The starting line: Roser Park, near downtown St. Petersburg.
The finish line: USF Sarasota/Manatee and New College in Sarasota.
The ride: 1996 Honda Civic that just turned over 100,000. Reliability and fuel efficiency are essential.
Gas mileage: 34 mpg.
The route: I-275 to US 19 to US 41.
Do you ever vary your route?
Yes, depending on construction and congestion. I sometimes take I-75 all the way home during tourist season. Even though it's 9 miles further, it takes about the same time because I don't go through as many traffic lights.
Distance/length of commute?
About 34 miles each way.
How long does it take?
Approximately 45 minutes, give or take.
Latest you can leave and still be on time?
I'm lucky to be able to schedule my work hours early to miss the worst of rush hour traffic, so as long as I'm on the road by 6:30 a.m., I'm fine.
What time do you normally get home after work?
Around 4:30 p.m.
Do you ever carpool?
I would if I could, but no.
How long have you been commuting?
Two years.
Did you plan for a commute or did it just work out that way?
I have family and friends in the northern part of Pinellas county, but I found a job in Sarasota, so I decided that St. Pete is a good halfway point. If I had a choice, I'd want to live within walking distance of work.
How do you occupy the drive time?
I bought an XM satellite radio specifically for the commute. I couldn't do the commute without it. It has a great variety of channels and programming. I can listen to NPR, almost any kind of music and/or comedy. It's really great company for me.
What do you like about the commute?
The trip over the Sunshine Skyway presents some gorgeous views; I try to make a conscientious effort to appreciate it and I'm reminded of why people come here for vacation so I don't take it all for granted.
What do you dislike?
Traffic, aggressive drivers, and my high use of fossil fuel.
Any daily rituals related to your commute?
I just make sure I've got some water to drink and gas in the tank and I'm good to go.
Is there anything that you do on the road that seems to annoy other drivers?
Ignore people who follow me too closely. The less distance between the car behind me and my car, the more distance I put between my car and the car in front of me.
What do other drivers do that drives you crazy?
Drive too closely too fast, and weave in and out of lanes to get ahead. Aggression doesn't impress me.
Weirdest thing you've ever seen while commuting?
I guess the pea soup-thick fog on some early spring mornings. It can be rather disorienting on the bridge. There have been some days when I have spent up to two hours stuck in traffic on the bridge because of accidents and more recently, a jumper. But that isn't too often, thankfully.
Know someone whose commute would be worth chronicling in this space? Maybe your own? Then e-mail Lorrie Lykins at commutertales@yahoo.com
