I see lots of people biking to work each morning. I only live about a 25 minute walk from downtown, but would like to start biking, mostly because it’s faster.
What I wonder is, how do people do it. People that work in offices, I mean. I can’t wear my suit riding my bike. Well, I suppose I could, but I don’t want to.
What do others do? Throw it all into a backpack and hope it doesn’t get wrinkled? leave all their dress clothes at work?
Any suggestions on how to make this work?
I do exactly both things you mentioned, although I don’t have to wear a suit.
Dress code here in the office is business casual. If I decide to ride in to work that morning or late the night before, then I just roll/fold my clothes and put them in my backpack and hope they are OK when I get to work. (They always are and my ride is 12 miles one way.)
Occassionally I’ll actually plan on riding in on a specific day so I can bring an outfit and whatever else I might need to the office the day before.
I just go straight to the restroom to freshen up and change once I get to work.
Both methods work fine for me, although I find myself spontaneously deciding to ride in more and more, so it’s usually the backpack method I use.
I leave 2 neutral (one black, one brown) pairs of shoes here at work permanently, so I have less stuff to lug with me on the ride. I also leave a small bag of toiletries in my desk.
I have actually seen someone riding a bike wearing a business suit. I wouldn’t recommend it though - he looked like a prat. Also he must be doing a bit of sweating in his suit.
If possible maybe you can keep your work clothes at the office and change when you arrive.