Possible new commuter - any helpful hints

[Tenorman]

Hi everyone

I'm possibly about to start a new part time job in an office around 18 miles from my home. Most of my cycling to date has been local shopping trips, and then recreational rides. Due to various aspects of this job I will need to take a car at least one day a week. The other 1 or 2 I am thinking of riding - but have never been a cycle commuter. What basic things, other than the obvious of leaving enough time, take change of clothes, etc, should I be thinking about? I'll probably start off using my Reflex Eclipse hybrid, as I've added a few things to make it better (new rear mech, Schwalbe tyres, better rack, etc), but thought that I may be able to use the old Raleigh Pulsar that I'm doing up as a road bike for when I want to go faster.

Cheers
Tenorman

 

[Dan B]

Do it do it do it.
18 miles each way is a bit of a trek if you do it every day (especially at first, or if you're feeling under the weather), so you may be glad of the occasional car day.

You don't say if the trip is urban or rural or something else, but in either case you will almost certainly need decent lights now that the nights are starting to draw in

 

[Tenorman]

It's mainly rural - Newark to Lincoln. I can do it on the now dualled A46, or take rural back roads. I think the main road may actually be the better bet in darkness - I've not checked to see if there's a cycle track alongside it as I never use it on recreational rides and always take the back roads. I have B&M dynamo lights on my hybrid, and some fairly decent Infini lights that can go on the roadie so shouldn't have a problem from that point of view.

 

[HobbesChoice]

Hi there. I'm a fairly new commute cyclist and I cycle 18 miles each way. Other than the obvious things you've stated, the things I find that really help my journey are a slow release carb drink for the times you need an extra push, particularly in the mornings if you've not eaten much. Keep yourself light by making sure you carry as little on your back as possible (I have my change of clothes and gym gear in my small cycling backpack but I keep all my tools/puncture repair stuff etc in a handlebar and saddle bag). I wear gel cycling gloves too as I've had cyclists (handlebar) palsy in the past and this has stopped me getting any recurrences. Cycling glasses help protect my eyes from all the road dust and debris that flies up.

Oh, and make a point of noticing the good things that occur on each trip as these more than cancel out any minor bad stuff!

But mostly, just get everything organised and go for it, because when I think about things too much I put myself off or make it more complicated. The best thing I've done in a very long time is just getting in the saddle and going for it!

I hope that helps.

 

[Theseus]

If you can, leave as much at work as possible. There is no need to carry shoes, trousers etc each way. If you are taking the car in some days, use this to stock up on clean shirts pants & socks. Also use this to take home dirty laundry.

If you are not already confident riding in traffic, get yourself a copy of Cyclecraft and read it. Lots of useful tips on how to control the road.

 

[Tenorman]

Thanks for the replies. In no particular order of replies;
I never wear a backpack - always panniers or a rack pack that doubles as a shoulder bag. I get severe "sweaty back" syndrome, and much prefer cycling unencumbered. Already have the mits and cycle glasses as I use them touring. Didn't really think about the nutrition aspect though. What do you use as a slow release drink?
I don't mind traffic too much. Have had and thoroughly re-read Cyclecraft for some time - in fact before this current change of direction was contemplating training to be a Bikeability instructor (strange then that I've never been a commuter huh?)

Shoes - I'd thought about the leaving trousers and a couple of shirts but never thought about the shoes. Doh! I suppose it's things like that that made me think about posting here
Luckily the office has a very casual clothes policy, so no need to leave suits and ties.

 

[Glow worm]

Hi everyone

I'm possibly about to start a new part time job in an office around 18 miles from my home.

Do it- you won't regret it. Even if only a couple of says a week. A v quick look at the map suggests you only need to get to Thurlby and it's all along rural lanes to there. See http://www.sustrans.org.uk/map?searchtype=search&searchkey=Newark-on-Trent, Newark and Sherwood
From then on it's an off road Sustrans route to the egde of Lincoln (looks like it's next to A46 sadly). So I'd go the rural route til there. Via Coddington, Stapleford, Norton Disney Thurlby. You could carry on the rural route through Witham and the Hykehams but by then you'll prob get mixed up with rat running rush hour drivers on the edge of Lincoln.

Good luck and let us know how you get on. (I don't know the area at all- I just enjoy planning routes - so your local knowledge will of course help). Also, use Google Earth- it often shows up that farm track/ bridleway that may not otherwise be obvoius.

 

[HobbesChoice]

Regarding slow release carbs, this is what I use http://www.hammernut.co.uk/perpetuem-orange-vanilla---16-serving-container-56-p.asp

It's a bit hefty for a commute but I had some left over from my London to Paris ride and it's low in calories etc but works really well. The Orange and Vanilla is my favourite which sounds nasty but is really pleasant. Not sweet and not high in sugars or sweeteners either. They do a single sachet for about £2.50 if you wanted to try it first.

You sound a lot more organised than I am with your ride. Good luck with it and let us know how you get on. I could do with the moral support cycling through the winter!

 

[purplepolly]

What basic things, other than the obvious of leaving enough time, take change of clothes, etc, should I be thinking about?

Don't spend too much time reading the commuting forum beforehand. It's not really a good indication of an average commute as people are letting off a bit of steam. On the other hand, if you're resolute enough not to be put off there's a lot to be learnt from other cyclists near misses.

If you'll be commuting at rush hour, try and do at least a couple of test runs in that direction at the weekend when the traffic's light. Then it'll be easier when the traffic's there.

Get organised the night before and always check the weather forecast, especially the overnight temperature in winter.

 

[akaAndrew]

18 miles each way is a bit of a hike for a commute. Have you ridden this far before?

Can you do a try out first? Maybe one way and get a lift/bus/train back?

 

[D4v0]

I do 14 miles each way and built up to that by doing 1 day a week then increasing it slowly, now after 3 months I am doing 4 days (mon,tues ride, train wed, ride thurs,fri), my commute is also very hilly.

Build up to it, and if your legs hurt too much the next day, then dont ride.

 

[MacB]

I started in Jan, 20 miles each way, one day a week and built it up. I cycle every day I go to the office now, average 3-4 per week, I do notice the odd 5 day week I've done. I was 42, 6ft1, 18 stone and hadn't cycled any distance in years. I say go for it and listen to your body, don't ignore pains or sore bits, I've paid the price for doing that. Decent padded shorts, bib or waist, and look at layering for the top half.

I'd spend a few hours/days reading through threads on here, follow links to other sites, Sheldon Brown is great. If you don't know already familiarise yourself with all the names for the bits of bikes. Look at the various gearing, pedal, bar, shifter and brake options. Be aware that there is a lot of incompatibility around parts. Spend time getting your bike set up well and getting your position comfy.

good luck and keep us posted on progress

 

[Tenorman]

18 miles each way is a bit of a hike for a commute. Have you ridden this far before?

Can you do a try out first? Maybe one way and get a lift/bus/train back?

Oh the distance should be no problem - I've done far further than this on a regular basis recreationally. I think somehow the idea of a commute, and therefore must be done at a set time, is making it seem longer to me. It will only be once or twice a week too.

Cheers

 

[skudupnorth]

I used to do 18 each way in my younger days and it was brilliant once i had got used to it and i got to a point where i was faster than taking the car.I still commute but my job is a lot nearer now (down from 18 to 6 ) but i still leave all my weekly clothes on the Saturday morning i work and give the shoes a good polish for the wek ahead !