Building up to the Commute

[Lancj1]

Coming to the end of a two weeks home based break, I am planning to do a few commutes to work from next week - twice, probably three times next week and two the week after. Changes to the school run situation from Sept (he's old enough for the bus) mean a commute is realistic.

My employer, NHS, has Bike lockers/rack and showers with lockers and changing rooms, so that's sorted.

My Journey is from St Helen's to Liverpool Lime Station - train under the Mersey to Birkenhead, then a half mile ride from Hamilton Square Station to work at the other end. Tempted, to be honest, to lock the bike up in the racks at Liverpool Lime Street. They are under cover and under CCTV - Weighing this up against the hassle of carting a bike on the underground for the sake of half a mile at the other end. Anyone use these racks ? Any thoughts ?

Distance is 9.5 miles one way if I bale out at Liverpool. I am planning to use the mid 90s steel Raleigh "Mountain" Bike, with slicks. Its fifteen speed but its comfy and works well. Steel forks too, and it has that uncool/no steal air about it.

Just spending an hour prepping a list of what to take in on Monday. Suits, shirts, undies, socks, ties, shoes, grooming equipment all in the suit carrier. (I have to buy a new fangled cartridge razor and a tin of gel - I use blades, soap and brush in real life).

I think its covered. Apart from a good early start (which I can accommodate over my trial period as I will leave a sleeping household) have you any tips for a newbie ?

 

[davebridge32]

Hi
Did you go with the commute in the end? Ive just started commuting from Sutton, St Helens to city centre Liverpool and I have to say, its a lot less complicated and more fun than I thought.
Be interested to hear your experiences.
Dave

 

[Lancj1]

Hi Dave, yes done a few. I live near the Grapes in Portico and have settled on Prescot Bypass > Huyton Lane > Archway Rd to M62 Roundabout > Roby Rd past the wildflower Centre and then arrive at the Top of Edge lane and drop down into Lime street. Takes 45 mins or so, its 10.3miles

http://tinyurl.com/ccf2jxt

I did try Dovecot/Knotty Ash/Old Swan etc but found the traffic systems more troublesome and the buses
a pain although a mile shorter.

On the way home I have lengthened the ride a couple of times when sunny and went via Otterspool prom/ Sefton Park/Childwall/Huyton - nice ride about 15 miles.

Its quite a simple commute to be honest - bit hilly on the way home but gets the lungs going.

 

[400bhp]

Good attitude - build up the commute with a couple of days rather than too much.

Too much will mean you won't enjoy it which will lead to the greater chance of ditching the commute by bike.

Try to vary your routes if you can - even if that's by taking a small diversion for a half mile - it will help you find different routes, will make you get to know the area better and most importantly will keep you alert. You have lots of choices commuting in from there. Try not to think in car commute mode - taking a parallel side street can often be as quick (in rush hour) as the main road.