Unfit bloke starting a commute.

[Rhythm Thief]

Thanks for all the advice, folks.

1000ft over 17 miles isn't too bad. I assume you're going to keep off the A40?

Not sure. I'm not scared of A roads - in fact in some ways, I think they're safer than lanes - but the A40 doesn't look like much fun. Mind you, I see plenty of cyclists on it and I commute at funny times (start work 7pm, finish around 4.30am) so it might not be too bad.

http://gb.mapometer.com/en/cycling/route_1275276.html

That looks to be about the best "lanes" commute, and it's only a mile longer than

http://gb.mapometer.com/en/cycling/route_1275288.html

this which is the main A40 route. Less climbing on the A40 though ...

I'm off downstairs to dig out my Dawes Galaxy. If I can find it.

 

[VamP]

I am turning 43 next month, weighed 18 stone last summer, haven't really cycled or done much sport in 10 years.

Now I commute 15.3 miles each way on a bike, although not every day of the week (fair weather cyclist) as I also sometimes travel to other locations (usually by airplane). And I smoke. Oh and weigh 13.5 stone.

I climb 500ft over the outward leg, less on the return, so it's an easier route than yours, but I would say *Just do it*.

You'll acclimitize within a month, and with your cycling experience you will know how to pace and stretch yourself.

I do my route in around 55 minutes (50 on the homeward leg) and by car it takes a minimum of 35 minutes, and can be considerably more in case the traffic goes mad. It's really a no brainer. My new roadbike is on C2W, and I have worked out that if I commute twice a week by bike, then I get my gorgeous Bianchi for free. There's motivation for you.

 

[jefmcg]

Just to buy in: I "accidently" moved from multimode (train + 3 miles cycle) to cycling 12 flat miles each way. First week was interesting: day one, in and back, no problem. Day two, the same. Day 3, about 5 miles from home, I suddenly ran out of energy. So I'd go with the advice here. Even if you feel fresh after day 1, work up to 180 miles per week. It won't take too long if you are motivated.

Oh, and get GPS (or android or iphone). I love tracking my weekly mileage, and the weeks when I am slack, it motivates me to make up the distance.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

I've been downstairs and dug out my bike, anyway. There were four bikes under a big pile of coats, rucksacks, cardboard boxes, all sorts of crap. I'd actually completely forgotten about one of them. All of the bikes had flat tyres and were covered in dust but they're basically sound and in working order. My Dawes now has its SPD pedals refitted (changed for flats for a sociable family ride last year) and the tryes pumped up. The dynamo lights and Cateye Velo computer still work and it's all ready for me to use it one day next week.

 

[ACS]

Started commuting at the age of 50 having not ridden a bike seriously for over 15 years. 12 miles each way, 1200 feet of climbing, rural roads.

Started with 2 days a week + a weekend ride concentrating on saddle time rather than distance / time. Then 3 + weekend. 4 days+weekend. Build up slowly add no more than 10% per week, plateau your mileage for two weeks every 6 weeks or so.

Wish I had taken the plunge 15 years ago. I have a whole new life, no more anti depressants, have lost over 2 stone in weight (21 lbs to go) I can now see my feet and other part long lost .

Do a test ride over a weekend, both ways, no time pressure. See how you feel.

However, there is a down side to all of this. Cycling is highly addictive.

 

[BentMikey]

I am slightly surprised that you haven't been riding, that's not the impression I got from your posts on here. Still, I'm sure you'll have a great time and you'll wonder why you ever stopped! Good luck.

 

[Tynan]

yeah, mtfu

and allow lots of time to start with

4.30 am start?

gulp

 

[ColinJ]

I am slightly surprised that you haven't been riding, that's not the impression I got from your posts on here. Still, I'm sure you'll have a great time and you'll wonder why you ever stopped! Good luck.

There are a few people on here who don't even own a bike, let alone ride one!

 

[abo]

Oh, and get GPS (or android or iphone). I love tracking my weekly mileage, and the weeks when I am slack, it motivates me to make up the distance.

Forerunner 305 with the cadence sensor. I bought a 205 when I started running thinking 'I'll never use the heart rate monitor or cadence' DOH!

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Forerunner 305 with the cadence sensor. I bought a 205 when I started running thinking 'I'll never use the heart rate monitor or cadence' DOH!

I second that, 305 is about 100 quid from amazon, and get the cadence sensor cheap from hong kong off fleabay and if you run a foot pod. also get the qr with velcro strap, much easier to put on and off the bike.

 

[Mark_Robson]

Good luck with the commute

 

[vernon]

I too am considering a 15 mile commute in an effort to shake off some lard. I have a slightly better baseline, I've done a hundred miles this year.

However having plotted the route with mapometer I've discovered that the route is a two mile descent and a thirteen mile climb on the work bound leg.

The last time I commuted on this route I was nine stones lighter

 

[Rhythm Thief]

I am slightly surprised that you haven't been riding, that's not the impression I got from your posts on here. Still, I'm sure you'll have a great time and you'll wonder why you ever stopped! Good luck.

I've been resting on my laurels. I still know my stuff, though ... I just need to get back into it.

 

[Panter]

I've been downstairs and dug out my bike, anyway. There were four bikes under a big pile of coats, rucksacks, cardboard boxes, all sorts of crap. I'd actually completely forgotten about one of them. All of the bikes had flat tyres and were covered in dust but they're basically sound and in working order. My Dawes now has its SPD pedals refitted (changed for flats for a sociable family ride last year) and the tryes pumped up. The dynamo lights and Cateye Velo computer still work and it's all ready for me to use it one day next week.

Good luck!

 

[BentMikey]

I've been resting on my laurels. I still know my stuff, though ... I just need to get back into it.

I wasn't having a dig, honest!

Are you going to go for a nice ride between now and next week when you do your first commute?