Pain in the Butt
Martha and I recently came to a decision that I needed to stop driving our (one and only) car in to work. It wasn't a happy decision for me, as taking public transportation seriously bugs me. I, of course, grew up in rural Michigan where the option of public transportation wasn't exactly available. In fact, those Detroit SMART busses were downright scary. But they didn't come to White Lake - I think the closest they probably got was Pontiac....
Here in Washington, D.C. public transportation is a lot more prevalent. WMATA operates an enormous amount of busses in addition to the five trains (we don't call it a subway, we simply refer to it as "Metro," for those of you who ever visit). So, it isn't difficult to find a way somewhere. The problem is, I cannot stand being crammed in one of these smelly, cramped vehicles for an hour a day. While most of the busses that run from Shirlington are faily clean, we're the last stop, and I always end up standing. Not only that, but I get on the train at the Pentagon station, which seems to be the worst place to get on a Blue Line train. They are outnumbered by the Yellow line almost two to one, and are often "breathing room only." Honestly, it's a disaster waiting to happen.
But I agreed to do it - to save money both in gas and parking fees at GU. (Yes, unlike most of my midwesterner friends and family, I have to pay to park at the place I work). So, since the weather was nice and I'd recently fixed my bike, I decided to try to ride it in to work. I didn't think it would be that hard, and there are showers in the gym at work, so I might as well give it a try. So, on Wednesday, I took this route there and back.
I have two words to describe this experience: butt pain.
The good news is: I made it. Both ways. The way in to work was by far the more difficult. First, I start off going up a very steep hill near my house. So, I was exhausted after the first half mile - to the point where I had to walk my bike up some of the hill. Then I have a gradual grade half up and half down as I get near the Pentagon. Then it was pretty flat until I hit Rosslyn, where I cross the key bridge to get into DC. Of course, I was dead tired at that point, so when I finally make it across the Francis Scott Key Bridge and get into DC, I have another mile going up hill to get to my building. Ouch.
The way home was better, except for the fact that I could not sit on my bike's seat because of the flaming shards of white hot pain that exploded from my butt's sensitive areas every time I tried place my kiester upon that streched leather. At least it was mostly down hill coming out of DC and for a good portion of Virginia as well. Of course, by the time I reached the Air Force Memorial, I could barely move my legs, so I took another short walk on the bike. It was also way too dark for me to be riding without a bike light - so that (and some heavy duty padded riding shorts) will be my next purchase.
So, I took today off to let some of the pain subside. Assuming I can get up early enough, I plan on trying again tomorrow! I'm proud of myself for actually doing it, and a little amazed that I did not kill myself. I'm hoping I can do this 2-3 times a week while the weather is nice.