Every excuse possible...

[Easytigers]

Having looked at threads in the past, I've often read of people finding excuses not to cycle into work. I looked at myself thought that would never be me.
Yesterday the neighbour looked at me as I climbed into the car and said, "So what's today's excuse?" I just laughed it off as I explained that I had too many books to mark and couldn't carry them on the bike. On the way to school I suddenly realised that I haven't done a full week of cycling in for about 3 months...In fact it's become once or twice a week (if I'm lucky). I winced when I thought back to seeing the neighbour every day and actually, I always do have an excuse!
Any tips or advice would be thankfully received (my waistline is beginning to need it!)

 

[Glow worm]

Well, it's not easy for me to answer as I would rather crawl naked though broken glass than drive to work, but decent panniers are a good start if you have a fair amount to carry. It's amazing how much stuff you can get on a bike with them. I use Altura 56 liter ones and can get pretty much a weeks shopping on board. They're also waterproof.
Decent facilities at work help too of course, such as showers and secure cycle parking. Also, is there a different route you could try- maybe quieter or more interesting perhaps?
I would also tell your neighbour to mind their own flippin' business! If you are not up for it for whatever reason that's your call! Even if you are only biking it once a week that's a hell of a lot more than your average British commuter!

 

[ianrauk]

As Glow worm says. A couple of good large panniers and you will have no excuse.

 

[Hawk]

Pannier rack + bag(s) to carry heavy stuff. A rucksack if even more space is needed.

If it's a long commute, bike-train-bike could be an option.

When I'm lazy and want to get the train instead of cycling, I remind myself how boring it is and how much more fun you'll have cycling.

It even works in the rain

 

[mr Mag00]

i have a 160 mile round trip that my excuse

 

[Easytigers]

It might have to be panniers then...am a bit worried about the effect of the extra kgs (especially on the hills...of which there is one almighty one...my nemesis!) but then I guess taking a couple of inches off my waist might even things up!

 

[machew]

As I am finding it is easier to remove a couple of KGs from the middle of the bike than from each end

 

[DCLane]

As a fellow academic I tend to do 4 days a week by bike and 1 by car.

Basically I save up the really heavy stuff to take in/bring back and do it in one go.

So, now you've no excuse

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

Mark the books at school?

 

[fossyant]

It's not good when the neighbour says 'what's the excuse'.

Mine are more likely to say 'whats wrong' if I get in the car.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I don't have the choice, I don't own a car.

 

[ianrauk]

I don't have the choice, I don't own a car.

You and me both

 

[Deleted member 1258]

You and me both

Its been about 30 years since I last owned a car, and then it was only half a car, a Reliant three wheeler.

 

[ianrauk]

Its been about 30 years since I last owned a car, and then it was only half a car, a Reliant three wheeler.

46 years for me... o oh... i'm 46 years old....
So never.. tried driving, took lessons, hated it.. vowed to never drive and I never have.. and never will.

 

[fossyant]

46 years for me... o oh... i'm 46 years old....
So never.. tried driving, took lessons, hated it.. vowed to never drive and I never have.. and never will.

WOW and you are a londoner ?

Well done. Flippin money pits even if you don't use them much. Used to love cars - driving isn't fun now anyway - too much congestion.