When you are lucky enough to live in an area and work in a job that allows you to ride a motorcycle to work everyday you tend to get a lot of questions Recently I read an article by one of my favorite motorcycle publications, RoadRunner – Motorcycle Touring and Travel, where the author, David Burbach, outlines what he saw as the Highs and Lows of motorcycle commuting.  Being a daily motorcycle commuter, minus a handful of days for various reasons, I figured I would be able to relate to what he said.  Instead, I found myself shocked by the absurdity of some of his points and fabricated drama which prompted me to write MY truth about the topic.

Background:

I’m lucky enough to live in the same geographic region, North Carolina, as David where year round riding is a real possibility.  Sure, we’ll get an occasional snow here in the flat lands that knocks a few days off my calendar, but generally the climate works for most people that brave the North Carolina cold.  I do have a small advantage that not all motorcyclists don’t have in that I wear whatever I want to the office each day.  Jeans, t-shirt, ballcap (to avoid that unsightly helmet hair), and boots is my daily attire.  Having come from work environments where this was not the norm I assure you that this does make a difference for a daily commuter.

The Highs:

Trying to write down all of the things I love about being a daily commuter is next to impossible because every few days I find more.  My top 3 are:

  1. You get to do something you enjoy right after you wake up…..and again when your day is over.
    1. If you can do something you enjoy everyday why not take advantage of it?  Depending on how long your morning routine takes you could be doing something that makes you smile within an hour of getting out of bed.  Sure, most people don’t want to HAVE to go to work, but since you do, you can still arrive with a smile on your face.  The best part though, is that after a long day of writing 1’s and 0’s, herding cats, leaping tall buildings in a single bound, or whatever you’re paid to do  you unwind with a motorcycle ride home.
  2. You arrive to work alert.
    1. When people drive to work they find that they don’t always remember the drive at all.  When you ride the bike, even though you take the same route in the same traffic, you’re forced to be aware of your surroundings.   Like people that get endorphins from a morning workout you’ll find you are much more mentally prepared to take on the work day.  (Maybe this a bigger benefit for your employer)
  3. Navigating traffic is easier
    1. This is a potential misnomer since the inherent risk of being less visible in traffic is obvious.  That said, you also have the power, speed, and torque needed to get around cars quickly.  This is not an open invite to become the swerving in traffic guy.  As Bud Miller of ZenMotorcyclist.com points out – The fastest lane is the one you are in.  Since you are a motorcycle though merging into that other lane is easier than being in a car.  I also find that as long as you are a respectful rider cars are usually more willing to let you merge.
  4. You save money on gas
    1. Admittedly a stretch as far as benefits, but most every motorcycle on the road will get better gas mileage than every car.  (Yes there are exceptions)  Who doesn’t like to save money and have fun?

The Lows:

All of the fun stuff above does come with a few downsides.  None of which are fabricated drama like David’s, Oh no!  What do I do with my work shoes,  though.

  1. You have to adjust your morning routine.
    1. Depending on the amount of gear you wear (ATGATT) or what you take to work you, you’ll have to walk out the door a few minutes earlier.  Oh no!!  Putting on gloves, jacket, helmet, and strapping your laptop or change of shoes to your bike does take a few minutes longer than hitting the unlock button and going.
  2. Rain is always a factor
    1. This is the excuse most people use for not riding everyday.  If you fear the wet stuff and have little experience riding in it what better place to practice than the route you are most familiar?  You know the potholes, the tarsnakes, and the typical traffic patterns.  Having your raingear with you at all times erases some of this fear.  When you do find yourself getting slightly wet….count it as your shower for the day.  Should it be POURING giving the man a few extra minutes of your time by waiting it out in the office is always an option.

Summary

Becoming a daily motorcycle commuter is in each one of us that ride.  No matter the bike, weather, commute, traffic, or time it takes, the benefits outweigh the negative aspects.  It’s time to stop making excuses and give it a try.  Start with riding one or two days a week and I’m willing to bet that once you find how great riding your motorcycle to work is you’ll be hooked and start doing it more often.

As Michael Jordan said

Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.

Check this out also

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