One Year In

[J4CKO]

I did my first work commute one year ago on the 10th of June, was an occasional cyclist before that, very occasional if I am honest.

I am pleased I have made it this far, though I found the actual ride ok at the start it was the traffic I struggled with, used to get agitated before I went out, you cant beat a speeding Quarry wagon passing you two foot to your right to focus your attention ! got over that after a few months and am used to it now.

Have done about 2000 miles, due to having no computer at the start, changing computers etc I cant say for sure but the current one says 1600 miles so I cant be far off.

I think that having somewhere to come and rant, get advice and spout drivel has helped immensely, so thanks for putting up with me.

I don't think I will go back to car commuting full time, its ok occasionally but its too easy, too boring and to be honest I need the exercise, I feel I have discovered something valuable in cycling regularly and I wish I had started years ago (now 38), my intention is to keep going indefinitely*



*except when it is icy

Thanks again,

J4CKO

 

[fossyant]

Jolly good.....well done. TBH you've got a nice route, other than the Chelford Road bit.

 

[HLaB]

Well done JaCKO, I started commuting whem I was 26 or 27 on and off (can't remember exactly) and I wish I'd started years ago too.

 

[Lazy-Commuter]

You've pretty much summed up my situation too, J4CKO, except I started all of 3 months before you!!

I just find the drive to work waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more stressful than the ride: could be that I have to go the long way round in the car, along various race tracks dual carriageways whereas on the bike I can do mostly back lanes, a bridleway with a couple of small bits of housing estate. I get to see a lot more wildlife that way ...

As an aside, car journey takes between 20-40 minutes depending on traffic. Bike journey is a consistent 30 minutes, plus or minus a few depending on wind direction and how much I'm enjoying the scenery.

 

[Panter]

Well done J4CKO, it's very easy to start something, not so easy to keep it going.

Glad you're enjoying it too

 

[HJ]

Well done, keep it up...

 

[J4CKO]

Cheers, would be surprised if I didnt keep it up now, assuming I am healthy, stay in the same job and dont get knocked off (too often or too badly) I am certain I will keep it going.

 

[nigelnorris]

Amen brother, roughly the same here.

I wish that my other hobby [fishing] didn't require lugging so much stuff over such distances, otherwise I'd sell my car and use the money more constructively. [Improve the quality of my Friday night bottle of red, frequent visits to spearmint rhino, etc]

 

[MacB]

Excellent, I think a full year is a great milestone, very well done

 

[hackbike 666]

I started cycle commuting in 1981,wish I could go back in time.First trips were from Barkingside to Hainault and Barkingside to Chadwell Heath.so different to now.Well done J4CKO.