Finally did a commute

[JediGoat]

Have just finished my first commute for over 5 years

I saw sense and popped the knobblies back on my MTB last night, packed my panniers...then had a bit of a lie-in this morning and waited for the rush of traffic to subside.

Had possibly too many clothes on, but I knew I'd have to walk some of it (not just icy roads to trouble me, but rubbish legs as well ). I was toasty warm the whole way in.

I'll not win any prizes for speed - it took almost and hour and a half to do 7 miles, but I reckon I walked (slithered) 2-3 of them and I stopped for a couple of breaks.

Finally getting up to the top of Hampstead, overlooking the heath as the sun belted down from a clear blue sky with everything covered in snow was just breathtaking.

I took the precaution of shoving some Quality Street in my coat pocket - nothing to do with needing sugar or energy (I've plenty of energy reserves under my skin), but just for the moral boost if it all got a bit too much for me

I'm looking forward to the (mainly downhill) journey home. Tomorrow, I have to travel to two jobs, so 20 miles altogether....right now I'm considering it (it might be a different matter in the morning ).

 

[palinurus]

What a time to start! It'll only get better I suppose, and if you can do it now it'll be easy in the spring.

 

[Norm]

Nice!

 

[gaz]

keep it up. you should be able to at least half your time at some point.

 

[bad boy]

Well done, and you must be really motivated to go out in this weather !.

 

[fossyant]

Brill, what a time to start...you'll be well 'ard after the first couple of weeks....

 

[Vidor06]

Fair play for going out in this weather. I am back to work today after the holidays and although the weather in Belfast isn't as bad as some places I didn't even contemplate riding to work today. I have no experience of riding on ice and didn't fancy learning about it today.

 

[davidg]

chapeau for the time of year!

 

[JediGoat]

Thanks guys, I'd love to say it was all my own thinking, but to be honest, circumstances forced it upon me.

I had to get into work to file a VAT return (last day today), I've just reinsured the car 3rd party only (so not taking that out in this weather), and it is way too much ice both at home and here at work to use my motorbike.

I'd realised that I'd have to walk in, then thought it can't be much harder to walk pushing a bike, and it gives me the chance to pedal on the flat, non-icy bits.

I did enjoy it though, and think I'll be sleeping rather well tonight

 

[hackbike 666]

Nice one,you'll be faster than me before you know it.