Long Distance Commute ...

[beckster]

Hi folks, first post and am looking for a bit of advice on commuting to work.

Up until about 2 months ago, I had been cycling 5 days a week for about 18 months, covering over 10 miles a day in to Liverpool city centre and back home and apart from a few days when it snowed, was happy cycling in any weather conditions.

I changed jobs a few months ago and was recently offered the chance of a better job. Only downside is that the job is permanently based in Manchester which I didn't find out about until the interview. It is a much better job and a lot more money so I am seriously thinking of cycling in to work and back home. Only thing is, it’s nearly 35 miles in and 35 miles back !!

Whilst I do spend a lot of my free time cycling, it’s a lot further than I would normally cycle for work. I am usually out on my bike at the weekend and can easily cover 30 to 100 miles in a day, but have never been in a position where I am going to do 70 miles a day for 5 consecutive days so would be grateful if anyone has any advice or tips.

Becky

 

[I like Skol]

IMO it's unrealistic to do a 5 days a week commute of that distance. It sounds as though you are already quite fit but even so it is likely to take over 2 hrs each way to do that distance. That will be at least 20hrs a week just commuting, how long is the working day? Do you have any family commitments because even if you can cope physically with the mileage, sacrificing that much time out of your daily life is likely to make it an impossible proposition.

 

[fossyant]

As Skol said. I had two jobs that were 30 miles from home (South Manchester to Warrington/Northwich) and my job needed the car, but it's a hell of a long day having tried cycle commuting in better weather. It's more the time out of the house. If you have a family, it's a nightmare.

Even at a good speed you are looking at 2 hours or more each way in the saddle, add in changing time etc. you could easily be out of the house 6am to 7pm. 35 miles in 2 hours is a fair old speed, so it could be 2.5 hours easily.

How about driving part way ?

Winter could be very tricky. Icy roads are no fun over that distance, and using studded tyres would be impossibly hard.

I'm currently doing about 30 miles a day, and that's OK for time. Time is usually the limiting factor. I've just moved offices, and it means being out of the house about 30 minutes earlier than usual, which isn't going to be popular with my family !!

 

[Celticdog]

Young Lad in my work commutes a round trip of 40 miles, but he is a serious weight weenie in his late 20's.
I think there's been some good suggestions here- drive or take train part way or only do it a few times a week.
I'd give it a trial run once you've been in the job a little while, take advantage of the good weather while it lasts.
I'd defo fit a pannier for all your bits and bobs, I wouldn't fancy cycling that distance with a backpack.
Another option is to cycle to work on one day and ride home on another, provided you have somewhere safe to
store your bike. Good luck with it!

 

[fossyant]

Also plan the route. Loads of us can help from Warrington in to the city, but a part commute is a good idea. Mix it up, drive sometimes or ride. Some nice lanes through South Warrington, but as with cycling, getting the nice roads means extending the commute.

I was chatting with colleagues today, and one of the younger girls in the office didn't realise I commuted in by bike, she lives less than half a mile from me. It takes her as long to get in as it does me to go the long way. About 10 miles by car vs 14 on a scenic route. She was more shocked that I didn't look like a muscle bound athlete like Chris Hoy. I just used my age as an excuse. I've got 20 years on her....

 

[Crankarm]

I echo the comments above. Summer is doable as the days are longer but come winter shorter days and poor weather it would be grim riding such a long distance every day! 35-40 is probably the most comfortable although I used to do 60 for a bit and it became a real chore as well as dangerous so many miles in the saddle it was only a matter of time until I was knocked down again which I was - hit and run. Also factor in bike cleaning and maintenance as at the mileage you will need to keep your bike in fine fettle. 70 miles round trip is probably doable only 3 days a week unless you are a Pro rider? Maybe you could drive half way or to a distance you feel comfortable riding the rest or incorporate public transport for part of your journey although in rush hour this is a miserable experience imho. If you ride a long distance each week then you will have to eat a good diet and a lot and drink a lot to stay hydrated, make sure you get enough sleep and spend a lot of time washing kit. As I say in winter it can be grim especially when it's freezing riding on ice and snow for such a long time each day. You will need good warm kit to keep warm and also very good lights which will cost a bit, but will be worth it as they will be bright and last a few years. You will probably need a bike that can take panniers as well as you don't want to be riding that sort of distance with stuff on your back.

Why not try a few test rides on a weekend so you can pick a route that is safe and you know you will get to work on time? I would suggest not cycling the first week or two when you start at your new job as you may be undertaking induction training, before which you have had time to really check out the cycling facilities at your new employer, where to keep your bike etc, if you can keep it on site, changing, lockers, etc. Test the lie of the land so to speak. You don't want to upset anyone early on if it is a good opportunity.

Are you a member of British Cycling or a local cycling club? If not you should at least be a BC member for their 3rd party insurance and their legal assistance in case you are knocked down.

Good luck with both your cycling and new job.

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

Im going to say go for it, it's more than do-able. You've got to get your head in the right place though to do it day in and day out. I've got into the habit of laying my kit out the night before, and get everything else ready such as food, drink, lights or whatever. I dont want any faffing about when I get up, just want to get dressed, quick brekkie then out the door. Yes I've turned into a bit of a robot but it's efficient! I'd also say start as soon as you can, get into the flow while its still BST, that way when the days draw in you'll already have the mileage in your legs and the mindset in your head. Go for it, you won't regret it

 

[Hip Priest]

The only good thing about commuting 70 miles a day is that you could eat ALL THE FOOD!

 

[Sara_H]

Only you will know if you're capable of committing to such a long commute, I personally wouldn't be fir enough, I also couldn't commit that ammount of time.

Is there a bike-rail-bike option that you could consider if you find the bike only option too arduous?

 

[Origamist]

That’s a long way there and back and, a substantial increase in commuting mileage. What's more, it’s not the same as extending your commute daily for pleasure. Without knowing your level of fitness (although it sounds like you have a goodish base) it would probably be worth trying it 2 or possibly 3 days a week to begin (that’s still 140 or 210 miles a week commuting!).

Now is a good time to try as it’s August and not December. Alternatively, you might have a multi-modal option – train/car and then a shorter bike distance. It’s nice if you have a route that provides the opportunity to bail at a nearby train station if there’s rain and a 20mph headwind for 35 miles…

A few things to consider – do you know what your route is like in busier commuting times? How much climbing is there (not much I should think)? Are there alternative routes – shorter, longer, harder etc? Will you be able to travel light – obviously preferable. Are there facilities at work – bike sheds, showers etc? Can you deal with minor mechanicals on route – you might be a long way from a bike shop. Will you cycle when it's icy - if so, you'll probably need ice tyres and they're going to slow you down. Are your Sat rides social affairs, if so, would you have the energy to continue with them? Is your job physically demanding - if so, it's going to be harder on your body (even if not, you're still likely to be tired after a day of work). Finally, can you afford to spend 4hours + on your bike (and that's assuming a good average speed)? These are practical questions that only you can answer.

Let us know how you get on.

 

[KneesUp]

Do you have a car, OP? I'd be tempted to drive to Leigh or somewhere you can park safely and cheaply and cycle from there - you'd half the commute and avoid having to drive in and out of Manchester at rush hour. Or get the train - although that might be more complicated at rush hour, although from memory the Manchester Airport train goes as far as Liverpool and that has lots of storage. (Not been on it for 10 years mind you - might be different rolling stock now)

I think 70 miles a day on top of a day at work would be exhausting, and not much fun in winter. Also I'd imagine you'd generally have the wind in your face on the way home.

 

[cyberknight]

Move house.

 

[furball]

Being able to cycle 70 miles on a weekend is very different to cycling 70 miles in addition to a full day of demanding work.
I used to commute 20 miles each way. The thing that I found difficult was getting enough sleep with the result I was very tired in the afternoons and by Friday I was a waste of space at work.

 

[Sharky]

The most I've done is 23 miles each way. It's great to start with, as it takes you to a new level of fitness, but before long the fitness gets dulled by being tired all the time and it becomes a chore. What are the train services like from your area? A partial train journey or train in the morning and cycle home would be feasible, but need to build in some recovery days.

Good luck
Keith

PS my home town is Prescot and I used to go training along the East Lancs Road - not too sure if I would now!

 

[steve292]

When I work office days I ride @27 miles each way 2 or 3 times a week, albeit with not much in the way of climbing - http://www.strava.com/activities/154690881 . what you want to do is doable imo, but maybe not every day.
I will add that the wind can make your life hell as there is no option to go out into the wind & back with it as you would plan a leisure ride. you need to be organised in regards to clothing food washing ect.
I have 2 small kids & 3-4 hrs extra on a working day is a lot & something you may want to bear in mind
HOWEVER- the feeling of smugness over the people who have driven is great