Name: Jack Nolan
Location: Seattle, Wa. USA
Started bike commuting: 2002
Commute distance (one way): 11 miles

Describe your commute: I bike from North Seattle down to the University District where I catch a bus across the SR 520 bridge. I then ride 2 miles to my school after getting off the bus. I’ve modified my route several times so that I ride on surface streets through neighborhoods as opposed to main arterials.

Describe your bike and accessories: Old Rocky Mountain Metro. It’s a hybrid I bought used from a touring company for $125. I’ve made some basic upgrades and installed a carrying rack.

What bit of advice would you like to share with new bike commuters?: Start small. I began by taking my bike to work on the bus in the AM, and then riding home in the PM. I lost about 15 pounds. I figured if I rode in the AM as well, I could lose another five pounds. I was right. I’m almost 50 and I weigh the same as my senior year in High School.

Don’t spend a lot of money on equipment. Start slow and then get what you really need. I have found people give me a lot of gear for birthdays etc, so I haven’t had to buy much.

Fenders are KEY. I stay fairly dry while riding because of the heat I produce, but the water that comes off your wheels will soak you faster than any rain storm. Wet shoes are a drag.

I live in Seattle in ride year round. A lot of activities are no fun in the rain; skiing in the rain sucks, backpacking in the rain isn’t much fun, but biking in the rain is pretty easy. Don’t let it sway you. Once you get your systems down, it becomes automatic.