First commute done

[jnb]

Only 14 miles ish but I managed 1h10 - 1h15 ish which I don't think too bad given I haven't ridden for a long time and so far I've only done 5 miles at most in a stretch (albeit that was then followed by playing squash and another 5 miles downhill to get home again)

What I noticed? if you're not in a city there probably is a non main road, country lane route you can use, most drivers are better than the accounts here might suggest and I get lost in housing estates which was where I had to double back and use the main road for the last mile, but for that I would have shaved another 5 - 10 minutes or so off that time. I also noticed there's nowhere to lock the bike at work. Most of the downpipes are plastic, the few metal ones are so close to the wall that I couldn't get my lock behind it and there's nowt else to lock to, so the bike's next to me in the office.

All in all - a lot easier than I expected.

 

[Keith Oates]

Good luck with the home journey and I'm sure when you sort out your route the commute 'bug' will get you and make it enjoyable. If you can keep the bike next to your desk in the office that should be the most safe solution!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Paulus]

Well done, from where to where is your commute? The office is the safest place for the bike. Is there not an empty room you can use?

 

[400bhp]

Good work - keep it up

 

[MrHappyCyclist]

Excellent; well done.

I always keep my bike in the office. There are very good places to lock it outside, with Sheffield stands, but I wouldn't be happy leaving it there. Also, it means I don't need to strip everything off the bike when I get to work (2 panniers, 4 lights, air-horn + reservoir, tool-kit, water bottle, and saddle).

I agree that most drivers are good. You get a false impression here because it is mostly the bad ones that get mentioned, whereas the good ones have to be exceptional to get a mention.

Your time sounds pretty good to me.

 

[jnb]

and back in 1h20. I will confess to walking a short section though, but that's because there's a 1 in 5 climb near the end of that 14 miles

 

[MrHappyCyclist]

and back in 1h20. I will confess to walking a short section though, but that's because there's a 1 in 5 climb near the end of that 14 miles

Give it a couple of months and you'll be cyling up that hill.

 

[cyberknight]

Well done !

Keep it up and you will soon be knocking spots off your old time and enjoying the ride , my commute is the best part of the working day.
I find the country lanes very good in general for good overtakes , in fact most of them use the other side of the road !
That might be because they can or a lot of the traffic is liable to be from where i work ( we have 2,300 employees ) and probably know me....
As for locking the bike up i cannot take my bike in to work as we have full height turnstiles for security but we have a bike shed .I still take all my lights,bags etc off though as i would not trust some folk not to"borrow" something especially the magicshine 900 lumen light i have for riding on those unlit lanes.