Would it be wise for a first time commuter to...

[davehann]

bui;d up to it is a good plan, but be aggresive in the way you build up, and make sure you eat properly for all the extra calories you will be burning, else you will feel knackered quickly.

 

[Pisquee]

Can you take your bike on the train, and cycle some of the way?

 

[Bluenite]

It's only a big deal, if you work yourself up to thinking it is. Just try out the route and work out the time you need to get there.

Rember your P.R kit and you'll be fine.

 

[subaqua]

You'll probably have a sore arse for a couple of weeks, but apart from that you should be OK, as Ian says, you're still young. You'll be knackered though!

he lives near Rhyl, should be used to it by now . from memory the biggest problem will be along the front as its gonna be windy . every time i have ventured down to the front between Colwyn Bay and Rhyl it has always been a stiff breeze .

Matt, will you have to ride up the hill from Llandulas towards Llysfaen and Hen Golwyn or can you use a coastal path ? thats a killer of a hill and the Hillybillies using the quarry are slightly unhinged

 

[Matthew_T]

Matt, will you have to ride up the hill from Llandulas towards Llysfaen and Hen Golwyn or can you use a coastal path ? thats a killer of a hill and the Hillybillies using the quarry are slightly unhinged

Along the dual carraige way? Done it loads of times, but it is a killer if you are not in the right gear. I have hit 40 n the other side though.

@Pisquee Yes I could but in that case I would take my MTB as I am only 1 mile from the station.

 

[akb]

I trialled my commute run the Sunday before the working Monday, just to ensure that the route I had in mind was correct and to make me aware of any difficulties that I could face. Proved useful as it gave me an alternative route home which was about 1 mile shorter. Always welcome after a long day at work. I say give it a go a couple of days a week whilst you are settling in, but do a full trial run before hand. Was your new employer aware of your mode of transport before you landed the job?

Ref Wind; yes, its a PITA especially with a near on 20mph headwind but it is good training! If its windy I tend to leave 10-15 mins earlier for my commute to work to allow for the potentially lower speeds.

 

[CopperCyclist]

Have you got shower facilities at work? After 20 miles you'll probably need them - if I didn't have a shower at work I wouldn't cycle!

 

[Matthew_T]

Have you got shower facilities at work? After 20 miles you'll probably need them - if I didn't have a shower at work I wouldn't cycle!

As I have never been to the building or know what their opinions on cycling are, I wouldnt know.

They are a reputable company though so would probably have a toilet at the most by the look of the building.
Building: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=degan...=u6jtuJIq-GWoLCcV4qsJkw&cbp=12,38.13,,0,-5.35
Website: http://www.tarmasterjones.com/

 

[fossyant]

I'd be tempted to use the A548 / A547 for most of the route, rather than the NCN for much of the route - you'll be able to ride faster, and it will be more sheltered than on the sea front.

I'd recommend doing 3 days a week at first, then build it up. Sussing the place out at first is a good idea. I used to have a 20 mile each way commute at your age, plus weekend racing. There were days I'd take the car though, and a full week plus racing was rare - I used to allow at least one rest day.

The lactic acid will kill you at first though !

 

[CopperCyclist]

As I have never been to the building or know what their opinions on cycling are, I wouldnt know.

They are a reputable company though so would probably have a toilet at the most by the look of the building.
Building: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=degan...=u6jtuJIq-GWoLCcV4qsJkw&cbp=12,38.13,,0,-5.35
Website: http://www.tarmasterjones.com/

Heh, everyone will have a toilet! That's not the same as a shower If I couldn't shower, I couldn't cycle commute - I wouldn't want to force sweaty BO on everyone else!

Of course, if they don't you could use the option of getting the train in with the bike, then cycling home everyday...

 

[Maylian]

Personally I would suggest that since you've got a train station opposite take your bike in on the train a few times a week and cycle on the home journey. This way you can get used to the demands of the cycle ride since doing a 20 mile ride first thing in the morning can be quite strenuous and will increase your fitness. It's a lot easier doing it as the return leg since you don't have to worry about being late for work and you can fit it in around your home life.

 

[gambatte]

Go do it. Saturday and Sunday. See how you feel monday?

 

[Matthew_T]

It isnt an immediate start and I havent even had a response from the company yet. I am just trying to plan my route and what the best option is for the distance.

 

[annaspanna]

eventually though, should you dive in...i'd give =careful thought to your route. Coast roads seem to shout "WIND" to me so it could be a bit of a slog on a breezy day.

So agree with this, we only commute 8 miles in from East London to the City but bloody hell, it's gusty first thing in the morning and those 8 miles feel like 16!

 

[subaqua]

Along the dual carraige way? Done it loads of times, but it is a killer if you are not in the right gear. I have hit 40 n the other side though.

@Pisquee Yes I could but in that case I would take my MTB as I am only 1 mile from the station.

yes along the dual carriageway heading from the roundabout with the the services on , up towards Clobryn Road. I worked for Triact a looooooooooooong time ago and used to use that road daily. past the hotel 70 degrees and down into Colwyn Bay that way