First commute 23 miles

[Ootini]

This is my planned commute for Friday: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4192059

I tend to keep the bike in work midweek for lunch time rides, and tend to transport the bike in the car on Mondays and Fridays. This week however I plan to get a lift in to work on Friday and ride home.

Anyone got any hints and tips before trying this? I'll be leaving work at 4:30 pm on Friday and sunset is around 6:11pm. I recently completed a much more relaxed 22 miler in 1:45 but that included a few 5 minute breaks etc.

 

[evo456]

Bring basic spares/repair kits with you and also a set of lights. You do not want to be caught out riding in the dark

 

[Kies]

have a decent late lunch around 2pm and you should be fine

 

[Cameronmu917772]

The topography looks fine mostly down hill with a few short up hill sections. Just hope the weather is good to you follow the above info and enjoy.

 

[400bhp]

Isn't there a coastal path along there?

 

[Ootini]

Yep, I reckon 95% of the route is one National Cycle Route 5.

 

[Ootini]

Bring basic spares/repair kits with you and also a set of lights. You do not want to be caught out riding in the dark

As far as the spares kit goes (and other kit) I'll be taking the following:

• Saddle bag:
  • Spare tube
  • Pair of tyre levers
  • Pack of scabs
  • Multitool
• 2 x 750ml water bottles
• Mini pump
• Set of cheapo lights.

 

[ianrauk]

2 x750ml water bottles seems excessive for only 23 miles... unless you are the real thirsty type.

 

[Ootini]

Think I should drop to one? I honestly can't remember if I finished both on my last 20+m ride. I think I'm paranoid about getting caught out there wanting a drink but not having one. But then it is another 750gm on the bike's weight and it's not exactly a racing snake to start with.

 

[Beebo]

Think I should drop to one? I honestly can't remember if I finished both on my last 20+m ride. I think I'm paranoid about getting caught out there wanting a drink but not having one. But then it is another 750gm on the bike's weight and it's not exactly a racing snake to start with.

Make sure you drink well before you start and you will be fine.

 

[mangid]

As far as the spares kit goes (and other kit) I'll be taking the following:

• Saddle bag:
  • Spare tube
  • Pair of tyre levers
  • Pack of scabs
  • Multitool
• 2 x 750ml water bottles
• Mini pump
• Set of cheapo lights.

I would take 2 tubes, not sure what 'scabs' are but a packet of instant patches is always good to have as well. I've had tubes be worn whilst they sit in the bag waiting to be used, things get jostled around a lot on a bike. These days I keep the tubes in a Tyvec envelope, which stops anything around the tubes rubbing up too close. Also worth having some hard flexible plastic to cover any large cuts in the tube. Also maybe an SRAM quick link just in case.

 

[mangid]

2 x750ml water bottles seems excessive for only 23 miles... unless you are the real thirsty type.

Yep, I don't take any water on my 40miles in, do keep wondering if I don't drink enough ..

 

[buggi]

one water bottle will be fine for that journey. I used to do a 25 mile commute 3 times a week... both ways. I used to get thro a bottle per 25 miles, and i used to set an alarm in my computer to remind me to drink every 20 mins coz I'd forget. Even if you forgot them you wouldn't die of thirst! You just get a headache.

its just a bike ride, don't fret so much. You can always call the mothership if you get stranded.

 

[Ootini]

I would take 2 tubes, not sure what 'scabs' are but a packet of instant patches is always good to have as well. I've had tubes be worn whilst they sit in the bag waiting to be used, things get jostled around a lot on a bike. These days I keep the tubes in a Tyvec envelope, which stops anything around the tubes rubbing up too close. Also worth having some hard flexible plastic to cover any large cuts in the tube. Also maybe an SRAM quick link just in case.

Hi Really appreciate the info! Quick question, how do I know what type of chain quick link to use? I've got an SRAM chainset but a Tiagra cassette, does that effect anything? I've no idea what type of chain I have.
Scabs are instant patches, sorry I think it's a brand name. I've got my tube wrapped in a cheapo food bag, held tight with an elastic band. I also have a tool tube, that I can carry instead of the second water bottle, which contains:

• Another inner tube
• A slightly larger multitool
• Small adjustable wrench
• Puncture repair kit

 

[Ootini]

its just a bike ride, don't fret so much. You can always call the mothership if you get stranded.

Very valid point! Must remember to stick a couple of quid in the saddle bag for "Emergency rescue / bus fare".