thinking cycling to work

[Origamist]

Hi Terry,

Nearly 18miles each way is not an average commute distance - far from it. I'd gradually increase the mileage as you approach the date when you are planning this 36 mile round trip commute. It will probably be worth trying it a couple of days a week to begin with, and see how that goes (although you might surprise yourself and manage more commutes).

I know bits of the National Route 1 and if you are able to use the disused railway lines for any considerable part of your commute you will have a pleasant, traffic free journey along those stretches (just watch out for dogs, pedestrians and other cyclists).

 

[terry_gardener]

thank you for all your comments and encouragement and i will be doing this once i have increased my fitness enough to do it.

just thanks again for all your help and the very quick replies.

ps i will also keep you informed of my progress and commute when i do it.

 

[Norm]

I did it a few months ago, 20 miles each way and about 1100ft of climbing. I found a local run which was the same sort of distance with a few climbs and did that several times to get used to it. When I finally made the commute, I felt a million dollars.

Of course, I was made redundant a few days later, but I'm chuffed as heck that I've done it.

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

It's all relative.

I reckon you will be astounded that you even asked the question, when it becomes normal to you - but that will take some time

Bit it is a fair old distance (mine is only 3 miles, but I do often take 10-15 mile detours on the way home, I'd be wary of HAVING to do it regularly, at first - and that's just one way!)

I'd say try it, if you find it a chore, then do it once or twice a week, then up it as you feel like.

It it's enjoyable, or at least you find the work rewarding, then you'll continue. If you hate it and force yourself then you'll give it up sooner or later.

 

[Zippy]

Could part of the journey be done by train, even if it takes you out of the direct way though lessening the actual cycling miles? Then cycle the whole route when you get fitter.

 

[sayek1]

Hi,

Good-on-ya. I started commuting last summer - 19miles each way. Nearly all of it on tarmac cycle paths thereby avoiding Glasgow traffic (and potholes the size of moon craters).

I started doing it twice a week and quickly moved to three times - whilst I am about 17st (40+years old) I am not unfit - going to the gym 3-5 times a week. Early days I'd "bonk" on the way home at about mile 13 or 14. Having a good lunch helped and I no longer bonk.

I also found that for my third trip of the week I'd take the bike in on the car on a Thursday morning, cycle home Thurs evening and back in on a Friday meaning that I could have a leisurely drive home on a Friday - just another option.

Whilst I am still tired on the evenings I do cycle I am less prone to go to bed at 9.30!!!!

Weather is not much of an issue - rain is not worth worrying about (we are all waterproof), the wind is the biggest killer. However, I did have a big crash on ice/frost in Dec so have decided not to ride below 5degrees which means an enforced lay-off of about 3+months here in Scotland - if you do this then take my advice and stop the big lunches with no long ride to wear it off - thats why I'm still 17 stone!

My aim this year is to build up to 5 times a week in mid summer and do some sportives.

Short answer is 18miles is easily achievable. It takes anything from 1hr 10min to 1hr 25min depending upon wind direction and hills - newer faster hybrid should get me down by another 5mins as well soon.

Don't worry about the route either(path vs road) - just watch for inconsiderate owners of dogs who happily let the buggers jump out in front of you without a care in the world. Not sure who'll come off worse at 20mph - me or the dog?

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

 

[HobbesChoice]

thank you for all your comments and encouragement and i will be doing this once i have increased my fitness enough to do it.

just thanks again for all your help and the very quick replies.

ps i will also keep you informed of my progress and commute when i do it.

Hello again Terry,

You don't really need to wait until your fitness levels are up as what better way to get them up then by getting on your bike for a decent set of miles. One weekend very soon just go out and cycle 18 miles and you'll be shocked at how well you managed them. If you wait until you feel fit enough then you'll just be holding yourself back.

If you really feel your legs aren't up to the task then you just need to do some squats and lunges every other day for a week and I promise you the ride will be more than manageable. When you feel you're weakening on a bike ride then a flapjack or some edible energy boost is the way to go!

Best of luck with it all and enjoy!

 

[GAVSTER]

My commute is about 17 each way - sometimes more - sometime less but at least 31 round trip.

Start off doing once a week and build it up.

I currently do three times a week. Or twice and then a longer run at the weekend.

I don't ride if it's icy and if it's blowing a gale I'll ride to the station and take the train.

Remember - it's meant to be fun !!!

 

[shippers]

The big advantage to using the road is you can get a road bike, and that'll make a big difference to your speed and the amount of effort you need.
My commute (13.5) on my old Apollo hybrid was 1 hour 20. Bought a road bike and it was suddenly 1 hour 5.
53 minutes this morning!ably a lovely option in summer though.

The canal paths or whatever probably a lovely option in summer though.


Just stumbled across this on youtube- clean shorts required!

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36R8nL2x0D4&feature=related