my new job at loyola marymount university (lmu) starts next week and i’ve been practicing my commuting options. the map tells me that the distance between my house and work is 1.9 miles. this is bikeable, runnable and walkable. since i haven’t done any of those things recently, i’ve been out practicing to see what is reasonable on a day-to-day basis. i first tried biking since there is a path that runs right along the ballona creek, giving me morning views of the nature preserve and its wildlife. having nature scurrying in the underbrush next to my bike was a little unsettling, and making it up the giant hill from the preserve to the university is, um, let’s say it’s a personal challenge to work on. luckily there is a bus that ports bikes that runs a block away from my house, so i could simply bus to work and bike home. the ride home would be down the giant hill, which would be sweet. today i rode the bus to lmu and ran back. it took me under 30 minutes. walking would certainly be another simple alternative. if i’m feeling terribly lazy i could bus there and home, or drive. parking is free on campus.
after spending 3 years with a 2-hour commute each day i am luxuriating in all the new, cheaper, healthier options that this new position will give me. i calculated that i’ll be saving $120/month in gas, $88 in parking. with that savings, i can buy some new sneakers and get a fancy bike helmet!
the new commute
old commute (21 miles, 1 hour driving time)
Awesome. So delighted for you. 🙂
If you ride that hill everyday within two weeks I guarantee that hill will be a piece of cake, plus the ride home will that much nicer.