Encouragement required

[nukefusion]

I think I need my head testing.

I have a new bike. Riding it at the weekends is fun. In an attempt at incorporating enjoyable exercise into my day, I'm also doing the 6 mile commute to work. I think I am starting to wonder why.

If I actually manage to get to work with out being killed by some ar$eh*le in an Audi, cutting me up so close they actually brush my clothing (not an exaggeration), I then have to spend 5 minutes coughing up the numerous gnats and flies that I've managed to inhale on the way in. Apart from that I feel like I've been kicked in the perineum by a horse. Oh and my lungs feel crappy. I usually arrive back home stressed, angry and generally unhappy.

If this doesn't get better I really do feel like giving it up.

I don't want a miserable commute to destroy my enjoyment of cycling. Has anyone else had similar experiences or feelings? How do you keep motivated?!

 

[Noodley]

Maybe ask in "Commuting"?

 

[nukefusion]

Maybe ask in "Commuting"?

Sure. Sorry if it's in the wrong place. Feel free to get an admin to move it.

 

[Wigsie]

I am in the opposite situation, got hit by an ar$eh*le in a VW on the M25 last month and still too sore etc to ride so itching to get back out on the road.

Its like most hobbies/sports/transports I guess (I say that because I havent had 'the bad commute' yet) where sometimes a bad day can put you off for a while.

IMO if its the commuting that is pissing you off then shelve it for a week or so and ride at weekends and in the evening (I ride in my lunch hour sometimes - roads are really quiet). Alternatively find a slightly less crowded (albeit longer) scenic route into work, leave 20 minutes ealier and try and relax a bit more.

 

[ianrauk]

simple really. When I have to get the train to work every now and then, it reminds me how lucky I am that I don't have to mix with the great unwashed everyday, twice a day.

Why is your perineum in pain? are you wearing good quality cycling shorts? Have you tried changing your saddle?
Your lungs.. are you pushing too hard on your commute?
Are you new to the cycle commute? It takes time to get used to a regular ride to work.

As to cars brushing by too close, it's unfortunately part and parcel of a commute. Try to let it go, try to relax on your commute, the more you relax the more you will enjoy.

 

[Noodley]

Sure. Sorry if it's in the wrong place. Feel free to get an admin to move it.

You are likely to get some more informed replies in "Commuting" that's all.

 

[Shaun]

nukefusion, is there any opportunity to change your route at all?

Maybe cut out some of the busier and/or narrower stretches of road?

Also, do you cycle quite close to the curb, you know, hug it with your wheels? I only ask because a lot of beginners do this thinking it will make more room between them and the passing cars. However, experience shows a lot of us that cycling further out into the road can actually slow drivers down a bit. Because you're further out, they've got to think twice about trying to squeeze past you, so it can have the effect of slowing them down a little and making them wait for a safe opportunity to pass you.

Unfortunately though you won't ever get away from impatient people on all forms of transport - even if you belt along at 20+ mph (faster than most cars on the morning commute!!) - you just have to find a way of letting the frustration out before it eats away at your enjoyment.

Silly as it sounds, next time you get wound up - simply bang away at your pedals and try to go as fast as is safely possible. Really put everything into it (well, maybe not everything if you have a heart condition ) for about 30 seconds to a minute. It doesn't sound a long time but by the time you've got your breath back (about an hour later for me!!) you'll find you're likely much calmer than before you started. It might not work for you, but it does for me - takes away the frustration.

As Noodley suggested, you might want to try the Commuting section for some tips on how to deal with numpties in all forms on your commute.

Cheers,
Shaun

Oh, and welcome by the way ...

 

[rich p]

What's the bike? I'll give you a tenner for it

 

[Wigsie]

I will give you £12.50 cash

 

[Joe24]

Dont let these con merchants give you a crap deal for your bike.
Ill give you the proper asking price for it.
And using my superior knowledge, i know that no second hand bike is worth over £13, because afterall, you would have to be an idiot to spend over £100 on a bike.

 

[Noodley]

You are likely to get some more informed replies in "Commuting" that's all.

See what I mean....

 

[Abitrary]

If this doesn't get better I really do feel like giving it up.

I don't want a miserable commute to destroy my enjoyment of cycling. Has anyone else had similar experiences or feelings? How do you keep motivated?!

My motivation is that any form of transport that involves self-propulsion is more imaginative and worthwhile than sitting in a car.

I think a 'little' bit of moral superiority is important... and maybe a bit of agression on the road. Look drivers in the eye and stand your ground.

But yes, swallowing flies is the worst, but I enjoy headbutting bumblebees.

 

[montage]

Swallowing flies?



Think of the protein

 

[nukefusion]

Thanks for the advice. I've modified the route slightly and have adjusted the saddle. It seems to be a bit better now. If that doesn't work I'll get some spongy padded shorts or something and failing that, a new saddle.

Interesting stuff about the road position. I do try to keep over a bit in order to be courteous to other drivers (don't want to be the evil cyclist holding everyone up) but it seems that maybe I am inviting people to take the piss and cut past within a millimetre. I'll try cycling further out.

Oh and sorry but I won't accept anything less than £14.62.

 

[Aperitif]

Hello nuke - what the others say, particularly Ian who shares my distain of the sardinistas on the train.

Open mind + closed mouth.

(And 'find' Auntie Helen on this forum for Essex delights...