First post re: First commute

[jamfit]

Well I decided to take the plunge and start to ride to work, originally considered riding but the idea of a 24 mile round trip seemed just to far….
However the thought was nagging away at me. as I currently train 4 times I thought I could drop my running and replace it with the ride to work .

Well I went for a 12 mile test ride on Sunday then I went for it on Monday, South Croydon to Tolworth and back again it took me 1:05 each way
with a good few stops for a map check I must admit there is a huge scope for fitness increase as I could feel my legs and lungs working in
ways there just not use to but seeing that the last time I was on a bike was 16 years ago I guess that is to be expected?

I have taken today off as a rest day and plan to ride in on Wednesday, rest Thursday and ride in on Friday, and continue with this
Brake in routine until I start to physically get use to it.

Any comments would be much appreciated

 

[BentMikey]

Well done mate! You sound like you're being super sensible and doing all the right stuff. Yes, you can expect to get a lot faster over the next year. Rest is good, it's when your body gets stronger.

 

[BrumJim]

Break-in routine, not brake in routine.

That's about the only criticism that I can make. Remember all the time you are saving in both exercising and getting to and from work at the same time.

 

[ianrauk]

Welcome to the forum Jamfit and well done for taking up the challenge of commuting. The thing is, the more you commute/ride, the less a challenge it will become. Sooner rather then later your 24 mile round trip will be easy peasy.

 

[jamfit]

Thanks all for your comments, I am already looking forward to tomorrows commute, the legs are feeling surprisingly strong today (hope they feel like that tomorrow) and with any luck the slightly tender rear will have eased up??

 

[2Loose]

Give your bum and legs 2 weeks to get used to the ride in, then it will all feel natural....and then you can get faster, push those legs harder and harder!

Glad you enjoyed it, keep it up. Oh and welcome!

 

[palinurus]

Well done, sounds good to me. A 24 mile round trip is fine once you've found your cycling legs, building up to it is the right approach (I did it by gradually moving farther away from work rather than increasing the number of commutes per week!)

. Rest is good, it's when your body gets stronger.

The number of times I've said that to myself while sitting on the sofa drinking beer...

 

[TheBoyBilly]

Welcome. I've been commuting for about a year now and, although it is only half your distance, the benfits are plain to see. Commuting has even got me into weekend fitness/leisure rides...I love it! My advice would be to make sure you have an emegency kit ready (pump, spare tubes etc) and to get prepared for winter riding now. Look out for bargain waterproofs, gloves and you'll need decent lights come late September...just an expense to look out for. All in all though riding to work is great - you'll get a buzz and is very cost-effective. Well done.

Bi8ll