Riding To Appointments

I had an appointment the other morning which also meant I had anxiety. It wasn’t the nature of the appointment that gave me anxiety, it is the appointment itself. I have some form of appointment anxiety. Having to be at a certain place at a set time has an ill effect on me. So anyway what’s this have to do with bikes? Well I like to ride my bikes to appointments if at all possible. Riding a bike to an appointment can of course relieve a little of the anxiety yet also add to it. Worries as in when I should leave, the route I should I take, if my bike will break down, how sweaty I’ll be when I arrive, where to park etc…

Here are a few things I have done to help lessen or eliminate some of these worries…

• If not familiar with the location or route, pre ride the route by bike or via Google maps and use street view to look for parking options.
• Leave plenty early!! I think this is the most important thing you can do. Even though this last appointment of mine was only a 30 minute ride I left an hour earlier than I needed to. This allows time should I have miscalculated the time it takes me to get to to my destination and/or allows time to deal with a flat or minor mechanical. If the ride goes without problem and I arrive an hour early maybe I’ll grab a cup of coffee nearby and take time to air out and compose myself as I did before this latest appointment.
• I try to choose a practical bike. Forget about what’s good for the gram. Something comfortable, reliable and has the mans to carry stuff if I need.
• The few times I’ve been concerned about appearing disheveled, I’ve brought a change or partial change of clothing. Even if it’s just a fresh shirt to change into. If the destination has no place to change I look for a fast-food restaurant or gas station bathroom nearby. I’ve changed clothes in a fast-food restaurant bathroom, parking lot and even on a bench outside in front of an office building.
• Reward myself on the ride home taking the long way and/or stopping for a snack.