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Commute-altering Epiphany:
Rail-Trail Enthusiast, Tami Mendonca, Explains Her Choice to Change Her Mode of Transport

Living in Seattle, creeping slowly along in the traffic of the I-5 corridor, daily to-and-from work, allows one plenty of time to think and reflect on all of life's mysteries. One of which was, "Why do I sit in traffic, day after day, contemplating all of life's mysteries?"

During my time of quiet speculation, it occurred to me there must be a better way to spend my time. In addition, I had a co-worker who commuted to work daily on his bike and always seemed so upbeat and energized when he got there. I figured this was because he got lots of fresh air and exercise before coming to work. So, one day, I tried it. And, even though, at the time, I found the 12-mile commute to be strenuous, I certainly wasn't thinking, "There has got to be a better way to spend my time!" In fact, when I arrived at the hospital where I work—early—I felt exhilarated, energized and ready to take on whatever the day had to offer.

I decided right then and there my two-wheeled friend would soon become an inseparable part of my daily existence. That was nearly 15 years ago and today I can count on one hand the number of days I've had to drive my car to work—that includes cycling in snow, blizzards, gale-force winds and freezing temperatures. People often tell me I'm nuts, but I have developed a motto: There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing—and a set of rugged studded snow tires! This philosophy has proven useful living in the ever-changing climate of the Pacific Northwest!

Okay, now to get to why I choose my two wheeled friend over my  gas-guzzling, pollution-spewing, noise-making, obesity- and death-causing mode of transportation. Here are my top ten reason why I commute by bicycle:

10.	I can eat pretty much whatever I want and, at 47, still maintain my school-girl figure.
9.	I don't kill anything on my way to work where, as a nurse, I care for the sick and dying.
8.	With the SUV parked most of the time, I do my part in keeping the ski areas open, which is my second-most favorite thing to do.
7.	I experience a part of nature and wildlife before and after my work day, while most car-commuters endure road rage.
6.	I always get to work on time. In fact, have to get there early in order to change, so if I get in a little late, no one notices.
5.	I always have an excuse for a bad hair day.
4.	I rack up more unused sick days than my fellow employees. And this just plain makes all cyclists look good.
3.	I get to share stories of my commuting adventure before my work day even starts while other employees have to go away on a vacation to have such experiences. Commuting on a bike turns every day into an adventure!
2.	Did I mention adventure? How about riding in the snow along the waterfront trail in a severe storm while being drenched by an icy cold, rogue wave? Or circumnavigating a mudslide—having to go out onto the slippery, seaweed strewn rocks, hauling a bike, almost being swept out to sea in the high tide? Or during the times, when the gate leading to and from the old mill used to be locked way before I got off or came to work and had to figure out how to get my bike and panniers up and over a slippery obstacle. And at times, choosing to ford the freezing creek with bike hoisted overhead? Many people pay big bucks to enter "adventure races" for these same experiences. A lot of money could be saved just riding to work. (RTC note: these rail-trail commuting adventures are not typical.)
1.	And, finally, the number one reason: Is there any other way?

Tami Mendonca of Sequim, Wash., bicycles 13.5 miles, each way, on the Olympic Discovery Trail to get to work.