I was roped in to another month-long bike-to-work contest — the Group Health Commute Challenge. I actually quite enjoy biking to work — both the fact that I live in a community where I can do that, and the actual ride itself. Most of my 6-mile trek is along the Seattle ship canal on a smooth, flat bike trail that leads right into campus. It takes me about 20 minutes to ride in, which is 5 minutes less than the bus takes.
Riding home is another matter. Again, the bulk of the trip is fine — beautiful, in fact. But the last 1.2 miles is a steady uphill climb from the lowlands of the canal banks to the front door of my house.
I call it the Mountain Stage.
Using Google Earth for elevations and distances, and some simple trigonometry, I was able to calculate that the last stretch of my evening commute is at a 1.75% grade. I was quite disappointed that it wasn’t more than that since that leg of the journey kicks my saddle-sored ass regardless of how many times I ride it.
But still, over a mile of constant fighting against gravity after a long, hard day of whatever it is I do to pass the time at work, coupled with a nagging impatience at wanting to get home and spend some time with my son before his insanely early bedtime, and it becomes a long, hard slog that leaves me quite exhausted, sweaty and grumpy.
I’d happily, easily, breezily bike to work every day if not for that damn hill.
Comments
But wouldn't you rather end your day with a workout than begin your day with one? Seems even better than a flat ride both ways.
Posted by: Bill | May 10, 2006 9:37 AM
Too bad you don't live in EscherWorld, where it's always downhill in all directions!
Posted by: arrmac | May 10, 2006 5:09 PM
You must find a job you and your son can do together? Okay, bad idea. Good for you for keeping at it though. I was on holiday and walked a good hour or two per day. I'm back home and can barely walk to the fridge after working all day. Slug. Maybe I need a weight training program?
Posted by: Dale | May 10, 2006 5:47 PM