My Bike Commute Process

In Advance

• I leave a lock on the bike rack at work.
• I use a Kryptonite New York U-Lock and Kryptocable through wheels and frame
• I keep a belt, shoes, deodorant, shampoo, etc at work
• I keep two towels at work
• At my desk, I keep Gatorade mix and a spare set of bike clothes plus spare work socks and underwear.
• I keep a stash of food in the office: Oatmeal, Canned Soup, Canned fruit and frozen meals.

The Day before

• Iron 2-3 sets of clothes (Shirt, pants, socks, underwear) and take to work
• Put one set in locker, the other(s) at my desk
• Check Weather forecast

The Night before

• Lube and wipe off bike chain
• Inflate tires
• Quick bike check
• Check Weather Forecast
• Set out bike clothes
• Fill water bottles
• Move bike upstairs
• Fill seat bag with everything but keys (need to lock the front door)

The Morning of

• Put on bike clothes as early as possible (reduces backing out)
• Shave
• Eat light breakfast
• Drink water
• Panic over not finding one item on my list
• Item list
• Water
• Keys
• Wallet
• Pager
• Cell phone
• Pump
• CO2 cartridge (I carry a CO2 inflation system and a pump)
• Flat repair kit
• Cycling glasses
• Helmet
• Light(s)
• Chapstick
• Fenders/Jacket if rain predicted
• Plastic grocery bag (easiest way to transport bike stuff from rack to locker)

After Arrival

• Take everything off bike (put in plastic grocery bag)
• Lock helmet with bike (helmet takes up too much space in locker)
• Shower, change (I use shower gel since it is easier to store than a soggy soap bar)
• Take jersey and shorts to office on hanger (they would never dry in locker)

Before leaving for the day

• Fill water bottles
• Check Weather
• Take shorts and jersey, plus clean set of work clothes down to locker

After arrival at home

• Put bike away unless commuting next day
• Short shower
• Eat (I am usually very hungry by now)