I’ve been bike commuting in Boise for 14 years, year round. At this point I can’t imagine getting back in my car to go to work. Those poor people in their cars don’t know what they’re missing.
Boise has some decent biking infrastructure. Would like to do some biking in Nampa, but the lack infrastructure over here and the way people drive. I don't drive to work, I walk. I park my semi at local truck stop and walk home. For a portion of my walk there are no sidewalks, so I walk in the street with the cars. Shoes get full of goat heads.
I wish I could do the same here in Idaho Falls, but I tried it once on the ice and got a bad shoulder injury from getting slammed down from the bike slipping from underneath me. So I'm sticking to pedaling during the warmer months.
I've been doing the same for a little over a decade now as well. I've completely detached from the idea of owning a car, and as you said, I can't imagine going back to driving at this point. Yes, there are definitely some rough days on the bike when the weather gets nasty, but it's nowhere near as stressful as driving in traffic, and the sheer amount of money you save from not owning a car is a huge weight off your shoulders in itself.
My mum is 67 years old and has Spinal stenosis. She can't walk more than 10 minutes without sitting down and resting... I could tell she was really defeated by this new reality of life, especially since she started gaining weight due to her limited movement. Her doctor recommended cycling. She tried it out at the hospital gym and it went really well, so I fixed up her old derelict bike that has just been standing around for the last 30 years. It's an old single gear dutch-style bicycle. Now, she's riding about 10km (6.2miles) per day, she goes grocery shopping, visiting friends. And I can tell that she is A LOT happier these days. Her medical condition took away her freedom to move, but her bike gave it back her... :)
Roads are built for motorists only in most parts. I live in FL , 2 miles from the beach and it's a battlefield moving around by bike. Either the bike lane ends abruptly into sand or the sidewalk ends in sand.. none of them are connected which leads to the drivers also not understanding what's going on.. our county sends fucking rockets up to space but a pathway isn't feasible 🤔
right. it's a problem of design. sure, there are some bike lanes, but roads and streets weren't made for cyclists, even if every citizen gets taxed for them. cycling is getting more popular and while it may not be "radical" to ride a bike, it's certainly something we have to pay attention to in a car-dependent society, where most rules and laws favor profits i.e motor vehicles i.e 'Murica
His commute is so beautiful Id bike too, shit. I do bike to work via bike though. Baby had been in the shop all week over just a flat and break touch up. Im going to relearn everything.
Just got a new job closer to home. Sold the car, bought a bike and i feel calmer already. Use to sit for ages in traffic. Now will take me 30 minutes to get home. And most of my commute is through a beautiful park and woodland on cycle paths. Wish id done this years ago
I commute 45 minutes twice a day all year round. I know when the wind blows stronger, weaker, which directions... you develop a pattern after a while. You see the sunrise uninterupted, the wildlife on the fields and so much more. Those very few days that I take my old car out, it's just not the same. So much more stressful with all the other maniacs in their cars. My bike has become my faithful horse. I couldn't live without it anymore.
While it wasn't mentioned, one of the pioneers of bicycle commuting in Twin Falls was standing on camera in Bull Moose cycle shop in the video. He rode to his store almost every day for at least 40 years. This was truly a story about the bike commuters! Great job!
Kinda sad when you think that approx 50% of land area of our cities is devoted to the automobile (roads, parking, repair, driveways, etc) yet some politicians and fellow citizens get so angry when bike lanes are proposed. I was a bike commuter through most of my working life and continue to ride with passion and joy. Great seeing all the comments from people who have started, even late in life. The bicycle really is one of humanity’s greatest creations.
I’ve been cycling to work for over 5 years here in TN. It is an urban ride but I love it! I especially love riding through neighborhoods at night where there’s little traffic. It’s so peaceful and quiet! It’s very relaxing.
I got into commuting to work during covid. People dont know the joy of having something to look foward too everyday. Never going back driving to work unless i need a physical break
What Nate said about the perception of cyclists is so true. Bikes transcend politics/beliefs. I’m definitely more conservative, but I love working on bikes and the self reliance that comes from bikes, but most of all, I love how they make me feel like a kid again, on an adventure, exploring the familiar but with a new viewpoint.
It's how the left operates. It takes normal things from common people and label them their own, so they use it as a leverage to brainwash teenagers that they are the good guys because they promote bicycles, soccer and all kinds of cool stuff. Sadly, the right kind of operates in communion with the left in that scheme.
Me as well. Have been commuter cycling since my grad school days back in upstate NY, 10 years in Philadelphia, up in Vermont and out here in Portland. I am a conservative but I don't think it's a political issue, just as good food, healthy choices of living, and conservation. I say ride on. My old grandpa back in South Carolina rode his bike deep into his old age and at 58 now I believe he passed on the passion to me.
The fragrance of grass and flowers is my air-freshener. The sounds of birds and nature are my radio. The mist from sprinkler systems is my AC, and 15MPH is my top speed, allowing me to say hi and get waves from people 9 to 90. The looks I get from cagers as I pass them while they're stuck in traffic is more than enough entertainment. Give a bicycle any day!
This video makes me so happy. It really puts into words how happy it feels to commute. I live in a big city (Chicago) and even in winter it feels extremely special to be “playing” outside on your way to work. Great video, I’ve watched it twice!
.....what a tender story....I have been commuting to work for over 30 years and could write books about what I experienced. I also have the privilege of crossing a nature reserve, flora and fauna greet me every day and ask me how I'm doing... and nature also shows me the limits in the form of weather situations that are difficult to endure. Greetings from Germany
68 followed a heart healthy diet which caused me to have a heart attack. Riding a single speed commuting every day brought me back to life along with the carnivore diet. Now I am almost off all meds and I attribute most of that success to the bike.
I have the same situation as the last bike rider. I have 14 mile ride to work, city roads, I leave at 4ish am. Riding home is more challenging, especially around freeway on and off ramps during rush hour. Lights and reflective vest to me is a must. Took a couple month break due to time change and people to me drive a bit more aggresive during holidays. Anyway this video just told to get back on the bike again, thanks.
That is great! Glad you are doing and are safe. I will start commuting 16 miles one-way for work. I am thrilled and a bit nervous at the same time. Wish me luck!
Nice video, great stories and interesting riders. As a 61 year old fixed gear rider I love to hear about guys not wearing the “kit”. I’m definitely a conservative but see bicycling as a way of having a common ground to talk and have a relationships with a more youthful, passionate groups. So here in Miami I’m more prone to hang out with the tall bike and messengers crowd as opposed to the affluent carbon frame riders. Anyway great video, love to see more interviews like this.
Is the law/advice in Idaho to try and ride on the shoulder? I noticed both riders doing this. In the UK most cyclists will ride 2-3 feet from the white line, about where the nearside wheels of the traffic is. The idea being that you are more visible rather than in peripheral vision, traffic will treat you as traffic, and pull out across the centre line to pass safely, or wait behind you if necessary. I get a lot more close passes if I try and hug the edge of the road, drivers tend to just skim past very close without noticing you. In addition, it makes it difficult to swerve into traffic to avoid debris/drains etc or to swerve towards the kerb if you become aware of a vehicle behind that is too close. Normally you only see occasional/inexperienced cyclists riding in the shoulder/gutter.
Yes, in Poland we have simmilar law too. We are to ride as close to right side (in England it would be left) as possible, but really everyone just rides in the rut that right wheels of the cars left. But still, bike riders are by law expected to be in the traffic lane.
@Spookyb329 Plus in Wales where I am, the worst pot holes and general damage to the road tends to be nearer to the kerb or verge. Maybe other countries have better councils than we do in the U.K.? Also on sharp bends to the left, especially going uphill it would be very dangerous to be next to the verge or kerb as traffic definitely won't see you.
Nate is supercool! I rode from Seattle to Nebraska. My fancy seat post broke. I made it to Twin Falls right before his shop closed. Nate fixed the seat post and showed me how to fix again myself. It was a simple fix and he didn't charge me. The seat post (Cane Creek Thudbuster) was officially retired in Casper.
This needs to be a regular series of videos.. Great stories from folks on pedalled two wheels.. I do a similar thing on a $20 retro road bike. Slowly but surely I have upgraded it as parts have come to the end of their lifespan. I adore the thing. Definitely my preferred mode of transport rain or shine.
Going on 5 years here in Maine. Sold my car after not driving it for 3 years straight. Never looked back. I live in the middle of no where so if I can do it people in more populated areas can certainly accomplish a carless life.
It's the excuses people think of for not cycling , too far, too windy, too wet, too dangerous, too expensive. I cycle all year, and like you I love it. Cycling just adds quality to your day.
I know what you mean, living in a very rural area. I think it's important to remember that even though it takes longer to ride a bike in places out in the country, you are killing several birds with one stone. It's recreation, relaxation, good for mental and physical health, and, oh yes, it's fun. So, it's most efficient.
Fantastic motivation. Thank you. I lived in the city of St. Louis and commuted year round 7 miles to work for years. It was a bit dodgy at times with traffic, but overall I miss it. Might have to get the old bike helmet out and saddle up again…
I work at home in my woodshop, so I don't have a commute, but I love taking my packages to the post office in town. I live in a rural area. It's 6 miles one way, and I usually go around lunchtime. I sit in the park and have something to eat, then I go to the little local grocery store for something for dinner. I've been taking longer routes lately because 12 miles isn't enough. I try to ride to another town once a week, which is 15 miles one way.
Many years ago I commuted by bike crazy miles to bike shops. I'd suggest that 5-6 miles one way, doable. More and it's quite a commitment. However, with ebikes available the range can be longer.
Hey :) easy, but kind of you buds, while i'm clicking i'm listening back to him speaking, more carefully, he's saying basic but very meaningful things - like cycling is, i guess :) . When at college I hanged out with classes of American students to practise the language (which i pretty much got rusty now but anyway), i'll forever remember one guy right from Idaho cos he spoke so mellow and clear to my foreign ear, and it is so clear and nicely just as relaxing to listen to the folks in the vid now. I'm coming from the mountain cold northern side of Italy (western alps, Torino) and we speak the same way. Cool stuff, bros! Keep it up :)
Beautiful Video, who wrote that intro? Please repeat the beginning Intro... "Bicycles are the Epitaney of Human Powered Transportation. Two wheels. The wind on your face...and the ability to get to work using your own body's strength to do so... Put these words in print, get the message out, Get on Your Bike's, you lazy People! Great philosophy Nat...Any (well maintained) bike should (will) make you feel better. (So long as you begin, in a quite place away from dangerous traffic.)
Nice to know you Nate. I work in the Twin- Burley area during the summer flying ag in one of those agriculture airplanes. I'll be on the lookout for you. If I see ya, I'll give a little puff of smoke to say Hi AJ
What seat/saddle do you use? I cycle some, but live like 5 miles from work, and would like to ride without padded shorts. Granted it's only 5 miles, but I'm kinda over wearing cycling shorts even on longer rides.
I have Brooks Cambium saddles on all my bikes: C15 on my zoomie bike, C17 on my bikepacking bike, and C19 on my touring bike and ebike. They look rock hard but they flex beautifully when riding. (The "carved" ones, with the hold in the middle, flex even more.) I don't wear padded shorts and I've done 200km rides on them, as well as my 30-mile commuting loop.
It's so interesting, coming from The Netherlands, to see " bike culture" in the US. I have always " commuted", So have the vast, vast majority of Dutch people. Very curious how in your nation even riding a bike has become politicized. Curious.
In US - sadly - they sometimes seem to politicize anything. So no difference if its biking or anything. I hope people in US will try things/this more often and make their own opinion this way.
Unfortunately, cars and driving are a right of passage and a symbol of freedom in America. Many see bikes as toys that should be put away when one turns 16 and can start driving. Things are changing, though. I have a truck and enjoy going on long trips with it and using it for work, but I try to ride my bike as much as possible for everyday trips. Riding down our quiet country roads in the evening at sunset with nothing but the crickets and the clicking of my freehub is something that I wouldn't trade for all the tea in China.
I've been commuting to work since about 1994. I used to ride about ten miles south from downtown Denver that was my favorite commute mostly on a bike path that went under every road so I never had to stop. Now I gotta stop every other block and I have about three miles each way where I live in Wisconsin.
I turned my 1995 giant cadex with 26 inch wheels into a rad little commuter/bike packer! Canada can get I bit wild and wooly in the winter and there are a few soul crusher hills at 430 am (12km each way) but man do I ever feel better for it!
Pro commuting tip: If you ride through denser areas, wear a blaze orange helmet. Often in traffic, drivers' sight line to you is blocked by other vehicles. The orange up high makes you MUCH more visible. Of course, still use a strong tail light and an orange top. (Orange is by far the color that stands out the most. That's why it's used in road construction.)
My best tip is to assume the drivers are not looking for your bike, so don't ride right beside a car at street corners, or driveways where a right turn will take you out.
I relate to Lee's story, I would rather get to work early to avoid traffic, my route involves riding next to four lane roads and the noise level is insane.
I'm not sure how many years I've been commuting to work almost every day but I'm going to guess around ten years. If it's not on Strava, it didn't happen.
Ive been cycling for joy and competition since 1967. Commuting by bike to school and work everyday since 1973. Things have happened on my bikes you'll never see or do. Things have happened that are mundane to mind blowing. Ive never used cycling computers as they are a distraction. Ive sold and installed thousands and thousands to people. Enjoy your technology. It doesn't invalidate anything others do.
Can't say I agree with Lee Wyman on a couple points. 1) Yes, there's less traffic at 5 AM, but more of them who are out will be drunks who've closed the bar. 2) You're on a BIKE. Who cares about traffic? Slower traffic means they're not going as fast when the pass you, but I guess it also means more distracted drivers. 100% agree on clearing the mind and getting me going for the day. I have more energy all day from my morning bike commute.
That's the reality of many round the world, and this gives both fitness and mental strength, if you combine this with any ebike that has even weakest assist, you can rely on bike as an commuting tool. I hope that at some point, most cities will look like Amsterdam ☺.
Great stuff, i started commuting in London 1976 was only 5miles. Changed jobs in 1986 and a much bigger ride of 26miles there and back. I took early retirement in 1999 and have been cycling a lot less now, but i never stopped always had a bike and made sure all of my 7 children had bikes and rode well, one of my sons is a racer and compleats most weekends in the summer. And i am a right winger cant wait for Donald to kick that old tosser out of the whitehouse.
My cars really screw me with repairs, when something breaks on my bikes its usually something that the bike can just keep goin til i can repair it and usually i can fix myself at little or no cost. And they rarely ever need any repairs. Extremely low maintenance when compared to cars. Tiny bit of oil or grease and gone down the road.
Some people have physical limitations and camera. Ride a regular bike any longer period I was this way after I retired and had knee surgery and could no longer ride the distance or the hills on a traditional bike. Any longer period so keep it open mind. On where he bikes are actually needed instead of just a fad for people don't want to go real fast and real reckless
Indeed they are, but there are still many who prefer to go full human power because that has its own sense of pleasure and satisfaction. Personally, I do both depending on various factors.
I was surprised. I’ve worked in two local bike shops. Both owners drove in. Other staff did too. I couldn’t believe it. I would always give them a hard time.
I think I would be ran over by a vehicle on the curvy, hilly, Kentucky back roads I live on. People are going 70mph+, I am passed by them daily even in no-pass zones when going the posted 55 mph limit. I love my bike and admire commuters but I stick to the off-road trails only at this point.
How I feel as a cyclist: Bright clothing makes you a target, helmets are a cope pushed by the automotive industry and belongs only for motorcyclists and mountain bikers/downhill bikers, and a Hi-Viz vest won't do anything since a driver will still ignore it. In fact, not wear a helmet, in my own experience, makes it safer.
Biking in Portland for the last 15 years, this last year has been very different. Cars can't stand cyclists and want to run us off the road now. Even with dedicated bike lanes, cars will drive in them to be spiteful. So sad.
you know who convinced me? my kids' pediatrician. She sees dozens of low speed bike accidents each year that results in life long brain trauma injuries that would have been prevented by a good helmet. The human skull doesn't hold up well against steel or concrete @@dodginglions5163
@@difflocktwowhile helmets are a matter of personal choice for adults, if you are wearing one when you hit the pavement, chances are that you will crack your helmet and not your head.
I’ve been bike commuting in Boise for 14 years, year round. At this point I can’t imagine getting back in my car to go to work. Those poor people in their cars don’t know what they’re missing.
14 years! That's impressive!
Boise has some decent biking infrastructure. Would like to do some biking in Nampa, but the lack infrastructure over here and the way people drive. I don't drive to work, I walk. I park my semi at local truck stop and walk home. For a portion of my walk there are no sidewalks, so I walk in the street with the cars. Shoes get full of goat heads.
I wish I could do the same here in Idaho Falls, but I tried it once on the ice and got a bad shoulder injury from getting slammed down from the bike slipping from underneath me. So I'm sticking to pedaling during the warmer months.
I've been doing the same for a little over a decade now as well. I've completely detached from the idea of owning a car, and as you said, I can't imagine going back to driving at this point. Yes, there are definitely some rough days on the bike when the weather gets nasty, but it's nowhere near as stressful as driving in traffic, and the sheer amount of money you save from not owning a car is a huge weight off your shoulders in itself.
My mum is 67 years old and has Spinal stenosis. She can't walk more than 10 minutes without sitting down and resting... I could tell she was really defeated by this new reality of life, especially since she started gaining weight due to her limited movement. Her doctor recommended cycling. She tried it out at the hospital gym and it went really well, so I fixed up her old derelict bike that has just been standing around for the last 30 years. It's an old single gear dutch-style bicycle. Now, she's riding about 10km (6.2miles) per day, she goes grocery shopping, visiting friends. And I can tell that she is A LOT happier these days. Her medical condition took away her freedom to move, but her bike gave it back her... :)
It's weird how radical riding a bike seems to be in America
Roads are built for motorists only in most parts. I live in FL , 2 miles from the beach and it's a battlefield moving around by bike. Either the bike lane ends abruptly into sand or the sidewalk ends in sand.. none of them are connected which leads to the drivers also not understanding what's going on.. our county sends fucking rockets up to space but a pathway isn't feasible 🤔
right. it's a problem of design. sure, there are some bike lanes, but roads and streets weren't made for cyclists, even if every citizen gets taxed for them. cycling is getting more popular and while it may not be "radical" to ride a bike, it's certainly something we have to pay attention to in a car-dependent society, where most rules and laws favor profits i.e motor vehicles i.e 'Murica
Most of us travel 10-35 miles to work and the roads aren't built properly.
His commute is so beautiful Id bike too, shit.
I do bike to work via bike though.
Baby had been in the shop all week over just a flat and break touch up. Im going to relearn everything.
And ... , overseas in New Zealand (where some come to ... , to, "see the world").
Just got a new job closer to home. Sold the car, bought a bike and i feel calmer already. Use to sit for ages in traffic. Now will take me 30 minutes to get home. And most of my commute is through a beautiful park and woodland on cycle paths. Wish id done this years ago
Amazing!
Same ,same ..I will never commute by car again I hope
I commute 45 minutes twice a day all year round. I know when the wind blows stronger, weaker, which directions... you develop a pattern after a while. You see the sunrise uninterupted, the wildlife on the fields and so much more. Those very few days that I take my old car out, it's just not the same. So much more stressful with all the other maniacs in their cars. My bike has become my faithful horse. I couldn't live without it anymore.
🙌🏻🚲
Same.
Bicycles are miracle machines.
How many miles is your 45 minute commute?
While it wasn't mentioned, one of the pioneers of bicycle commuting in Twin Falls was standing on camera in Bull Moose cycle shop in the video. He rode to his store almost every day for at least 40 years. This was truly a story about the bike commuters! Great job!
So cool!!
What was his name
Kinda sad when you think that approx 50% of land area of our cities is devoted to the automobile (roads, parking, repair, driveways, etc) yet some politicians and fellow citizens get so angry when bike lanes are proposed. I was a bike commuter through most of my working life and continue to ride with passion and joy. Great seeing all the comments from people who have started, even late in life. The bicycle really is one of humanity’s greatest creations.
I’ve been cycling to work for over 5 years here in TN. It is an urban ride but I love it! I especially love riding through neighborhoods at night where there’s little traffic. It’s so peaceful and quiet! It’s very relaxing.
Loved this!
I’m 60 and retired, but this got me motivated to start cycling to my daily 7am swim. 11km round trip. Thank you
Amazing!!
Nice!
You'll be all warmed up for swimming.
I got into commuting to work during covid. People dont know the joy of having something to look foward too everyday. Never going back driving to work unless i need a physical break
What Nate said about the perception of cyclists is so true. Bikes transcend politics/beliefs. I’m definitely more conservative, but I love working on bikes and the self reliance that comes from bikes, but most of all, I love how they make me feel like a kid again, on an adventure, exploring the familiar but with a new viewpoint.
Agreed!
Can't agree more brother! Adventure to the great nearby!
It's how the left operates. It takes normal things from common people and label them their own, so they use it as a leverage to brainwash teenagers that they are the good guys because they promote bicycles, soccer and all kinds of cool stuff. Sadly, the right kind of operates in communion with the left in that scheme.
Me as well. Have been commuter cycling since my grad school days back in upstate NY, 10 years in Philadelphia, up in Vermont and out here in Portland. I am a conservative but I don't think it's a political issue, just as good food, healthy choices of living, and conservation. I say ride on. My old grandpa back in South Carolina rode his bike deep into his old age and at 58 now I believe he passed on the passion to me.
So true. It clear’s our mind when you ride your bike.
The fragrance of grass and flowers is my air-freshener. The sounds of birds and nature are my radio. The mist from sprinkler systems is my AC, and 15MPH is my top speed, allowing me to say hi and get waves from people 9 to 90. The looks I get from cagers as I pass them while they're stuck in traffic is more than enough entertainment. Give a bicycle any day!
This video makes me so happy. It really puts into words how happy it feels to commute. I live in a big city (Chicago) and even in winter it feels extremely special to be “playing” outside on your way to work. Great video, I’ve watched it twice!
Thanks for watching! Happy biking
.....what a tender story....I have been commuting to work for over 30 years and could write books about what I experienced. I also have the privilege of crossing a nature reserve, flora and fauna greet me every day and ask me how I'm doing... and nature also shows me the limits in the form of weather situations that are difficult to endure.
Greetings from Germany
Greetings!
You should write it. I'd be interested in reading it.
Bravo! I'm a 3 year bike commuter, in a bigger city, but the sentiment feels the same. Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
68 followed a heart healthy diet which caused me to have a heart attack. Riding a single speed commuting every day brought me back to life along with the carnivore diet. Now I am almost off all meds and I attribute most of that success to the bike.
Amazing!
Carnivor diet is pretty special.
I have the same situation as the last bike rider. I have 14 mile ride to work, city roads, I leave at 4ish am. Riding home is more challenging, especially around freeway on and off ramps during rush hour. Lights and reflective vest to me is a must. Took a couple month break due to time change and people to me drive a bit more aggresive during holidays. Anyway this video just told to get back on the bike again, thanks.
Nice!
That is great! Glad you are doing and are safe. I will start commuting 16 miles one-way for work. I am thrilled and a bit nervous at the same time. Wish me luck!
I love bike commuting! I’ve been doing it in Tucson, Arizona and Boise, Idaho for 5 years now - I’m never going back
That's awesome!
Great video, really important to highlight this side of bike culture. What a ride to work he has!
Thanks for watching!
This film sums it all up very nicely, if you haven't commuted by bike your are missing out
Thanks for watching!
Nice video, great stories and interesting riders. As a 61 year old fixed gear rider I love to hear about guys not wearing the “kit”. I’m definitely a conservative but see bicycling as a way of having a common ground to talk and have a relationships with a more youthful, passionate groups. So here in Miami I’m more prone to hang out with the tall bike and messengers crowd as opposed to the affluent carbon frame riders. Anyway great video, love to see more interviews like this.
Thanks for watching from Miami!
I love that! We're all people at the end of the day.
Is the law/advice in Idaho to try and ride on the shoulder? I noticed both riders doing this. In the UK most cyclists will ride 2-3 feet from the white line, about where the nearside wheels of the traffic is. The idea being that you are more visible rather than in peripheral vision, traffic will treat you as traffic, and pull out across the centre line to pass safely, or wait behind you if necessary. I get a lot more close passes if I try and hug the edge of the road, drivers tend to just skim past very close without noticing you. In addition, it makes it difficult to swerve into traffic to avoid debris/drains etc or to swerve towards the kerb if you become aware of a vehicle behind that is too close. Normally you only see occasional/inexperienced cyclists riding in the shoulder/gutter.
Yes, in Poland we have simmilar law too. We are to ride as close to right side (in England it would be left) as possible, but really everyone just rides in the rut that right wheels of the cars left. But still, bike riders are by law expected to be in the traffic lane.
It's crazy that cycling infrastructure is so bad there, that only fit daredevils can commute. And not your 10 year old child or your elderly person.
@Spookyb329
Plus in Wales where I am, the worst pot holes and general damage to the road tends to be nearer to the kerb or verge. Maybe other countries have better councils than we do in the U.K.? Also on sharp bends to the left, especially going uphill it would be very dangerous to be next to the verge or kerb as traffic definitely won't see you.
Nate is supercool! I rode from Seattle to Nebraska. My fancy seat post broke. I made it to Twin Falls right before his shop closed. Nate fixed the seat post and showed me how to fix again myself. It was a simple fix and he didn't charge me. The seat post (Cane Creek Thudbuster) was officially retired in Casper.
This needs to be a regular series of videos.. Great stories from folks on pedalled two wheels.. I do a similar thing on a $20 retro road bike. Slowly but surely I have upgraded it as parts have come to the end of their lifespan. I adore the thing. Definitely my preferred mode of transport rain or shine.
Thanks for watching, and great suggestion!
Going on 5 years here in Maine. Sold my car after not driving it for 3 years straight. Never looked back. I live in the middle of no where so if I can do it people in more populated areas can certainly accomplish a carless life.
It's the excuses people think of for not cycling , too far, too windy, too wet, too dangerous, too expensive.
I cycle all year, and like you I love it. Cycling just adds quality to your day.
Amazing!!
I know what you mean, living in a very rural area. I think it's important to remember that even though it takes longer to ride a bike in places out in the country, you are killing several birds with one stone. It's recreation, relaxation, good for mental and physical health, and, oh yes, it's fun. So, it's most efficient.
Fantastic motivation. Thank you. I lived in the city of St. Louis and commuted year round 7 miles to work for years. It was a bit dodgy at times with traffic, but overall I miss it. Might have to get the old bike helmet out and saddle up again…
Thanks for sharing!
I work at home in my woodshop, so I don't have a commute, but I love taking my packages to the post office in town. I live in a rural area. It's 6 miles one way, and I usually go around lunchtime. I sit in the park and have something to eat, then I go to the little local grocery store for something for dinner. I've been taking longer routes lately because 12 miles isn't enough. I try to ride to another town once a week, which is 15 miles one way.
That is awesome! Thanks for watching
Many years ago I commuted by bike crazy miles to bike shops. I'd suggest that 5-6 miles one way, doable. More and it's quite a commitment. However, with ebikes available the range can be longer.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi from Italy, cool vid. What bike is it?
We’ll reach out to Nate and get back to you!
Hey :) easy, but kind of you buds, while i'm clicking i'm listening back to him speaking, more carefully, he's saying basic but very meaningful things - like cycling is, i guess :) .
When at college I hanged out with classes of American students to practise the language (which i pretty much got rusty now but anyway), i'll forever remember one guy right from Idaho cos he spoke so mellow and clear to my foreign ear, and it is so clear and nicely just as relaxing to listen to the folks in the vid now. I'm coming from the mountain cold northern side of Italy (western alps, Torino) and we speak the same way. Cool stuff, bros! Keep it up :)
It's an old Charge Fat Bike. Thanks for watching!
Beautiful Video, who wrote that intro? Please repeat the beginning Intro... "Bicycles are the Epitaney of Human Powered Transportation. Two wheels. The wind on your face...and the ability to get to work using your own body's strength to do so... Put these words in print, get the message out, Get on Your Bike's, you lazy People!
Great philosophy Nat...Any (well maintained) bike should (will) make you feel better. (So long as you begin, in a quite place away from dangerous traffic.)
Thanks for watching! Our lovely lead producer for Outdoor Idaho, Lauren Melink, wrote that intro.
Excellent video! Thanks.
Nice to know you Nate. I work in the Twin- Burley area during the summer flying ag in one of those agriculture airplanes. I'll be on the lookout for you. If I see ya, I'll give a little puff of smoke to say Hi
AJ
Nice work gentleman. I’m definitely much less angry commuting to work on the bike haha changes the perspective for sure 🤘🏻
Exactly!
What seat/saddle do you use? I cycle some, but live like 5 miles from work, and would like to ride without padded shorts. Granted it's only 5 miles, but I'm kinda over wearing cycling shorts even on longer rides.
I have Brooks Cambium saddles on all my bikes: C15 on my zoomie bike, C17 on my bikepacking bike, and C19 on my touring bike and ebike. They look rock hard but they flex beautifully when riding. (The "carved" ones, with the hold in the middle, flex even more.) I don't wear padded shorts and I've done 200km rides on them, as well as my 30-mile commuting loop.
It's so interesting, coming from The Netherlands, to see " bike culture" in the US. I have always " commuted", So have the vast, vast majority of Dutch people. Very curious how in your nation even riding a bike has become politicized. Curious.
It’s sad. Car culture here has been so dominant for so long that it’s actually changed how people think about everything from commutes to community.
In US - sadly - they sometimes seem to politicize anything. So no difference if its biking or anything. I hope people in US will try things/this more often and make their own opinion this way.
Unfortunately, cars and driving are a right of passage and a symbol of freedom in America. Many see bikes as toys that should be put away when one turns 16 and can start driving. Things are changing, though. I have a truck and enjoy going on long trips with it and using it for work, but I try to ride my bike as much as possible for everyday trips. Riding down our quiet country roads in the evening at sunset with nothing but the crickets and the clicking of my freehub is something that I wouldn't trade for all the tea in China.
I've been commuting to work since about 1994. I used to ride about ten miles south from downtown Denver that was my favorite commute mostly on a bike path that went under every road so I never had to stop.
Now I gotta stop every other block and I have about three miles each way where I live in Wisconsin.
Been bike xommuting in NYC for nearly 20 years at this point. Ill never go back to the old ways
Amazing!
I turned my 1995 giant cadex with 26 inch wheels into a rad little commuter/bike packer! Canada can get I bit wild and wooly in the winter and there are a few soul crusher hills at 430 am (12km each way) but man do I ever feel better for it!
His words are strong and full of truth.
Awesome! I’m curious how long the 2 commutes are…
The Idaho commute was nine miles so probably takes around 45 minutes judging by the speed it looks like he was riding.
Pro commuting tip: If you ride through denser areas, wear a blaze orange helmet. Often in traffic, drivers' sight line to you is blocked by other vehicles. The orange up high makes you MUCH more visible. Of course, still use a strong tail light and an orange top. (Orange is by far the color that stands out the most. That's why it's used in road construction.)
How does this help? Drivers still get mad and hassle even if they can see you. Maybe especially if they can see you.
As mentioned earlier…a helmet
@@plantbasedvanlife2270 A helmet does not stop a car from plowing into you.
@@difflocktwo but it can assist in the impact of the sudden stop
My best tip is to assume the drivers are not looking for your bike, so don't ride right beside a car at street corners, or driveways where a right turn will take you out.
I've cracked 42 000kms on my cycle commute of 4 years less 4 months; I wouldn't trade away a single moment on that bike.
♥️🚲♥️
Amazing!
Literally just had a dream about cycling and now i want an awesome bike
been bicycle commuting everyday since 2020 in Alabama
Amazing!!
I relate to Lee's story, I would rather get to work early to avoid traffic, my route involves riding next to four lane roads and the noise level is insane.
Good for you for riding despite the noise!
Biking is really a fascinating lifestyle, no matter what style you are into
I like bike culture and bike people. Think how much happier a world it would be if everyone cycled for transportation.
I'm fully behind Nate that you don't need the look or exactly the right bike, but I really like his yellow bike. What model is that?
It's an old Charge Fat Bike. Thanks for watching!
Great vid. This was Awesome !!
Nice Bike! ❤
I'm not sure how many years I've been commuting to work almost every day but I'm going to guess around ten years. If it's not on Strava, it didn't happen.
Ive been cycling for joy and competition since 1967. Commuting by bike to school and work everyday since 1973. Things have happened on my bikes you'll never see or do. Things have happened that are mundane to mind blowing. Ive never used cycling computers as they are a distraction. Ive sold and installed thousands and thousands to people. Enjoy your technology. It doesn't invalidate anything others do.
Nice!!
ive been commuting on my bicycle now for 3 years, 30kms roundtrip everyday in toronto wether its rain or shine or even snowing if its still doable.
I would love to bike to work. I hate Dallas traffic.
Can't say I agree with Lee Wyman on a couple points.
1) Yes, there's less traffic at 5 AM, but more of them who are out will be drunks who've closed the bar.
2) You're on a BIKE. Who cares about traffic? Slower traffic means they're not going as fast when the pass you, but I guess it also means more distracted drivers.
100% agree on clearing the mind and getting me going for the day. I have more energy all day from my morning bike commute.
That's the reality of many round the world, and this gives both fitness and mental strength, if you combine this with any ebike that has even weakest assist, you can rely on bike as an commuting tool. I hope that at some point, most cities will look like Amsterdam ☺.
I totally agree: “If you’re not smiling while riding your bike, then there’s something wrong with you!”😊
steel is real
Carbon is garbage
It's a pity this video cannot be downloaded and watched offline.
Great stuff, i started commuting in London 1976 was only 5miles. Changed jobs in 1986 and a much bigger ride of 26miles there and back. I took early retirement in 1999 and have been cycling a lot less now, but i never stopped always had a bike and made sure all of my 7 children had bikes and rode well, one of my sons is a racer and compleats most weekends in the summer. And i am a right winger cant wait for Donald to kick that old tosser out of the whitehouse.
This is great!
So cool
что за байк в начале видео?
We’ll reach out to Nate and get back to you!
It's an old Charge Fat Bike. Thanks for watching!
@@OutdoorIdaho Спасибо
What bike do you use please ?
10 years on the road and counting. Be safe
Thank you
Anyone know how it is called his bike style? i'm new
Just a fat tyre road bike I think.
He's missing a Milk Crate on his rear rack!
🚲♥️
What kind of bike does he have? Velotraum Finder?
It's a Charge Fat Bike, older model! Thanks for watching!
My cars really screw me with repairs, when something breaks on my bikes its usually something that the bike can just keep goin til i can repair it and usually i can fix myself at little or no cost. And they rarely ever need any repairs. Extremely low maintenance when compared to cars. Tiny bit of oil or grease and gone down the road.
wish i could bike to work. commute is just to early thru sketchy areas.
What bike is Nate riding? Looks pretty sweet
Hi there! It's an old Charge Fat Bike. Thanks for watching!
Awesome i ride my bike to...🤙
6months so far..!
For giggles hi vis doesn’t work been knocked off me bike a few times wearing hi vis vests some drivers just don’t care.
If they can't see you with a good light they won't see you with hivis no matter what you want to believe. Easy as.
often pick up truck drivers and other not so very physically/mentally fit drivers. they would benefit the most from a bike ride!
@@johngaller278 we all appreciate your input John Galler, thank you for your incredible comment
@@johngaller278 how many of your boomer friends are dead from alcoholism? have fun in hell old man😂
I was t-boned by a car. I was lit up like a christmas tree; hi vis vest and all. Bicycle frame was bent, no small hit.
Helmet ⛑ saves life’s. ♥️🙏🏼
Very true
😅I am a dock worker for Mearsk I ride every day sometimes I get tired still ride home
Lol, Bike Commuter as a trait. 😅
America is so crazy sometimes.
YAH BUT THATS IDAHO! Cold happens Hard
Love when I see people riding non e bikes
Some people have physical limitations and camera. Ride a regular bike any longer period I was this way after I retired and had knee surgery and could no longer ride the distance or the hills on a traditional bike. Any longer period so keep it open mind. On where he bikes are actually needed instead of just a fad for people don't want to go real fast and real reckless
Electric bicycles, wonderful if your route is very hilly, worldwide is reducing emissions way more than electric vehicles
Indeed they are, but there are still many who prefer to go full human power because that has its own sense of pleasure and satisfaction. Personally, I do both depending on various factors.
Nice bike
i have a 750cc motorcycle, but i enjoy cycling more. i get to exercise and no need to follow all the road rules LOL
I get the my life is potatoes and I'm loving every bit of it
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟👌
Yellow Velo Gang 🤘
I’d be surprised if the owner of a bike shop used any other method of transport for his commute
I was surprised. I’ve worked in two local bike shops. Both owners drove in. Other staff did too.
I couldn’t believe it. I would always give them a hard time.
bri setting up a bikepacking for work what the hell
Yaay baby!!
meanwhile anywhere in europe or asia: 🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴
😂😂😂
Exactly
I think I would be ran over by a vehicle on the curvy, hilly, Kentucky back roads I live on. People are going 70mph+, I am passed by them daily even in no-pass zones when going the posted 55 mph limit. I love my bike and admire commuters but I stick to the off-road trails only at this point.
Traffic vest and tail light are great, but I’d recommend a helmet.
Absolutely!
I live in my bicycle
no helmet 😐
He doesn't need one. Helmets actually discourages people to ride bikes, and he lives in a rural town without much traffic so he's fine.
How I feel as a cyclist: Bright clothing makes you a target, helmets are a cope pushed by the automotive industry and belongs only for motorcyclists and mountain bikers/downhill bikers, and a Hi-Viz vest won't do anything since a driver will still ignore it.
In fact, not wear a helmet, in my own experience, makes it safer.
People see you as a human, instead of a target.
I see the philosophy.
Biking in Portland for the last 15 years, this last year has been very different. Cars can't stand cyclists and want to run us off the road now. Even with dedicated bike lanes, cars will drive in them to be spiteful. So sad.
This guy has a bike commuter and a hipster
Nate doesn’t wear a helmet 🪖
;)
Farmers were smarter they worked near home, now idiots ride car 2 hours a day, that time with family would make them mad
Yeah you don't need special clothes, shoes, and socks just to ride a bike. All that gear is just silly.
Wear a helmet
If you're sideswiped by a truck, no helmet in the world will help you.
I love bike commuting as well. Please ask NATE to set a good example for the youngsters and wear his HELMET. Thanks for the video.
it’s sad to see the helmet police showed up to the comments.
This guy is probably from australia lol. Helmets do nothing. We are commuting, not racing.
you know who convinced me? my kids' pediatrician. She sees dozens of low speed bike accidents each year that results in life long brain trauma injuries that would have been prevented by a good helmet. The human skull doesn't hold up well against steel or concrete @@dodginglions5163
@@difflocktwowhile helmets are a matter of personal choice for adults, if you are wearing one when you hit the pavement, chances are that you will crack your helmet and not your head.
@@dennisbotkin Why are we hitting pavements?
Don't forget the "fitness" wins from biking and the environment too.