1806.21 HOW DO YOU CARRY YOURS?

Most people who commute by bike have to carry some sort of luggage with them. Be it a change of clothes, a uniform, sandwiches or even tools and equipment there's always 'stuff' that needs to come with you.

I believe (from observation) that the rucksack is the UK's preferred method of carrying said stuff to and from the workplace. I don't live/ride in London which I think maybe is 50/50 between the rucksack and the messenger bag. On the continent I'm lead to believe that the pannier is the preferred method of carriage, and this is becoming more popular over here too.

Messenger bags are great if you aren't travelling far and just need the basics. I don't think I'd like a bag loose around my person though, besides, where I live it's very hilly so I don't think it would be practical (you rarely see them around here). I used to ride with a rucksack for many years. If I'm honest I was ignorant to the alternative. They are fine if you don't overload them but can be sweaty and uncomfortable. The main benefit to a body worn bag is that when you reach your destination you can just take the bag straight with you.

A few years ago I broke my collarbone on the bike (I wrote a blogpost about it) which later meant I started to suffer discomfort when I carried too much weight on my back. I put up with it for a while because my bike at that time didn't support a rack but now I'm a convert. I'm lucky in that I have secure and dry storage for my bike at work so I can simply put a bag inside the pannier and take it out at my destination. This really comes into its own when I have to go to training or work from a  different site. I can carry a maximum of over 2 large rucksacks with ease.

My bike is able to carry loads of cargo

If you've ever considered commuting by bike but been put off by not being able to carry what you need then think again. There's always a way, at the end of the day it's about personal choice. As I've said before the commute is a wonderful way of using up time you would probably be wasting by using the time for valuable exercise. And if you have stuff to move then don't discount the bike as a means of carriage.

See this bike locally all the time,
now that's a bike made for cargo!

1806.15 LEAVER

I left school 31 years ago. I remember it well. There was no fanfare, no prom (we didn't have such things back then) no gathering or inspirational speeches - I just finished my last exam and walked out the door never to return.

1806.05 THE WEIGHT

Time is a commodity I don't have loads of at the moment. When I do get a precious moment I am so tired I don't feel like doing anything.

1805.15 WORK IS WORKING

A few of years ago my position at work was put 'at risk'. Then came the dismantling of my department and the merging with another. We were at risk for about a year and the ensuing turmoil saw my place of work closed and everyone 'shoehorned' into another location.

1805.09 WEBCOMIC: CHUNKS!

Been a bit out of sorts recently so drawing has been pretty much down my list. Hope you enjoy my little comeback.

1805.07 ANOTHER YEAR CLOSER TO DEATH

So my birthday has come around again. As I get older they seem to get closer together. It's been fortunate that my birthday has fallen on the May Day bank holiday weekend this year. So what have I been up to?

1804.25 STRESS HEAD

Sometimes everything just gets on top of me. My world detaches from my mind and I lose my way. Why? I wish I knew. I don't have a reason, it comes and goes at random with no cause or catalyst.

1804.22 WEBCOMIC: WORK-WEAR

I've been really busy with work and other things so this has been waiting in limbo for a while.

1802.16 TALKING TO IDIOTS

I watch local news a lot. I like to be informed about what's happening around me. But local news has an annoying habit.

1804.14 THE NATIONAL

It's that time of year when the average person who never watches horse racing watches horse racing. It's the Grand National!