Tips on becoming a 'proper' cycle commuter

[DCLane]

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.

Google Maps seems to be wrong for cycling times. It suggested I'd take 3 1/2 hours today to do my 23-mile route; it was 1hr 40 and I'd guess I can get it to 1hr 30.

I do a 10-mile commute in 30-35 mins into work and 33-38 back - that's a hilly one too.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

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

I found when I increased my daily commute from 5 miles each way to just over 17 miles each way several years ago that for several months I was eating more, but then once I got used to it, my calorie intake returned to its previous level.

 

[Kookas]

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.

8 mph average? How long does your current journey take?

 

[David Parry]

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.

Yeah, I do this too. I've got bits of clothing (spares) stuffed away in various locations in my office book shelves!

 

[discominer]

Yeah, I do this too. I've got bits of clothing (spares) stuffed away in various locations in my office book shelves!

Indeed, and pannier helps carry these things back and forward- and Marathon Plus tyres means I haven't had a puncture (ok I'm not superstitious and don't deal with fairies) on my commute in three years. 8 miles or so each way and generally no sweat, no complaints from colleagues, and, recent weeks aside, rarely soaked (and I live in Glasgow!).

 

[wiggydiggy]

Yeah, I do this too. I've got bits of clothing (spares) stuffed away in various locations in my office book shelves!

And can I share a pitfall of this approach: Someone might nick your shoes!

Quite a nice pair of newish brown work shoes, snaffled from under my desk over christmas. Gits lol.

 

[mangid]

I would add:

If you're not already doing it, start doing your own bike maintenance ...

Things will wear out quicker (time wise :-) ), doing your own maintenance will mean you naturally keep an eye on things, be able to potentially bodge if things go wrong, and keep the bike running nicely.

 

[SquareDaff]

Be prepared for a few aches as you get towards the end of the week, at least until you get used to it. Depending on the time of the year be prepared for longer exposure to the elements, i.e. sun, rain, snow, icy winds etc... As you commute already you'll probably have the gear - just ensure it's up to the longer exposure times.

 

[summerdays]

I would add:

If you're not already doing it, start doing your own bike maintenance ...

Things will wear out quicker (time wise :-) ), doing your own maintenance will mean you naturally keep an eye on things, be able to potentially bodge if things go wrong, and keep the bike running nicely.

Having a spare bike is quite useful too - it means that you can fix the bike at the weekend when it isn't so late/it's light etc.

 

[morrisman]

I already struggle to keep my weight up as it is

As a fat old bloke I hate people like you

 

[David Parry]

Indeed, and pannier helps carry these things back and forward- and Marathon Plus tyres means I haven't had a puncture (ok I'm not superstitious and don't deal with fairies) on my commute in three years. 8 miles or so each way and generally no sweat, no complaints from colleagues, and, recent weeks aside, rarely soaked (and I live in Glasgow!).

Continental Gatorskins! Hello speed....goodbye flats!!

 

[DCLane]

Quite a nice pair of newish brown work shoes, snaffled from under my desk over christmas. Gits lol.

Not good - I've 3 suits and a pair of shoes at work, plus other spare clothing. If they vanished there would be problems.

 

[Martin p]

I'm just trying to get back into my commute after an accident in August . Doing the run at weekends to find then best / quickest time . Where abouts are you commuting to / from out of interest ? Btw I save the hills till home time too :-) from a Sheffield bloke .

 

[Julia9054]

I keep a hairdryer at work.

 

[sheffgirl]

I'm just trying get back into my commute after an accident in August . Doing the run at weekends to find then best / quickest time . Where abouts are you commuting to / from out of interest ? Btw I save the hills till home time too :-) from a Sheffield bloke .

Hi there
At the moment my commute is Wadsley Bridge to Kelham Island, but it will soon be from Stocksbridge to Kelham Island. I think it will be enjoyable in the summer