But if that ride would have been a commute to work, with maybe no shower/changing facilities there, then does that mean that a lot of cycling commuters start their day at work all sweaty and knackered!
I wouldn't like to start my day at work like that.
Why knackered?
My commute for many years used to be 6 flat miles each way, I don't remember ever feeling too tired to do it, not even after a 14 hour shift standing/walking all day, so an active job.
Now my commute is a meagre 3 miles each way.
I'm not suggesting people do a 20 mile each way work commute (even though there probably are some that do), but small distances are not tiring imo, maybe for the first week, but then one gets used to it.
The showering thing: I never do shower at work, I might get there with my outer layers soaking wet, but not sweaty, probably because I don't exert myself.
Funny enough, ime, the men seem to need a shower after cycle commuting, most women don't.
There's a guy at work that cycles from a couple of villages above mine, his commute into work is downhill, like mine.
We both change into our uniform, we both deal with body fluids at work, so the "professional image/office look" is not relevant.
But his commuter is a carbon without mudguards, no rack or panniers, just a saddle bag.
Mine is a steel tourer, winter kitted, massive panniers.
He goes hell for leather all stravad up .... no wonder he needs a shower
Then again we have a consultant (needs to look the part) that only showers if he runs into work, not if he cycles.
It's all relative
but compared to driving which would be my only other alternative for a commute, is it really that expensive ? my car has cost me £500 this year already in MOT/servicing costs, that doesnt include insurance, VED or petrol costs or further repair costs if required.
cycling is by far the cheaper option, even if you bought a new £300 bike every year.
Of course you are right.
I think most people think of motoring expenses as inevitable, like the council tax lol
Because they feel driving is the only option, they pay what is needed to keep the car on the road, maybe doing without other stuff that is deemed not essential.
Even at £2 a litre, despite much belly aching and inflated vehicles coats people are finding money for cars and fuel. They prioritise it other many other things and see maintaining car payments and fuel as an essential. There is no appetite currently to reduce milage.
I agree with you, different priorities.
