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September 30, 2004
Taking the train
This morning, as threatened, I took the train into work, biking down to the station in Pontcharra, riding the train to Gières, then riding along the paths and back roads to work.
It almost took me longer to get my shoes, helmet, and gloves on than to glide down the hill to the station. At the station, however, the train was late and I was early, so I waited for about 25 minutes not moving, just talking with a couple of guys who work in Meylan and regularly bike and take the train. Unfortunately for them, they have no showers at work, so it's not too convenient in the summer.
One of the guys noted that my full-price, round-trip ticket for today -- cost 11 euros 40, roughly equivalent to the real cost of driving -- would nearly buy me a 1-week pass if I get my paperwork in order, to show officially that I'm using the train to go to work. And the cost may be even slightly lower if I get a monthly pass.
The ride from Gières is long enough that I need to shower, but not really long enough to be much exercise. I nevertheless wore cycling gear. Yesterday I bought full-fingered gloves and shoe covers both rated to be okay down to about freezing, and a cheap pair of cycling shorts to keep things from getting bunched up under my leggings. Never felt cold, but this morning it must've been a balmy 8 degrees C.
Important point: My Look pedals with soft plastic cleats are not the answer if I start commuting in earnest with the train. Too much walking involved.
Posted by Mark at September 30, 2004 11:28 AM