G-Zero
Guru
- Location
- Kirkcudbright, SW Scotland
Until June this year, I worked at my company’s head office in Ponteland, however after suffering several debilitating severe dizzy spells, two of which were behind the wheel of the car, I stopped driving voluntarily and have not driven since June.
I had a short spell on the sick and was referred to a Specialist, who after Vestibular Testing, eliminated Labrynthitis and Meniers, but is still investigating a Vertigo/inner ear problem and is currently awaiting MRI scan results.
Part of my treatment is a series of balance reinforcement exercises and fortunately ‘safe’ cycling is amongst these.
On advice of both my Specialist and my company’s Medical Advisor, I had to inform DVLA, who are in consultation with my Specialist and as yet, have not revoked my driving licence. I am hoping that seeing as I have not had a dizzy spell since June, that they may not need to revoke it at all.
In the meantime, my company have been very flexible and allowed me to work out of a local office in an administrative capacity, working ‘office hours’ Mon-Fri, thus the 21 mile commute each day.
Unfortunately, my company has recently undergone some major restructuring and although my position is still secure, I have been moved to another department and this week sees my return to full shifts, initially from my temporary location.
My new department is based at an office in Newcastle and longer term, I am considering whether the 48 mile commute is a realistic option for the bike, especially with winter conditions on the doorstep.
I cycled to head office last week, which was a 55 mile ride, but that was a one off and not something I would have normally considered doing every day of the week, including night and late shifts.
My new CX bike should be ready soon and with the right tyres on, and kitted out with a rack or pannier set up, should be a quicker and more comfortable option than my MTB with rucsac.
In essence, I guess I’m probably just lacking a bit of confidence in my longer term ability to cope with the mileage and would appreciate any advice or examples of longer distance commutes from the diehards amongst you.
I had a short spell on the sick and was referred to a Specialist, who after Vestibular Testing, eliminated Labrynthitis and Meniers, but is still investigating a Vertigo/inner ear problem and is currently awaiting MRI scan results.
Part of my treatment is a series of balance reinforcement exercises and fortunately ‘safe’ cycling is amongst these.
On advice of both my Specialist and my company’s Medical Advisor, I had to inform DVLA, who are in consultation with my Specialist and as yet, have not revoked my driving licence. I am hoping that seeing as I have not had a dizzy spell since June, that they may not need to revoke it at all.
In the meantime, my company have been very flexible and allowed me to work out of a local office in an administrative capacity, working ‘office hours’ Mon-Fri, thus the 21 mile commute each day.
Unfortunately, my company has recently undergone some major restructuring and although my position is still secure, I have been moved to another department and this week sees my return to full shifts, initially from my temporary location.
My new department is based at an office in Newcastle and longer term, I am considering whether the 48 mile commute is a realistic option for the bike, especially with winter conditions on the doorstep.
I cycled to head office last week, which was a 55 mile ride, but that was a one off and not something I would have normally considered doing every day of the week, including night and late shifts.
My new CX bike should be ready soon and with the right tyres on, and kitted out with a rack or pannier set up, should be a quicker and more comfortable option than my MTB with rucsac.
In essence, I guess I’m probably just lacking a bit of confidence in my longer term ability to cope with the mileage and would appreciate any advice or examples of longer distance commutes from the diehards amongst you.
