Hey all, I bought a specialised elite hybrid and been out on it five times I am doing 14 miles in 1 hour 35 min don't know if that's good or not, the route was all flat however apart from once when I first bought the bike where I was with someone who cycled often and I covered numerous hills but did ok - must have been the gym that helped me there. Before that had not sat my backside on a bike from I was a teenager!!! Years ago!! Now thinking of commuting to work which is ten miles but the road could be described as undulating long inclines sort of and I'm not sure if this is too much to take on. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I'm also trying to lose a few inches and increase my fitness.
Thinking of commuting - not sure
- Thread starter Kath
- Start date
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T.M.H.N.E.T
Rainbows aren't just for world champions
- Location
- Northern Ireland
Don't try to do too much too soon. 14miles in 1:35 is a leisurely pace but for commuting you would probably want to be doing that < 1hr if not closer to the 30-40minute mark. Keep pushing distance up as you feel comfortable and you'll get there eventually.
You could always try the commute,on a non work day and see how it goes before risking being late.
You could always try the commute,on a non work day and see how it goes before risking being late.
Thanks guys, I don't really have to be concerned with time start in work as my hours are flexi, I had thought that I could possibly get dropped of with the bike halfway to start with and then do the full 10 mile back again in the evening. My recovery rate is quite good as I do work out at gym and my legs don't feel sore lol prob all the squats or running on treadmill helps I don't know. But thanks for the encouragement.
Part time cyclist
Über Member
- Location
- Kent
Hello and welcome best way is to go out enjoy it the rest comes with time
deptfordmarmoset
Full time tea drinker
- Location
- Armonmy Way
Toe in the water....
It doesn't matter if you only do it one a week to start with, by then you'll have an idea of the hills and the physical challenge. From there, you'll be able to build up your commuting, I'm sure.
It doesn't matter if you only do it one a week to start with, by then you'll have an idea of the hills and the physical challenge. From there, you'll be able to build up your commuting, I'm sure.
slowmotion
Quite dreadful
- Location
- lost somewhere
I'm with Part time cyclist. Just take it easy to begin with and don't worry about speed. Enjoy the rides and don't make it a big deal. There's no point in getting too competitive with yourself early on. That comes later...
Have fun.
Have fun.
Hacienda71
Mancunian in self imposed exile in leafy Cheshire
- Location
- Wilmslow, Cheshire
My commute is hilly and about the same distance. I rode mine on a Sunday morning first to check I was comfortable with the distance. A few years on and I find it frustrating my commute is not longer. In the summer I will quite often go a really long way home, doubling the distance and number of hills.
MrJamie
Oaf on a Bike
Try it on a nice calm cool day and take your time on the way home, see how it goes. I wouldnt worry too much about your speed if youre happy with it taking you about an hour, but if there is a strong headwind it could really slow you down and sap your energy, especially if youre fairly upright on a hybrid.
If it were me, id probably test it out on a weekend first though even if it means going both ways in one go.
If it were me, id probably test it out on a weekend first though even if it means going both ways in one go.
MisterStan
Label Required
- Location
- Out there somewhere
Would you be able to bike in one day and home the next? IMHO trying to go from nothing to 100 miles a week would be pretty tough and you'd probably lose motivation. Cycling in a few times a week and building up the miles gradually would be my advice. Best of all, the time of year you're potentially starting in should mean good weather.
BrazingSaddles
Über Member
- Location
- Brizzle
Hi there Kath.
I started a ten mile commute (each way) last October. I found that initially I needed a rest day mid-week to give my legs a rest. Also don't push yourself by going too fast too soon - I did the 10 miles in a comfy 40mins so one of the comments above that suggested you should be looking at doing 14miles in 30-40 mins made me spit my morning coffee everywhere! That's fine if your fitness is great and ride a light weight bike with no panniers (initially anyway). I now only have a five mile commute which is frustratingly short so when possible I try to extend it. Hopefully you will soon start to enjoy your commute and push yourself a little harder each week - bike computers are good for adding a bit of target practice! I managed to shave about ten minutes off my my ten mile commute towards the end.
Enjoy.
...oh, and as for shedding a few inches and increasing fitness - that will definitely happen! Just beware of over-eating as your body craves more calories in the first few weeks - I was ravenous all of the time for the first two weeks....mmm...chocolate....cake....!
I started a ten mile commute (each way) last October. I found that initially I needed a rest day mid-week to give my legs a rest. Also don't push yourself by going too fast too soon - I did the 10 miles in a comfy 40mins so one of the comments above that suggested you should be looking at doing 14miles in 30-40 mins made me spit my morning coffee everywhere! That's fine if your fitness is great and ride a light weight bike with no panniers (initially anyway). I now only have a five mile commute which is frustratingly short so when possible I try to extend it. Hopefully you will soon start to enjoy your commute and push yourself a little harder each week - bike computers are good for adding a bit of target practice! I managed to shave about ten minutes off my my ten mile commute towards the end.
Enjoy.
...oh, and as for shedding a few inches and increasing fitness - that will definitely happen! Just beware of over-eating as your body craves more calories in the first few weeks - I was ravenous all of the time for the first two weeks....mmm...chocolate....cake....!
Darren862
Active Member
- Location
- Pontyberem, South Wales
Hi and welcome! As someone else has said, try to do the commute on a day off to give you an idea of what to expect first. I'm starting out too and my commute is 13 miles. It's very steep to start off with for about 4 miles and then gentle after that. At the moment I'm driving to a point where I'm able to cycle from. I'm gradually driving less and less as I'm getting used to it. Maybe you could try that?
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Yes of course, because everyone can average 21 to 28mph.
Realistically though,
Kath. Your 10 mile commute may be quite daunting for a beginner but the fact you are even considering the idea is a good start. I'd suggest trying it to see how it feels then perhaps aim to do it a couple of times a week if you are okay with that, then build up from there. Don't worry too much about your speed at the moment - you'll get quicker as you get into it.
Sara_H
Guru
Welcome!
Great advice from some of the others.
My ride to work is only 4.5 miles, and takes me ages as it involves a long, steep hill both ways (I don't do hills!).
I used to berate myself for not being faster/better. Now ten years after I started commuting by bike, I take it steady, at my own pace, get off at the hilliest bit if I feel like it and find that I enjoy it more.
It's not a race, its just getting to work!
I think the suggedstion of riding in one day, leaving the bike and riding home the next is a really good one (if you have some where secure for your bike at work). Build yourself up gradually and at your own pace.
Great advice from some of the others.
My ride to work is only 4.5 miles, and takes me ages as it involves a long, steep hill both ways (I don't do hills!).
I used to berate myself for not being faster/better. Now ten years after I started commuting by bike, I take it steady, at my own pace, get off at the hilliest bit if I feel like it and find that I enjoy it more.
It's not a race, its just getting to work!
I think the suggedstion of riding in one day, leaving the bike and riding home the next is a really good one (if you have some where secure for your bike at work). Build yourself up gradually and at your own pace.
