As the price of gas soars, it's tempting to fantasize about trading the bumper-to-bumper drive to work for a more pleasant and economical bicycle commute.

Some people have turned these daydreams into reality. They've found that biking to work makes them more fit and promotes a sense of freedom and adventure.

Preparation is key to transitioning successfully to a bicycle commute. You'll need to keep several things in mind before and after you decide to ride.

Choosing the Bike & Route

Above all, you'll need to commit to purchasing a good bike. This generally means shopping at a bicycle shop and shelling out a few extra bucks for quality.

Avoid the temptation to buy cheap from a big-box retailer. These bikes are likely to be lower in quality and less comfortable than the models available at bicycle shops.

Prior to your first official commute, you'll also need to choose a route. Make a practice run or two before the real deal. This will allow you to learn the route and potential obstacles along the way. You'll also discover how long the ride will take.

After you've mastered one route, consider looking for alternative byways between home and the office. This can be helpful if your primary route becomes closed to traffic for a while. Having more than one route also lends a little variety to your commute.

As you ride, you'll learn when traffic is heaviest along your route. Try to ride earlier or later than these busy periods.