Daily commuters, how long have you been commuting? How do you manage?

Commuted for several years (not including riding a Yamaha R5 to high school and work everyday in the 70s) in San Antonio while in the Army and with my civilian job after. Then 14 years in the DC area before retirement.

San Antonio’s traffic got worse over time and the TX heat was like facing a hairdryer on high. I didn’t know any better than just getting on the bike and going to work then fighting traffic getting home.

Then I got to DC and learned about HOV, rain, freezing temps, and snow. Appreciation for the HOV can’t be overstated. Getting on 2 miles from home and rolling off a mile from work. Reverse to get home. I quickly learned about good rain gear and over time picked up heated jacket, pants, gloves and socks. Temperature or rain was not an issue. Snow was the only show stopper and I’d have to ride the metro which made my stomach queasy.

I’ve commuted on a BSA 650, Suzuki GS850, Triumph Trident (old and new) and Bonneville (new), DR650, R1100RT, and closed out on a Nomad 1700 that I still ride.

It was only a matter of ‘managing’ for the few days it took for the process to become routine. I was lucky enough to work in an office (and be senior enough) that khakis and a polo were suitable and they did well under a riding jacket and overpants. I kept a pair of loafers at my desk and did a Mr Rogers shoe change in the mornings. We developed a great group of riders at work and I still keep in touch with a few.

I’ve slowed my riding but still do an occasional week across the country. Best part of my workday was the ride in and back.

/r/motorcycles Thread