How much VIM do you invest into commuting?

[Andrew_P]

If I rate my commute using HR % I mostly do the 50-55 minutes bth ways at around 70-75% of max.

 

[Recycle]

Growing middle age, a desire to beat yesterday's time, and the delusion that I can do so will do me in one day.
I convince myself that it's the traffic lights that wreck my times.

 

[donnydave]

ahh dammit, I can't live a lie any more. My previous answer of "I only go at 70% so I don't tire too much but do some good exercise bla bla bla" is now complete tosh, a work colleague has got strava and part of our route is shared so we had a go a couple of mornings last week, we are pretty well matched but he's slightly faster. So out of curiosity I had it running a few times on my commute and for some guided busway segments I'm almost breaking into top 20. It's now 100% all the way.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

Why would I want to use a surface cleaner while commuting?

Some of those cycle paths are pretty disgusting! Also, if you happen to meet one of those flashing perverts, just squirt some Vim in his general direction, and hopefully he'll get the point.

 

[BenM]

Growing middle age, a desire to beat yesterday's time, and the delusion that I can do so will do me in one day.
I convince myself that it's the traffic lights that wreck my times.

It is definitely the lights that do it... definitely... without doubt... a sample of 2 recubmanauts makes the observation scientiffik and all

 

[Deleted member 1258]

There's an interesting, and possibly controversial, article on the pitfalls of combining training and commuting in Cycling Weekly HERE

That article has some good advise for those that are competitive cyclists, but I don't think its relevant to those of us, most cyclists? who are non competitive.

 

[Kookas]

Difficult one to pin down.
Going slow just isn't in my nature, seeing another cyclist in the distance makes me go faster (it's a very rare sight when I'm going to work). But if I don't feel like it, I try to cruise(ish).
Remember when scalping, take a few good breaths before passing. This way you can call out a cheery "good morning" without sounding out of breath at all, so you appear TDF fit.

Same here, although I've found it's not the best idea to chase someone in the distance in the middle of an 8 mile commute as hilly as mine. I just maintain my average speed and catch them up eventually.

 

[DCLane]

10-12 miles each way, depending upon the basic route. I do chase down other commuters though

It depends on the day and how my legs are feeling; some days are fast, others I just toddle in 3-5 minutes slower.

 

[4F]

That article has some good advise for those that are competitive cyclists, but I don't think its relevant to those of us, most cyclists? who are non competitive.

non competitive ? , I am a competitive commuter

 

[mcshroom]

Where's the 'come on I'm late for work' option? Describes most of my morning commutes

 

[Arfcollins]

Bimble in, race home

Me too. No showers at work so I only want to work up enough sweat that can be dealt with by a stand up wash in the ladies toilet. Hell for leather on the way home though.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

This time of year? I ride to arrive. End of.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

non competitive ? , I am a competitive commuter

Competitive cyclists as in someone who does time trials, road racing, triathlons or other competitive events.

 

[GrasB]

There's an interesting, and possibly controversial, article on the pitfalls of combining training and commuting in Cycling Weekly HERE

It's also a very close minded article & assumes that the rider doesn't have much discipline. I can use my commutes as a very effective training time. Admittedly I can change my routes to avoid high density traffic outside my warm up/cool down miles & besides that I use minor back roads which never really get that busy.

 

[matty01]

Every morning is a battle with myself with just over 6 miles to work with 1100 ft total elevation, it's a little hilly round here