Tales from today's commute....

[cyberknight]

Who commutes all through Winter ?

And what distances are we doing on that commute ?

unless its too icy or horrible i keep going i ride at just under 10 miles each way .

 

[HLaB]

Who commutes all through Winter ?

And what distances are we doing on that commute ?

Ive been pretty lucky with ice thats the only reason Id not commute sometimes.
IIRC my Edinburgh commute I did for 5 years was 8miles round for 5 days a week. Roads were really well gritted and I roade bus routes on icy days
Down south roads are less well gritted.
My Old Peterborough commute was just 3 miles round on icy days did that for 5 days a week for 2 years (although on god days it would be extended).
My Newark Commute was 14miles but on really icy days Id park closer to the office (I did that 5 days a week for 5 years)
My Old Cambridge Commute was something like 25miles round and I'd do that 4 days a week (my coach had me resting on the 5th day) and I had the bail out of the Guided Bus when it was icy (I did that for 3years)
My Hertford commute was 28miles round but in the covid period initially so I was only in the office 1 or 2 days a week and not at all during lockdown.
My current commute (2 days a week) started at 26miles round but I moved and it ended up being 36miles at first then 9.6miles round when I realised by going direct I could after my move make group rides, and when its looked like ice I've just messaged the boss and worked from home (I dont recall having to do that since I shortened it).

 

[markharry66]

Who commutes all through Winter ?

And what distances are we doing on that commute ?

Normally I take last few weeks of December and the whole of January off as I is lazy

 

[wafter]

Normally I take last few weeks of December and the whole of January off as I is lazy

It's certainly a test of one's fortitude to get out in the depths of winter.

For the first time this winter I've actually considered walking to work when the weather's at its worst as riding can be such a pain when it's like this. I struggle with cold extremities (not helped by wind chill) while there's always that unresolvable clothing dichotomy of staying warm without cooking (or subsequently freezing in a cold office as your sweaty mass cools down). On top of this the weather's harder on the bike and there's a greater risk of coming off on ice..

The down-side would be no sausages, less flexibility to go to the shops / exercise after work and of course less riding outright... although probably balancing things with a bit of load bearing exercise for the lower body probably wouldn't be a bad thing.

 

[sevenfourate]

Normally I take last few weeks of December and the whole of January off as I is lazy

I’m keen to commute ! I’m just ‘concerned’ the 15 odd rural miles each way (Minimum) might be a bit much.

Wrapped up, cold and possibly wet for an hour each way minimum. If it was 5 or 6 miles I’d be much more certain. But a 30 mile daily round trip could soon take the shine off cycling 🤷‍♂️

 

[Alex321]

I’m keen to commute ! I’m just ‘concerned’ the 15 odd rural miles each way (Minimum) might be a bit much.

Wrapped up, cold and possibly wet for an hour each way minimum. If it was 5 or 6 miles I’d be much more certain. But a 30 mile daily round trip could soon take the shine off cycling 🤷‍♂️

Mine is verty similar - since the office moved to the centre of cardiff, only 14.3 miles each way, where it was 15 when we were in Cardiff Bay (moved in April this year).

There have been times when I have been very glad to get into a warm shower on arrival at the office, but I generally haven't found it putting me off cycling in general.

 

[fossyant]

Literally rinse and repeat today. Hosed it down first 30 minutes then stopped. Kept the tempo down, still boiled though. Sticker on the power switch to the drying cabinet asking the Facilities staff not to switch it off mid morning as our kit is wet (mine mainly sweat). Winter boots back in service !

 

[sevenfourate]

Mine is verty similar - since the office moved to the centre of cardiff, only 14.3 miles each way, where it was 15 when we were in Cardiff Bay (moved in April this year).

There have been times when I have been very glad to get into a warm shower on arrival at the office, but I generally haven't found it putting me off cycling in general.

Lucky you 😁

Small company where I work. No hot shower available. Even a ‘strip’ wash wouldn’t be the most pleasurable…..

 

[fossyant]

Lucky you 😁

Small company where I work. No hot shower available. Even a ‘strip’ wash wouldn’t be the most pleasurable…..

We don't have showers, so it's out with the baby wipes.

 

[wafter]

Nice ride in this morning - bright and sunny by with a tangible chill.

Seems the great temperature discrepancy has started creeping in for the year; arriving at work with a warm core buy chilly arms.

Sausages get 7.5/10.

 

[fossyant]

Nice ride in this morning - bright and sunny by with a tangible chill.

Seems the great temperature discrepancy has started creeping in for the year; arriving at work with a warm core buy chilly arms.

Sausages get 7.5/10.

Almost asked about the sausages, but they were at the end !

 

[biking_fox]

Dodged the showers so yay!

 

[fossyant]

Dodged the showers so yay!

More than a shower for me. Deluge !