Taking a sabbatical from here..

[BrumJim]

Or a furlough, if you are that way inclined.
Awaiting the final decision tomorrow, and it looks as though I will be on placement in Derby for the next 3 months.
Last time they put me on placement for 3 months, it lasted 3 years.
Initially it is only for 3 days a week, but will probably extend to the whole week, as they have acknowledge that most of our customers won't be happy in waiting 4 days for a response.
So, Derby is 43 miles from my front door by the shortest route (A38 most of the way), or over 54 for the sensible cycling route. And I'm not doing that even 1 way other than on special occasions. And I will be car sharing, so no chance of taking the train and getting off a stop early.

Not too sure how this is going to work out. My mental state appears to be strongly linked to getting those rides in (although it has gone a little wayward recently), and at my age, surely my fitness is going to take a big hit. Commuting is great for getting fit, as it is time neutral for my route, but with a longer commute, less spare time, and therefore less time for additional exercise, I'm not convinced that I can take much remedial action.

Still tempted to ride home once a week, though. If its nice - I must be addicted.

 

[mumbo jumbo]

That's a bummer. Fancy a consolation weekend ride sometime?

 

[marshmella]

The thougjt of cycling on the A38 to Derby brings me out in s cold sweat.

 

[BrumJim]

[QUOTE 2381839, member: 259"]That's a shame Jim, and I was hoping to probe you on good curry houses in Selly Oak as well.

Are you taking a sabbatical from here as well, or just the commuting bit?[/quote]

Just the commuting bit.
Curry houses in Selly Oak? My personal favourite is Balti Cottage, now known as "The Cottage" on Pershore Road in nearby Stirchley. Not done any of the Bristol Road ones recently, so cannot comment on what is hot and what isn't.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Can you take your bike in the car and do a dinner time ride?

 

[BrumJim]

That's a bummer. Fancy a consolation weekend ride sometime?

Certainly. I'll want to wait until the weather is warmer, though!

 

[BrumJim]

Well, three months has turned into 3 more months, and with Bombardier winning more contracts, it could be much longer. My weekly ride home has been more like once every two weeks, due to being a dad and all that, and I can't help but notice how much less fit I am than I was this time last year when I did the Kidderminster Killer Audax. I'm having to watch what I east again, for the first time in a long while. I have a riding partner who works at the same place and lives just around the corner from me. He uses to be slower, but is now much faster. So a lot to be grumpy about, but riding home 50 miles from work once every two weeks is still pretty decent, I think.

Would still prefer to be doing 2 - 6 mile commutes a day, though.

 

[biggs682]

@BrumJim could you not leave a bike at work so you could have a lunch time ride ....so to speak

 

[Wobblers]

I hadn't seen this thread until now. I second biggs682's idea of keeping a bike at work: even half an hour on the bike can make a difference. Otherwise, try to work some utility cycling in to your routine: why not cycle to the shops or the supermarket rather than take the car for instance? It's probably not any slower than taking the car, and you can fit a surprising amount of shopping into a pair of panniers.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Park and ride?

 

[BrumJim]

I try to do some utility cycling, but awkward when you leave your bike lock at work!
Have contemplated running over lunch 1/2 hour, but tend to eat lunch instead.

 

[tribanjules]

weekend consolation run then BrumJim ?

 

[BrumJim]

Well, times have changed. Still working in Derby, but I am no longer sharing a lift.

Was going to do my last Big Ride Home on Thursday, but worn mechanicals had their final revenge, and a failed up-shift on the chainring lead to a bent hanger, and an end to the ride just a few hundred metres from the start. I think I will do one final Big Ride Home for old-times sake, though. The previous one was unpleasant - I think I was harbouring a minor ailment and felt UTW (Under the Weather) from 10 miles out, and therefore missed the celebratory Fish and Chips when I got home - didn't feel up for it.

Latest plan is to catch the train Derby to Burton, then ride the rest, but I need an earlier train, which will mean having breakfast on the move rather than before I leave. Or do the reverse on the way home but I want to be back in time to put BrumJimJnr to bed.

Will update you as I progress.

 

[Archie_tect]

Hope you get something worked out BJ... good luck. The 3 months got extended then.... any sign of it ending?

 

[Kies]

Having recently bought a folding bike .... Ay good for your commute? Even if your living away a few days a week, folder can sit under a desk, and would get you riding.
Just a suggestion :-)