First commute, not great weather

[Matthew_T]

Well as the title says, I did my first commute to college today.

I enjoyed cycling in the morning and back, but the weather has been attrotious today. In the morning it rained and was blowing a gale (set off at 7.30am and got there ar 9.05am). And to add to things, my front brake cable broke when I got to college.
In the afternoon, I went to the LBS and fixed the cable and headed home with the wind behind me.

Today was the first day I had packed the panniers full and it weighed an awful lot (barely could lift it). I am sure it now weighs more than me.
Anyway, I have now removed everything which I definately dont need and it is a bit lighter.

When I told everyone that I had cycled in today, they were all gobsmacked and said that I must have had balls of steel to be able to do that in this weather. I am sure I will get used to it though, I did enjoy cycling early in the morning with hardly any cars on the road and filtering past the college bus which I would be on at the college (about 2 miles of backed up traffic).

The wind was at 25mph today.

 

[MrJamie]

Didnt you have your brake cable snap in a video not long ago, different bike?

 

[Matthew_T]

Didnt you have your brake cable snap in a video not long ago, different bike?

Nope, same bike.

I had an old bike a while ago and was throwing it away. I decided to take all the cables off it as I thought they would be useful. I had an old cable in when it snapped, it was bound to happen soon.
When I was in the LBS, the guy noticed that it wasnt the usual fit (designed for MTB brake levers). I explained why and now I have a new road bike brake cable. Everything is sorted!

 

[wisdom]

I too got a soaking but still enjoyed the ride.
The secret is to get your stuff dry before you put it back on.Good quality gear is defineately worth the extra you pay.I still prefer the bike to the car

 

[palinurus]

The wind was at 25mph today.

Respect!

 

[classic33]

Just when you think you have everything sorted, Mother Nature has to throw something else at you. Don't let it put you of though. Things are going to get worse before it gets better weatherwise & when the better weather comes you'll look back at today & be able to say "I did it then, I'll do it it now."
Aware that others are trying to convince you to take alternate means, but if you can do it now, when it does get better you'll realise that you made the right choice.

Now just start cutting back on what is being carried.

 

[cyberknight]

, I did enjoy cycling early in the morning with hardly any cars on the road and filtering past the college bus which I would be on at the college (about 2 miles of backed up traffic).
.

Early ?
I have been working for nearly an hour by the time you set off !!. i regulary commute home at 3 am as well after an early night shift as well
Well done matt , keep it up and you will have legs to match your steely nads !

 

[gaz]

Keep it up Matt. The bad days are soon over shadowed by the good.

 

[G2EWS]

Well done Matt, I am with you all the way. Soon to get my first wet ride I guess.

Just hope I have ordered and got some wet weather gear by then!

Hopefully this weekend I will chose it with the help of mates.

Regards

Chris

 

[Matthew_T]

Thanks for the comments guys.

I have all my winter warm stuff ready but I think I will probably opt for the bus with wind stronger than 25mph. I was barely averaging over 10mph.

Today was the second day on the bike with panniers so I now have the rest of the week to get used to it (college days are Mon and Tue).

 

[redcard]

Thanks for the comments guys.

I have all my winter warm stuff ready but I think I will probably opt for the bus with wind stronger than 25mph. I was barely averaging over 10mph.

Today was the second day on the bike with panniers so I now have the rest of the week to get used to it (college days are Mon and Tue).

Don't be silly!

I rode 25 miles home tonight into a similar wind. It might not be easy, but think of it as good training. It makes you a better, stronger rider.

Cut down on the pannier weight and you'll be fine.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

but the weather has been attrotious today

It goes through spells like these

 

[Leaway2]

Yes it was a wet and windy day, but you have done it now. Snow and ice next!

 

[fossyant]

Just monday and tuesday in college - lucky sod.

Matt might be OK with snow and ice - it's a little warmer on the coast.

 

[LCpl Boiled Egg]

Well done Matthew. If you can get through a day like that first time out, nothing will stop you!