A little over a year ago, I began commuting by motorcycle again after a few year break. My job changed, so instead of working from home/coffee shop/library when not on the road, I went into an office 5 days a week. Soon I was commuting 3-4 days a week and generally taking the same route each day. While I don't enjoy commuting riding much, I fell into a routine, could gauge the traffic and trouble spots, and generally rode without incident almost every day. Sure there would be interesting sites-my all time favorite was a guy eating oatmeal out of a bowl with a spoon using both hands to pull this off one morning!
About two weeks ago, the contract I was on ended, but I was blessed to pick another one up right away. The major change (besides a pay reduction, but that's another post on another blog) is I am now working on another base. The last eight miles or so of my commute are different, and my report time is earlier.
Why is this important? Well, mainly because the traffic "flow" is very different, as are the surface streets and density. About two miles of this new commute is along a busy four-lane street with curbside parallel parking, which pushes that lane's traffic toward the center-line. Because I live in California, lane-sharing, aka lane-splitting, aka "surfing" is pretty much a way of life for motorcycle commuters. Even guys on full size baggers sometimes lane split! The other change is being earlier in the morning people seem to be less aware. In the few days I've commuted, each morning I've been pulled over on at least once, some trips multiple times. I am always cautious when overtaking cars in some situations and often predict who's going to do this, but have been surprised twice already. Only one was very close but it has been a bit rattling.
Do you have the same "jitters" when switching routes or jobs? Hopefully this will settle down and I'll get a feel for the cagers heading in with me. I'd hate to lose the option of commuting on my bike!
