Bike To Work ? Why Not ?

Cycling is one of many Recreational sports.

“Recreational sports are those activities where the primary purpose of the activity is participation, with the related goals of improved physical fitness, fun, and social involvement often prominent. Recreational sports are usually perceived as being less stressful, both physically and mentally, on the participants” (taken from www.faqs.org).

Recently, the number of commuting people in Jakarta using bicycle is getting bigger. I did the same too. Some of my friends in the office query me about what is the motivation behind this activity. I told them “There are many motivations”. Spritiual movement ? maybe…well, there are more and more justification for these kind of activity.

For me…it’s just simple…just for fun…! Remember ‘recreational’ word previously ? Refreshing….? yes, absolutely. Bike to work is not a daily activity for me, two or three times a week is good for me. I live nearby Jakarta City, it’s about 20+ km from my office. One hour to travel from my house and another one hour to go back from my office. Isn’t that fun ? Isn’t that recreational phase of mind and body ?

Well … if some folks hear about ‘Jakarta’ city.. well… most of them will think twice to do this kind of activity. Why? Two thing, the traffic and the air condition. The fact ? One of the most polluted city in the world (Big 20 maybe) and the way people drive their motor vehicle on the street. Motorbike made 73% of all motor vehicles* and the accident rate involving motorbike is getting higher every year.

So you are ready for some cycling activity from your house to your office now ? At least you know the risk and you are prepared for that. Mentally and physically prepared is the highest priority before you choose to begin your bike to work session. You know the condition and you get enough rest before cycling to work. Put this two aspect on the top of your preparation list.

After you are mentally and physically prepared… then Gear Up! You need a bicycle…What kind of bicycle ? Mountain bike, Folding bike, Hybrid bike, City bike will do good for you. A hybrid bike with single speed gear is good for you, as long as you live in flatland like Holland. Mountain bike is my favorite, 26 inch wheels, 8 speed gears on the rear with thin tyre (26×1.5-26×1.9). Make sure you inspect your bike frequently if you are serious about this. Anyway, use the type of bike that can suits your activity and it must be comfortable for you when you are on it.

You rig already set-up. Now we go to your personal gear, let’s start from the top. HELMET, yes helmet…this is really important. For your life and for your insanity. Choose the right helmet for the right activity. Fit and comfortable to your personal use. Buy a good one, it’s for your own safety right…you won’t go cheap for your life right ?

Consider to bring lights, spare batteries and some reflective strips, if you commute quite far away. In case you are still on the when it’s dark. There are many types of light. Front lights, rear lights and head lamps (usually attached on your helmet). Reflective strips usually attached at the back of your backpack, or attached around your arms or lower part of your legs. These kind of stuff will keep you safe when you are riding in the dark.

Don’t forget to use proper sports jersey, socks, and hand gloves. For hand gloves, I prefer half finger type. Bring some extra drinks, in a bottle or water bladder inside your backpack.Chocolate and sweets will add the fun, just bring some.

Now you are ready to ride. Last but not least… bring spare clothes, you need to work in the office right ? Usually, I keep my working clothes and pants in my office the day before. I think, i forget to mention bicycle lock, yeah, small but important, you don’t want to loose your bicycle right ?

The last thing to do is to go out there and just ride… with style of course…

January 21, 2010 Posted in: Tips