Route out to work is mostly downhill and flat. Route home is mostly uphill. Have spent much sweat trying to search out the easiest grade going home. Mostly I use "Public Transit Assist" to get me home sooner after work. I recently discovered the shortest, steepest grade up the NorDel Bluff, and walking up this killer is actually five mins faster than trying to ride up "on the diagonal" so to speak. Saves a lot of sweat. Ride out begins at 5AM. I ride an old Schwinn ATB basher during the wet season, and a 6061 frame Norco Kodiak during the summer. The Norco really cannot swim! The Schwinn is heavy, but it only needs to be overhauled once, or at most twice, during the winter. Total route distance is just over 17km (abt 10 mi) and takes under an hour. Few hazards, no dogs, and next to no traffic. After 4 years of seasonal riding, and almost 1 year of year-round riding, I STILL have my pot gut! -- But my legs have gone all hard and sinewy. :)
30Something father of two. I work for HBC Logistics in Richmond. I will ride in almost any condition except a snowstorm. My secret dream is to ride in a Critical Mass in Vancouver. Do they still have those?
I once took the Road Less Traveled...and discovered the Shelter Island Marina. Picturesque, to say the least. BTW, nobody on EARTH is more in need of a good bike mechanic than "boat people".