had trouble with a year ago. I had the confidence to ride in front of all of those bikers when leaving Bob’s and I practiced carrying a backpack traveling nearly 100 miles on my motorcycle in one day! A really great day of riding and a confidence boost as well!
Crucial Safety Takeaways for New Riders
If you’re looking to make the same jump to commuting, keep these two rules in mind:
- Know Your Limits: Moving from a parking lot to a high-speed commute is a massive leap. Don’t rush it. Ensure you are mentally and physically prepared for the increased speed and traffic density.
- Focus on Visibility: In heavy traffic, you are often invisible to cars. Maintain your “bubble” (keep your distances from those around you to stay safe and stay proactive), keep your eyes moving, and always have an escape route planned.
Are you ready to take your bike to work? The transition is challenging, but the sense of freedom you get before the clock even starts is well worth the effort. Ride safe!
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