Bottled it this morning!

[virgil]

Well yesterday I decided before the weather got too bad I'd ride in to work. Got the underground parking sorted and mapped out the route. When I got home checked tire pressures, polished the lid visor, put the liner in my jacket and all my clobber near the rad to be nice and warm first thing. Set the alarm early to get ready...then realised, once in full gear, bar helmet/gloves, that I'm away from the office next week and will have to bring my laptop and other stuff home tonight.

I did dig out a rucksack, but could not bring myself to do my first commute having to lug an empty rucksac to work on the bike and bring a full one home. It's got detachable straps and is never comfortable...just would not feel safe riding with it.

Am I a prize winning coward, or did I do the right thing?

Bring on the abuse...

[Biker's Nemesis]

Not a coward, if it doesn't feel right don't do it.

[dern]

Commuting by bike is a significant skill in itself as is riding in winter (esp early morning)... learning both at the same time isn't the easiest path so giving it a miss isn't cowardly at all. Don't be pressured in to doing stuff you don't feel comfortable with.

Edited by dern on Friday 23 November 14:30

[virgil]

You're making me feel better guys...

Cheers.

Kreiger R25 on the Christmas list!

[dern]

virgil said:

You're making me feel better guys...

Cheers.

Kreiger R25 on the Christmas list!

Poof.

...before I get myself in to trouble it seemed like a funny comment at the time... I'll get my coat...

Edited by dern on Friday 23 November 14:40

[Steve_T]

I won't ride with a rucksack on my back unless I have to. I can't move on the bike as well as I can without one. So ugly as they are, it's a top box for me everytime.

Steve.

[sjtscott]

I too hate riding with a rucksack, I will just about cope with it when I absolutely have to bring my laptop home from work. Basically as I choose to work in an office (and I do have the choice) my laptop stays there 99% of the time.
I have a tailpack and tankbag for I have to carry anything significant. As much as it pains me I'm actually thinking of adding a Givi removable topbox to make the bike slightly more practical as there's no way I'll ever get a scooter.

Edited by sjtscott on Friday 23 November 15:02

[m3psm]

As above really, just progress at a pace you're happy with.

I hate wearing ruckdsacks and would recommend getting a top box or panniers fitted if carrying stuff around is going to be a regular event.

[robstvr]

I've got a givi top box, and to be honest it's about a ten minute job to get the rack itself on and off (on my Hornet). i use it for weekends and touring stuff. Daily i use a magnetic tank bag. The expandable type are great. I've worn rucksacks however, from passing my DAS onwards. Just keep it light, tight and sensible.

[Blue Burner]

Right decision - if you haven't done it before a commute on a Friday can be great going in but going out can be abit hairy and throw in a rucksack with your laptop et al could well be

[makatya]

Guess you wont make an army outrider then! I noticed a young lad on a twist and go the other morning with a heap of fishing tackle round his back. All he needed was a side wind and he would have caught an artic!

Edited by makatya on Friday 23 November 21:12