I am not hardcore
I am not a commuter...this just does not work for me. I thought I could be, but I can not. I used to *say* I commuted, but it really was just me sneaking in more ride opportunities while someone else carried all my work materials back and forth in their car for me.
It occurred to me yesterday as I rode to work with a pack on my back how silly this is. Riding along sporting a pack that weighs more than that bike I paid so much to make faster and lighter I realized how hard it is to climb hills with a heavy, loose-fitting weight hanging off my back. "No, I am no wimp, I have skills and power to spare!", I thought to myself. "This will make me stronger!"...and if I ever enter a race that requires riders to carry weights on their back, this "strength" will come in handy.
Today I realized even more clearly how stupid this commuting business is (for me). I was sitting on the toilet (that is where I get my best thinking done) when I contemplated exactly what that weight on my back was as I pedaled in. In addition to keys, clothing, and other incidentals, I was carrying a computer. Every day I back up the e-files that are critical to what I (and others) do at my job on my laptop. You know, just in case the server poops out? What genius submits a backup copy of files to dangers far greater than the primary files?
I am an idiot.
Please do not flame me, I am not saying that commuting is a bad thing. I just think that it may be silly to think that it is a viable option for everyone. Clearly, I am a member of the group of people for which this concept will not work.
Now is where the hardcore commuters would chastise me, stating that I could back up my files onto a smaller drive that is easier to commute with, and I could easily buy a better fitting pack that was intended for commuting. And they are right. But I am not going to lie to myself and others about this...I am not a commuter, and I will not become one any time soon. I ride for fun, and when possible I will enjoy a fun ride to and from work whenever I can get someone else to carry all my crap.
I was just thinking
the same thoughts on the way into work. I suppose I could 'make it work', but then again I just want to ride. I don't want to have everything so premeditated. Train for this, pack for that, or ride during these times.
Yup
You can probably tell I was thinking about this as I commented on your post. I guess "that time of the year" finally came for me...you know where you backlash against all the BS and realize why you started riding in the first place?
I love riding. I will probably get back to talking big again some day. Most of the time my riding is a lot of fun, with moments of "hardcore". Too often I create an illusion (here) that I am a tough-guy and probably come off as a total poser.
In actuality, I strive to be a poorly disguised poser.
Commuting
I am fortunate to live close to work, have showers available, and not a lot of materials to carry. I rode for years with a backpack. The first day I rode a dedicated commuting bike and panniers, I thought to myself what a fool I'd been for not doing it sooner! Panniers and rack. They're not cool or pro, but they're way better than being a pack mule.
You don't roll that way.
Commuting by bike can be a good thing for many people for many reasons. Environmentlly, it's one less car on the road, and that's a good thing. Physically, it is exercise, and that's a good thing -- especially for people who otherwise would not get that exercise.
But in your case, you're a serious-a** cyclist. You don't need to commute by bike because, if you didn't, you wouldn't be physically active. Instead, for you, your commute is just an inconvenient ride that requires a lot of prep. Oh yeah, and that you schlep a backpack. That's not the way you roll.
My brother is your exact opposite. A firefighter, commuting by bike is perfect for him. He's a recreational rider, not a serious-a** cyclist. So some weeks, his commute is most of the riding he does, if not all of it.
So drive to work with a clear conscience. Because when you get on your bike, I'm thinking that's when your work really begins.