05/14/2026
Did you know the majority of Spoke-N-Sport employees bike to work EVERY day? We're highlighting some of our super-commuters to celebrate and in Sioux Falls.
Sales, service, MasterFit Certified Boot Fitter, and one of our bike fitters, today's Q&A is with our Ryan of all trades.
How long have you been biking to work, and what finally got you to try it?
Ryan: I started riding to work shortly after graduating college, which feels like last week, but in reality it was 2012. The culmination of crashing my car, moving to LA, and not having a ton of expendable income led me to the decision of buying a bus pass or a bicycle. As a life long athlete I felt the bicycle was the better option. The rest is history.
What's your commute like?
R: My commute here in Sioux Falls can range from a very pleasant 8 miles of the bike path to a 5 mile mad dash down Cliff Ave. Depending on weather, route, and which bike I'm riding, my commute can range from 25mins to 45mins.
What was your biggest hesitation before you started, and how did it actually turn out?
R: My biggest hesitation was the price of the bike. Even though my first bike was a very
affordable $300 fixed gear, at the time that was more than 3x the cost of the alternative bus pass. I would say that it turned out to be a major part of my life I wouldn't change for anything!
What do you do on days when the weather isn't perfect?
R: Please see Velominati “The Rules”, specifically Rules #5 and #9.
But in reality when riding in adverse weather conditions the gear can make or break the
experience. Rain is, in my opinion, the worst to ride in. everything gets wet and you just have to accept that. Unfortunately many waterproof clothing options can leave you just as wet...just from the inside out. When its cold out, layering properly is key.
How do you handle showing up to work — do you shower, change, freshen up? What's your routine?
R: I put deodorant on when I get to the shop?
What do you carry or what are your commute must haves?
R: This is very dependent on the weather and what bike I'm commuting on. For my , I keep an old laptop sleeve that holds gloves, windbreaker, deodorant, pump, buff, ect. The rack on the Timberjack typically carries my case for my glasses, lunchbox, and U-Lock.
If I'm commuting on my fixed gear I really only have my repair kit in my messenger bag and maybe an extra layer for the commute home.
What's your favorite part of the ride — a moment, a view, a feeling?
R: Riding to work is a great way to start your morning. I love not having to rely on caffeine to get my mornings going.
How has biking to work changed your day or your mood?
R: It's definitely a great way to elevate your mood or blow off steam after a tough day. They say that cycling is still cheaper than therapy.
Has it saved you money or time in ways you didn't expect?
R: No, but it has cost me more in food than I initially thought. Luckily food is way cheaper than gas.
What would you say to someone who thinks their commute is too far, too hilly, or too
complicated?
R: See Rule #6 (Velominati “The Rules”) - If directions from Rule #6 are unclear please see Rule #5 for clarification.
What's one piece of gear or advice that made the biggest difference for you?
R: Knowing your rights and responsibilities, being able to navigate traffic as well as multi-use paths safely creates an environment where everyone can have a good time.
If someone wanted to try it just one day, what would you tell them to do first?
R: Genuinely this is my response: you will figure out preferences as you experiment with
everything from clothing layers to what route you prefer.
What's the thing you wish you'd known before your first commute ride?
R: I wish I had known to trust Google Maps. Even though it may seem like google is taking you on the scenic route many times it is trying to help you to avoid having to climb a 8% grade for what felt like eternity.
These days Garmin, Wahoo, and Strava all have very good route creation tools that let you see the elevation you are going to face.
