The third full week cycling to work is done. I only cycled 4 days this week. So far I've traveled about 300 miles and saved $57.88 on gas. Gas was $3.91 last weekend when I would have filled the tank. If fuel prices stay the same it will take me about 164 more trips for the bike to pay for itself. I've recouped 8.27% of the purchase price, and 7.24% of everything I've spent related to the bike.
Since I've started riding there are two guys at work that have stared riding to work. There were already 3 doing so (2 that don't have cars at all). The ride doesn't seem that long to me now at all. I'll be applying for a job at a place that would increase the distance to work at least 50%, maybe closer to doubling the distance. If that happens the savings will really pile up quickly.
The biggest things that I didn't expect about this experience have been how sore I get from sitting on that little road bike saddle and how hungry I am all the time. I might be able to get a more comfortable saddle, but I think a lot of it is just how unaccustomed I am to cycling. It has been better since getting bike shorts with the extra padding in the seat. It has been better still since I have gotten into the habit of leaning more forward on the handle bars. Being hungry all the time is a bit of a new experience for me. I never have been a big eater. I have a hard time eating past when I am full, so it seems like I always have to be eating something to get enough calories. I eat a lot more snacks at work, and I am always thinking about putting something in my belly at home. My weight hasn't really changed any more than normal, so I'm not stacking on the pounds.
No comments:
Post a Comment