In Riding Your Bike to Work (Part 1), we talked about why you would want to ride your bike to work and many of the advantages of doing so. You can save money and gas, lose weight, feel better about yourself and avoid some of the difficulties of the weekly grind. And there are also the environmental benefits to consider.

Preparations and Planning

Now that we have the motivation to start cycling to work and know the advantages of doing so, let's talk about how to make getting to the office on pedal-power a reality. We could just jump on our bikes and go, but for the best experience a little legwork can save trouble later on.  

What preparations should you take beforehand?

Type of Bike

For commuting long distances (greater than 10 miles) a dedicated road bike will be best. You can go much faster on a road bike than any other type of bike. A road bike will be light, have multiple gears and use narrow, high-pressure tires to minimize rolling resistance. These are used mainly on pavement and concrete. If your route takes you down dirt paths or across unpaved areas, a commuter or hybrid bicycle will be a good choice.

Contingency Plans

Cycling to work is not without hazards. You should know what to do if you get a flat tire or if your bike has a mechanical problem. Carry a spare tube and know how to change a flat. (I highly recommend slime-filled tubes as they almost make flats a thing of the past) Always carry a multi-tool and know how to fix basic problems with your bike. You should also carry some rudimentary first aid in case of scrapes and bruises.

Change of Clothes

All but the shortest commutes will require a change of clothes once you get to work. So you have two options. Keep a change of suitable work clothing at the office for the days you plan to ride, or carry your spare set of clothes along on your bike. Messenger bags and bike racks are best (more on this below).

Shower or Not to Shower

No one wants to arrive at work sweaty and stinky, and none of your coworkers want you to show up stinking up the office either. If your office has a shower, that's one solution. But a better way to go is to shower before you leave home and wear a good jersey and a pair of cycling shorts during your ride. Cycling shorts and jerseys are made from polyester and other fabrics that will keep you cool, dry and comfortable on your commute.

Planning a Route

Ideally, you want to scope out your route to work beforehand. Your city or town may provide maps of the local bike paths, and you can use Google Maps to help plan a route. (click "more" and then check "bicycling" to view the official bike trails in your area) Once you've chosen a set of appropriate bike paths, bike lanes and streets, do a test ride on the weekend to ensure you can safely make it both ways.

Water & Food

Most bikes have a spot for a water bottle. If not, install a water bottle cage. A medium-size water bottle should be enough for all but the longest rides and the hottest days. For breakfast, it's best to avoid eating a large meal before you start your ride. Stick with a simple granola or oatmeal bar, fruit or yogurt.  Keep it light and bring a sandwich for lunch.

Portage (or How to Carry Your Stuff)

If your commute necessitates that you bring clothing, food and work-related items along on the ride, you'll want to check out racks and messenger bags. A backpack might seem like the most efficient solution, but with a backpack you'll arrive at the office with a sweaty back under the pack. Not good. Messenger bags (the type that hang behind you) are best for minimizing the sweat factor. Or you can investigate a rack or pannier that mounts over your bike's rear tire.

Once you've made these basic preparations, you should be able to enjoy a successful and energizing commute to work. In Part 3, we'll take a look at bike safety, how to follow the rules of the road and how to secure your bike at your destination.

Click here for Riding Your Bike to Work (Part 3).