My first...

[mmace]

this morning was the first time...
I'd ridden a bike in around 18 years
I've taken more than 10 minutes to get to work
I've sweated getting to work
I've enjoyed getting to work!

I made my first commute this morning on a bike I bought yesterday but because of some bad family stuff at the moment I have no chance to ride it to ease into it on a night so when I got on it this morning it was a first for everything, I had to figure out the gears etc as I went!

it's only 3.2 miles but it's all uphill so I'm proud of what i managed. I went a bit too fast in the first 10 mins and ended up having to walk for 2 mins to get my breath but was fine after that. I had no idea it would be so difficult, I'm normally quite fit and can run or train in the gym as hard as anyone, I didn't think my T-shirt would get so wet!

Passed 1 cyclist who said morning (while I was walking!!), after some of the stuff on here I thought I would be snubbed!

I really enjoyed it, my thighs are burning and I'll ache like mad tomorrow but can't wait to do it again (may leave it til Friday so I don't burn out too fast)

thanks to everyone on here for their help and advise in the past!

 

[sjb]

Well done, the first step is the hardest but once made you'll carry on for sure. Soon you'll be looking for a longer route to work cos you're enjoying the cycling so much......

 

[summerdays]

Write down the time it takes ... its going to improve ... I remember a hill I couldn't make it up to the top ... gradually I improved the point where I got off and walked until the time I cycled the whole way up, almost died at the top - but I was elated (?spelling).

And remember to still keep asking questions.

 

[mmace]

cheers guys, I'm looking forward to beating the hill (which is about the first 65% of the journey!)

I will be increasing the ride when I get better & fitter

it's currently this (3.3 miles): http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/leeds/368713547216

and I plan on it moving up to this next (5.47 miles): http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/leeds/870929066

 

[Brock]

Good work mmace. Remember, the weather is almost never as bad as it looks through your bedroom window first thing in the morning.

 

[mmace]

Good work mmace. Remember, the weather is almost never as bad as it looks through your bedroom window first thing in the morning.

oh, I know that, it's never put me off, I used to go running at 6AM every morning in all weather, everyone said I was mad but it's fine once you're out there, especially this time of year when it's getting warmer!
just got to get used to getting up at 5:50 for cycling now as I start at 7AM and I have a baby that doesn't like to sleep all night!

 

[Brock]

I was just having a look at your route in Google Earth, looks like quite a long drag up that hill!

 

[BentMikey]

Nice one mmace! Join BikeJournal.com - there's a cycle chat club on there, and you can have the fun of recording your mileage and watching your average speed go up and up. I find it very satisfying to record my rides, and then you can amaze your mates with the mileage you do on your bike.

 

[magnatom]

Well done and welcome to the club!

 

[John the Monkey]

Good job!

If you find you're sweating, a good cycling jersey (or "technical" t-shirt) will be a bit more comfortable than a regular t-shirt.

 

[John the Monkey]

Nice one!

A cycling jersey, or a "technical" t-shirt might be a better bet than a regular cotton one if you get sweaty, btw - will feel much more comfortable.

Nice one mmace! Join BikeJournal.com - there's a cycle chat club on there, and you can have the fun of recording your mileage and watching your average speed go up and up.

Or Cyclogs, which also has a cyclechat team...

 

[BentMikey]

Don't like cyclogs, bikejournal is much better IMO.

 

[palinurus]

"I've enjoyed getting to work!"

Good isn't it. I was thinking the same thing this morning.

20 years of commuting and I still like it, even when it rains.

 

[goo_mason]

Good for you. mmace !

The aches and pains will soon be a memory, and in no time at all you'll be racing yourself to beat that personal best time.

 

[4F]

Don't like cyclogs, bikejournal is much better IMO.

I'm sad, I like and use both