Commencing life as a cycling commuter

[bermudawhite]

This week marks my first week cycling to work. An office move made this more practical and to prevent me being put off on wet/windy days (plenty in the north west) I sold my car a couple of weeks ago too. So now I have no choice!
I currently use a fairly decent but older mountain bike for the journey which is just over 7 miles each way. The route I take includes country lanes, farm tracks, a park and the best bit two flights of steps!
My LBS has been a big help too which is good. Only problem so far is that my a**e kills!

 

[BSRU]

Do you wear padded short/tights/baggies?, this will make the ride alot more comfortable.
Good time of year to be starting

 

[Jezston]

READ THIS: http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/the-essential-guide-for-new-commuters.56622/

 

[calibanzwei]

...and the best bit two flights of steps!

Pop a wheelie!

Only problem so far is that my a**e kills!

Your 'sit' bones will adjust, as BRSU says padded shorts will help.

 

[Leodis]

Padded shorts or tights are excellent, I too have only just started commuting and loving every minute but I am not sure I could cope without padded shorts. Trying my first 5 day commute next week

 

[cyberknight]

keep it up !!, as well as shorts you might want to look at your saddle height and how far back along the rails it sits, coming home today my behind was uncomfortable and when i checked the seat height it had dropped maybe 5 mm, this is a good website ...


http://www.jimlangley.net/crank/bikefit.html

 

[I like Skol]

....the journey which is just over 7 miles each way. The route I take includes country lanes, farm tracks, a park and the best bit two flights of steps!

Welcome to the world of cycle commuting. It is kind of addictive, my wife thinks I'm nuts because we have 2 good cars to choose from but after nearly 2 years I think she is beginning to accept my enthusiasm for it. It sounds like you have a great route, let me guess, from Knutsford, through Tatton Park and over towards Altincham? I like the bit about the flights of steps, you sound like my kind of urban guerrila cyclist!

 

[400bhp]

Welcome to the world of cycle commuting. It is kind of addictive, my wife thinks I'm nuts because we have 2 good cars to choose from but after nearly 2 years I think she is beginning to accept my enthusiasm for it. It sounds like you have a great route, let me guess, from Knutsford, through Tatton Park and over towards Altincham? I like the bit about the flights of steps, you sound like my kind of urban guerrila cyclist!

Was just thinking that, but would guess the other way around-knutsford sits on a hill.

 

[PaulSB]

Was just thinking that, but would guess the other way around-knutsford sits on a hill.

I commute to Knutsford from the airport and twice a week visit our site in Timperley, very close to Altrincham.

I can't think if hills on any of the possible routes. Though there is a climb by the railway station but it's hardly the best route from Alty.

Which hill does the town sit in because I'd have said the whole area is flat?

 

[bermudawhite]

Do you wear padded short/tights/baggies?, this will make the ride alot more comfortable.
No padded shorts, but I reckon as calibanzwei says I will get used to it....eventually!

 

[bermudawhite]

The journey I take is from the Mobberley side of Knutsford up towards Wilmslow, then I cut through the Carrs Park to Styal Road. Then it is down Styal Road to Wythenshawe. Basically its from one end of the airport to the other. There is a more scenic and longer route on bridleways and public footpaths which would mean only 10% of the journey on the road.

 

[400bhp]

I commute to Knutsford from the airport and twice a week visit our site in Timperley, very close to Altrincham.

I can't think if hills on any of the possible routes. Though there is a climb by the railway station but it's hardly the best route from Alty.

Which hill does the town sit in because I'd have said the whole area is flat?

What I meant was that the actual centre of Knutsford sits on a hill (top St & bottom St)/

Where's your site in Timperley as that's my neck of the woods?

 

[jonny jeez]

i dont know what happened here there should be a reply from Bermudawhite about sore ar5es? and getting used to it....weird

Welcome Bermudawhite ....and yep, you will. Takes about 3 rides in my opinion for your ar5e to get used to it, then it'll be fine. Personally I sometimes find padded stuff a little "chaffing" so I wouldnt worry too much.

7 miles is a good distance, its not so long as to be intimidating and not so short as to leave you wanting, sounds like a great route too.

Hope you keep it up.

 

[PaulSB]

What I meant was that the actual centre of Knutsford sits on a hill (top St & bottom St)/

Where's your site in Timperley as that's my neck of the woods?

Ah right I'm with you now.

I work for a group of bedding plant growers. We have a nursery on Wood Lane and another at the top of Thornley Lane near the RA where Wood Lane and Thornley meet.

Also have a couple in the general Knutsford area.

 

[Leodis]

On my third day of the week today and starting to feel the old legs ache and no sure I can do the 4 days I promised myself..

Anyone else take a bit of time to be able to commute 4/5 days a week?