Tips on becoming a 'proper' cycle commuter

[sheffgirl]

I will soon be increasing my commuting distance to and from work. I really want to keep up with the cycling to work.
At moment I am only doing 5.6 miles a day in total, and my distance will be increasing to 16.7 miles each day.
Is there anything I need to do/use differently? Apart from better lights, obviously, since I will be riding on NSL roads, some without streetlights IIRC. At the moment my route involves a busy dual carriageway, so I am used to traffic.

 

[400bhp]

You're not allowed to cycle to work that distance.

See other thread.

Nothing different apart from possibly easing into it if possible. Might need to think about changing facilities at work, but I don't know what you do now?

 

[DCLane]

Nothing different, just be prepared - better lights is a good idea. Keep a waterproof with you.

I'm deliberately trying to up my 20 miles a day to 30+ at the moment.

 

[sheffgirl]

You're not allowed to cycle to work that distance.

See other thread.

Nothing different apart from possibly easing into it if possible. Might need to think about changing facilities at work, but I don't know what you do now?

Haha, yeah I saw that thread.
I have thought about having a practice run before I do it for real. Google Maps tells me it will take 1 hour and 5 minutes one way (8.3 miles), but I reckon I could improve on that over time. I have ridden the route once before so I am familiar with it, and its fairly flat. I have also been doing quite regular weekend rides of about 12 miles lately and have felt no ill effects afterwards.
At the moment I just get changed in the toilet and leave my clothes on the radiator to dry if they are wet. I don't work with the public so it doesn't matter so much if I am not immaculately groomed.

 

[Easytigers]

You'll be fine. Is it a very hilly route? Maybe try a couple of times a week then build it up :-)

 

[sheffgirl]

You'll be fine. Is it a very hilly route? Maybe try a couple of times a week then build it up :-)

Not as hilly as my current route. I live up a big hill at the moment. IIRC there are some slow inclines, more so on what will be my way home than the way into work, which is preferable, in my experience. I'd rather have the more difficult journey on my way home when I'm not against the clock and can shower and relax when I get there.

 

[wiggydiggy]

Tips?

Being prepared if you carry clothes e.g. I have 5 x shirts, socks etc carried on Mondays. Frees my panniers up to do bits of shopping and stuff the other days.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Maybe get into a routine (once a week on your day off?) of changing batteries, checking tyre pressure, chain and rim cleaning - I know, some would suggest a full bike clean
Check tyres daily for embedded objects that could result in a flat.
Practice changing inner tubes in the cold and dark? Only kidding! Plan a bail out way to get home in case there are mechanicals you can't fix: 8 miles in the rain is a long walk.
All the best!

 

[Boothy]

take a bigger lunch

 

[Twelve Spokes]

Stop at reds.

 

[mickle]

Read this.

 

[doug]

The longer the commute the more you need to think about contingency plans :

• spares
• tools
• waterproofs
  
• phone for calling for help
• money for taxi/train fare should things not work

 

[machew]

And above everything enjoy it

 

[summerdays]

I did something similar,and found it quite tiring at first. I've found that I don't need quite as many layers as I do on my old route normally, due to getting warmer. And making sure I carry a drink, and emergency rations when I'm feeling tired or ill and yet know I still have the return leg to go.

 

[sheffgirl]

take a bigger lunch

Lol, I do suspect I might need to increase my calorie intake. I already struggle to keep my weight up as it is
Nevermind, its a good excuse to eat more cake