First Full Commute - Lessons Learned

[MacB]

So, did my first full commute yesterday, it's 19.5 miles each way, I've got a lot to learn, and came by train today:-

did 22 miles going and 22.5 miles coming back - got lost at the office end both times, had memorised road names but country road signs are not so good. Commute is from Cove, Farnborough, Hants to a business park just short of Maidenhead off the A4(but I can come in from the back way.

my feet were like blocks of ice when I arrived at work and quite painful as I showered. Lunchtime, went and bought thermal socks and wore those over normal socks for trip home. Started out toasty but got caught in temporary roadworks and long tail back. Feet were cold by the time I got through and even worse when I got home. I need to get better footwear, have thought of using plastic bags inside my trainers over the socks.

flat bars are no good for me at this length of trip - have butterfly bars coming, I really need to be able to vary hand positions.

remember to change my torch batteries before I leave for home - real pain having to stop and change at roadside.

Things that have been invaluable that I picked up on this forum:-

spinning - easier gears, higher tempo, made it up every hill and lot less leg/knee pressure. I know the little ring is a 'granny' gear but I'm not ashamed to use it

layering and merino wool - didn't know it was possible to be so warm wearing so little and yet not get clammy, big thumbs up

road position - I ride out and proud and other traffic has so far been very good to me. Couple of idiots, one guy cut me up last night then, when I pulled level with him at lights 20 yards up road, he stared rigidly forward refusing to meet my eye There's also a lot of people that pull into the kerb in a cue if they think you might sneak up the inside, go figure!

two fish lock block - great velcro gismo for fixing torches to handlebar

fenix torch - incredible light for a little torch that takes 2 AA batteries

knee warmers - keeping knees warm makes a difference

set aside the cold feet, lack of hand positions and the getting lost - I really enjoyed the commute. Riding along yesterday morning with the sun rising to my right and not a car in sight was sheer bliss

 

[snakehips]

Good effort. I have used the plastic bags in shoes technique in very cold weather. Two identical lights (with separate mounting)would enable you to swap lights instead of batteries (if necessary) . I did this on last years Dun Run

 

[MacB]

It's good you know what stuff to get.

39 mile round commute? Respect!

Yeah, but I really didn't need to add 5.5 miles due to getting lost, I felt pretty low on the way home once I knew I'd gone wrong and the feet had gotten cold

Snakey, yep am already ordering a second fenix and lock block coz it makes my other front light, an led town type seem pointless. Also a lot of my miles are on unlit roads, I want to be able to throw one beam forward and have one near. I just use the rechargeable AA's so no problem on that front.

 

[mr_cellophane]

Wear thermal stuff next to the skin. not over ordinary clothes.

 

[jay clock]

excellent.... a long way for a daily round trip so build up slowly. 39 miles for me is almost 2000 cals burnt up so make sure you eat plenty extra

Re the feet, overshoes are a big plus. I have a massive range of cycling kit and after much experimenting have realised that keeping the feet warm is hard.

Also you mention trainers. Even if you do not go down the cleated shoe route, I would very strongly recommend the comfort and stiffness of a pair of decent cycling shoes. I use Specialized Taho shoes for touring and these would be ideal with overshoes (Endura MT500 is tough enough)

If you want clipless pedals (ie with cleats in the shoes) I would recommend the Shimano M324 pedal as perfect for commuting. Cleated one side, flat the other. It becomes second nature in very short order.

Keep it up!

 

[summerdays]

Have a look at the route on something like either livelocal or googlemaps where you can look at aerial photos. This can be good when planning an unknown journey as you can look at some landmarks where you need to turn off a road, and even see some road markings sometimes.

 

[MacB]

Thanks Jay, I was actually looking at MTB specific boots, or similar, what I'm using are more suited for Spring/Autumn. I reckon I'll be ok if I use thin thermo socks, then thick thermo socks and MTB/walking boot with reasonable windchill built in. As back up I'll keep a couple of large sandwich bags to put feet in before boot if need be. Have looked at pedals and think I know the ones to go for and will probably try some strapless clips on them. New bike not due til tomorrow, have the marathon + tyres and butterfly bars all ready at home

Agreed on the distance, day off today, not feeling too bad though. Might need some cream for down below and the right hand is still pins and needles fuzzy on one side. Probably because I'm still employing a very tight grip on a lot of my ride, can't help myself yet. Overall goal is to manage the commute 3 days a week by end of June. Will be on bike again tomorrow as temps look a bit kinder. On the plus side my legs and bum feel fine

 

[BentMikey]

Overshoes don't come close to a proper set of winter boots, IMO. Oh, it's also worth making sure your head is warm by wearing a good hat, and extra layers on your core.

Congratulations, you're obviously doing very well!

 

[MacB]

thanks, anyone any views on these boots:-

http://www.rideon.co.uk/shop/ViewProduct.aspx?productId=816

any other suggestions welcome....cheers.....Al

 

[Tynan]

I doubt anyone out for over 45 mins has warm feet at the end at the moment

it's as bad as it gets at the moment, dark and very very cold, can't say that I've enjoyed the last few rides that much, mostly through ice worries, summer is a blast, hard to remember already having to buy lighter than light kit

 

[Tynan]

thanks, anyone any views on these boots:-

http://www.rideon.co.uk/shop/ViewProduct.aspx?productId=816

any other suggestions welcome....cheers.....Al

for your mileage I really would suggest clipless, I don't see the word 'warm' or 'cold' or 'waterproof' (not that they will be) in the puff for those shoes

 

[BentMikey]

Not warm, but equally much warmer than without winter boots. I'd go for something like these Spesh Defroster MTB boots:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/:wink:/5360032434/

 

[hackbike 666]

My helmet kept my head warm.(ooer)