The daily "I cycled to work" thread
Discussion
GarryDK said:
S10GTA said:
Got a bit soggy on the way in this morning. It's now a race against time to get all dry before the return leg.
I managed to get to work before that crazy down pour! I was only going the 2 miles to the station, but my jeans are wetter than if they had just come out of the wash, my shoes are squelchier than a fat man's asscrack on a hot day and even my shirt is wet - water came in through the vent holes on my jacket.
The roads in most places had around half an inch of standing water on them. Cars had stopped as they couldn't see. Then as soon as I got to the station, it stopped. Lovely and sunny here in Winch.
HereBeMonsters said:
GarryDK said:
S10GTA said:
Got a bit soggy on the way in this morning. It's now a race against time to get all dry before the return leg.
I managed to get to work before that crazy down pour! I was only going the 2 miles to the station, but my jeans are wetter than if they had just come out of the wash, my shoes are squelchier than a fat man's asscrack on a hot day and even my shirt is wet - water came in through the vent holes on my jacket.
The roads in most places had around half an inch of standing water on them. Cars had stopped as they couldn't see. Then as soon as I got to the station, it stopped. Lovely and sunny here in Winch.
Newbie to the thread and to commuting to work by bike.
I ride regularly at the moment, mix of road and off-road on my mountain bike - done about 1200 miles this year so far.
I'm moving to a new place and looking to cycle to work.
My previous cycle commuting a few years back was only 2 miles each way on river/canal towpaths + with secure indoor bike parking - dead easy stuff!
I work in an office so will have a few things to carry in my backpack, but nothing heavy.
It'll be about 10-15 miles depending on route, mainly B and A roads + some bike paths in town.
Plan to cycle daily, all weathers on my old mountain bike which currently has hybrid tyres + drive/train once a week so I can bring fresh shirts/do life admin type stuff!
My question is what to expect, what gear I'll need and any advice from regular commuters really!
I currently have a helmet, 2x decent cycle shorts, 3x cycle shirts, 3x cycling gloves (fingerless thru to thick sealskins), 2x pairs of ronhill pants, waterproof over trousers + decent waterproof jacket + a decent repair kit/spare inner tubes etc + a good quality bike lock + 2 bike bottles.
I think I'll also need a decent waterproof bag cover, maybe more pairs of shorts + to invest in some better quality lights + a more reflective/decent quality jacket.
Is there anything else I'll need?
What do people do about breakfast (a hot topic on this thread I know!)
I'm used to cycling for fun only these days, so going back to commuting might be a shock to the system - do you ride differently when going to work in rush hour?
I ride regularly at the moment, mix of road and off-road on my mountain bike - done about 1200 miles this year so far.
I'm moving to a new place and looking to cycle to work.
My previous cycle commuting a few years back was only 2 miles each way on river/canal towpaths + with secure indoor bike parking - dead easy stuff!
I work in an office so will have a few things to carry in my backpack, but nothing heavy.
It'll be about 10-15 miles depending on route, mainly B and A roads + some bike paths in town.
Plan to cycle daily, all weathers on my old mountain bike which currently has hybrid tyres + drive/train once a week so I can bring fresh shirts/do life admin type stuff!
My question is what to expect, what gear I'll need and any advice from regular commuters really!
I currently have a helmet, 2x decent cycle shorts, 3x cycle shirts, 3x cycling gloves (fingerless thru to thick sealskins), 2x pairs of ronhill pants, waterproof over trousers + decent waterproof jacket + a decent repair kit/spare inner tubes etc + a good quality bike lock + 2 bike bottles.
I think I'll also need a decent waterproof bag cover, maybe more pairs of shorts + to invest in some better quality lights + a more reflective/decent quality jacket.
Is there anything else I'll need?
What do people do about breakfast (a hot topic on this thread I know!)
I'm used to cycling for fun only these days, so going back to commuting might be a shock to the system - do you ride differently when going to work in rush hour?
My system is:
Suit with 2 pairs of trousers left at office, so I can get trousers alternately dry cleaned. Also stored at office - overcoat, shoes, belt, umbrella, towel, and toiletries. When I drive in I bring 6 shirts, socks, undies and a fresh towel, and take home the used clothes that I've accumulated.
Doing the above means I've no need to use a rucksack.
In the winter mudguards are your friend.
Suit with 2 pairs of trousers left at office, so I can get trousers alternately dry cleaned. Also stored at office - overcoat, shoes, belt, umbrella, towel, and toiletries. When I drive in I bring 6 shirts, socks, undies and a fresh towel, and take home the used clothes that I've accumulated.
Doing the above means I've no need to use a rucksack.
In the winter mudguards are your friend.
Since the other option is to get a bus, I rucksack stuff in and out once or twice a week.
I use a Lomo dry bag rucksack, which was about £25 but seems to be watertight. Being prepared and taking 5 shirts once a week has transformed my mornings too. No more ironing each morning for me!
Luckily I have a locker and shower at work, I doubt I would take a job without those now.
I use a Lomo dry bag rucksack, which was about £25 but seems to be watertight. Being prepared and taking 5 shirts once a week has transformed my mornings too. No more ironing each morning for me!
Luckily I have a locker and shower at work, I doubt I would take a job without those now.
I do the commute thing slightly differently. I don't usually wear a suit which makes life easier. I leave a pair of shoes at work, and take a pair of trousers, shirt, etc both ways. The skill is all in the "fold" - which is more like a roll - so creasing is minimal. I don't wear a rucksack but have a Topeak MTX rack and bag. The rack clips on to the sit post, and avoids all that horrible sweaty back business.
v15ben said:
Newbie to the thread and to commuting to work by bike.
I ride regularly at the moment, mix of road and off-road on my mountain bike - done about 1200 miles this year so far.
I'm moving to a new place and looking to cycle to work.
My previous cycle commuting a few years back was only 2 miles each way on river/canal towpaths + with secure indoor bike parking - dead easy stuff!
I work in an office so will have a few things to carry in my backpack, but nothing heavy.
It'll be about 10-15 miles depending on route, mainly B and A roads + some bike paths in town.
Plan to cycle daily, all weathers on my old mountain bike which currently has hybrid tyres + drive/train once a week so I can bring fresh shirts/do life admin type stuff!
My question is what to expect, what gear I'll need and any advice from regular commuters really!
I currently have a helmet, 2x decent cycle shorts, 3x cycle shirts, 3x cycling gloves (fingerless thru to thick sealskins), 2x pairs of ronhill pants, waterproof over trousers + decent waterproof jacket + a decent repair kit/spare inner tubes etc + a good quality bike lock + 2 bike bottles.
I think I'll also need a decent waterproof bag cover, maybe more pairs of shorts + to invest in some better quality lights + a more reflective/decent quality jacket.
Is there anything else I'll need?
What do people do about breakfast (a hot topic on this thread I know!)
I'm used to cycling for fun only these days, so going back to commuting might be a shock to the system - do you ride differently when going to work in rush hour?
Sound like you have it all sorted and are on the ball, everyone is different , so just get cracking and see how you get on. I ride regularly at the moment, mix of road and off-road on my mountain bike - done about 1200 miles this year so far.
I'm moving to a new place and looking to cycle to work.
My previous cycle commuting a few years back was only 2 miles each way on river/canal towpaths + with secure indoor bike parking - dead easy stuff!
I work in an office so will have a few things to carry in my backpack, but nothing heavy.
It'll be about 10-15 miles depending on route, mainly B and A roads + some bike paths in town.
Plan to cycle daily, all weathers on my old mountain bike which currently has hybrid tyres + drive/train once a week so I can bring fresh shirts/do life admin type stuff!
My question is what to expect, what gear I'll need and any advice from regular commuters really!
I currently have a helmet, 2x decent cycle shorts, 3x cycle shirts, 3x cycling gloves (fingerless thru to thick sealskins), 2x pairs of ronhill pants, waterproof over trousers + decent waterproof jacket + a decent repair kit/spare inner tubes etc + a good quality bike lock + 2 bike bottles.
I think I'll also need a decent waterproof bag cover, maybe more pairs of shorts + to invest in some better quality lights + a more reflective/decent quality jacket.
Is there anything else I'll need?
What do people do about breakfast (a hot topic on this thread I know!)
I'm used to cycling for fun only these days, so going back to commuting might be a shock to the system - do you ride differently when going to work in rush hour?
I just bulk up all my cycle gear with cheap but decent enough kit, the Aldi cyling days are good, as are deals like the Belkin kit for commuting
I already have a big appetite , but when I cycle every day I have eaten absolutely s
t loads non stop and still lost weight! As soon as I stop riding every day I pile on the pounds though!Test ride the route before hand , I always ride the same route in, but mix up the route home depending on time and weather
I prefer riding on my MTB/Hybrid as it deals with daily abuse better than my road bikes, plus I can use old railway tracks and bridleways on my commute, instead of having to use main roads. Plus I can chain it up places and it looks worthless
Make sure the tyres aren't too knobbly, I got some semi slick tyres over slick tyres and lost 2 mph off my average, let alone riding on full on knobblies, so went back to slicks, even though I have about a mile of very light offroad.
Make sure the tyres are puncture proof, Ive only had 2 punctures in 3000 commuting miles, sod dealing with punctures first thing in the morning!
As poster said, mudguards are great, saves all the crap going on you and prolongs the life of components as they are more protected from the grime from the road.
Gizmoish said:
Where was everyone this morning? Rode in at prime school-run time expecting it to be terrible, and then averaged a brilliant 29.1kmh for the first 10km (all went to pot after that - bloody cyclists getting in my way).
Traffic wasn't too bad this morning, but worse than last week I thought. 21.6mph ave for me. Thanks for the comments on my newbie commuting post everyone.
I have mudguards and Schwalbe Marathon tyres on there - no punctures in a few hundred miles so far.
It looks like I'll be closer to work than expected, possibly 5 miles or even fewer which is nice.
I'll give the route a try once I move into the new place and go from there.
I think I'll pass an ALDI on the commute so will have to check on their special days!
I have mudguards and Schwalbe Marathon tyres on there - no punctures in a few hundred miles so far.
It looks like I'll be closer to work than expected, possibly 5 miles or even fewer which is nice.
I'll give the route a try once I move into the new place and go from there.
I think I'll pass an ALDI on the commute so will have to check on their special days!
Slightly misty this morning so rear light employed. My new Mavic waterproof jacket had its first outing and it's quite good as a general top. After a few months wearing an Adidas Supernova jersey I can't recommend those, however. Weird fit with the rear pocket now sagging half way down my backside.
I also tried changing my cadence to try and make 'circles'. I had a proper go through Global Cycling Network's YouTube page last night.
Rice Krispies and a nectarine, tea, water
I also tried changing my cadence to try and make 'circles'. I had a proper go through Global Cycling Network's YouTube page last night.
Rice Krispies and a nectarine, tea, water
First commute to work on my bike this morning. Lovely clear skies.
Surprised at the difference carrying a bag on my back containing all my work gear made. Really affected my average speed over a route I know well. And week day traffic is alot angrier than the weekend traffic I am used too!
Surprised at the difference carrying a bag on my back containing all my work gear made. Really affected my average speed over a route I know well. And week day traffic is alot angrier than the weekend traffic I am used too!
Back in the saddle after a bout of chesty unpleasantness. Averaged 15ish which is 25% down for a week off.
The local rag is carrying demands from a newly elected UKIP councillor to restrict cycling on my route.
The local rag is carrying demands from a newly elected UKIP councillor to restrict cycling on my route.
Swivel eyed retired Colonel said:
This is not very reassuring for the pedestrians who use the path regularly and risk injury and abuse on a regular basis.”
Mr Patmore said cyclists ‘racing at full pelt ,decked out in black riding gear with all the trappings, on a racing bike travelling at the speed of a silent bullet’ were a real threat.
“The first time you realise they are upon you is when you feel the wind of their passage past you,” he said. “One step either way to avoid them and you risk a serious accident.”
“The path is not designed for budding Sir Chris Hoys or speed racing. It is not an Olympic velodrome.”
The councillor outlined one resident’s suggestion of putting chicanes at strategic intervals to slow the cyclists and accommodate mobility scooters, which he said would offer ‘cost-effective’ protection to both pedestrians and cyclists.
“Come on WSCC, let’s have a quick fix and introduce the chicanes described above before there is another serious injury,” said Mr Patmore.
I've written asking him to produce verified data on serious accidents on this stretch in the past three years. No response.Mr Patmore said cyclists ‘racing at full pelt ,decked out in black riding gear with all the trappings, on a racing bike travelling at the speed of a silent bullet’ were a real threat.
“The first time you realise they are upon you is when you feel the wind of their passage past you,” he said. “One step either way to avoid them and you risk a serious accident.”
“The path is not designed for budding Sir Chris Hoys or speed racing. It is not an Olympic velodrome.”
The councillor outlined one resident’s suggestion of putting chicanes at strategic intervals to slow the cyclists and accommodate mobility scooters, which he said would offer ‘cost-effective’ protection to both pedestrians and cyclists.
“Come on WSCC, let’s have a quick fix and introduce the chicanes described above before there is another serious injury,” said Mr Patmore.
Edited by Justin Cyder on Tuesday 2nd September 08:59
Justin Cyder said:
Back in the saddle after a bout of chesty unpleasantness. Averaged 15ish which is 25% down for a week off.
The local rag is carrying demands from a newly elected UKIP councillor to restrict cycling on my route.
Unfortunately this will always be the case with shared foot paths. The local rag is carrying demands from a newly elected UKIP councillor to restrict cycling on my route.
Swivel eyed retired Colonel said:
This is not very reassuring for the pedestrians who use the path regularly and risk injury and abuse on a regular basis.”
Mr Patmore said cyclists ‘racing at full pelt ,decked out in black riding gear with all the trappings, on a racing bike travelling at the speed of a silent bullet’ were a real threat.
“The first time you realise they are upon you is when you feel the wind of their passage past you,” he said. “One step either way to avoid them and you risk a serious accident.”
“The path is not designed for budding Sir Chris Hoys or speed racing. It is not an Olympic velodrome.”
The councillor outlined one resident’s suggestion of putting chicanes at strategic intervals to slow the cyclists and accommodate mobility scooters, which he said would offer ‘cost-effective’ protection to both pedestrians and cyclists.
“Come on WSCC, let’s have a quick fix and introduce the chicanes described above before there is another serious injury,” said Mr Patmore.
I've written asking him to produce verified data on serious accidents on this stretch in the past three years. No response.Mr Patmore said cyclists ‘racing at full pelt ,decked out in black riding gear with all the trappings, on a racing bike travelling at the speed of a silent bullet’ were a real threat.
“The first time you realise they are upon you is when you feel the wind of their passage past you,” he said. “One step either way to avoid them and you risk a serious accident.”
“The path is not designed for budding Sir Chris Hoys or speed racing. It is not an Olympic velodrome.”
The councillor outlined one resident’s suggestion of putting chicanes at strategic intervals to slow the cyclists and accommodate mobility scooters, which he said would offer ‘cost-effective’ protection to both pedestrians and cyclists.
“Come on WSCC, let’s have a quick fix and introduce the chicanes described above before there is another serious injury,” said Mr Patmore.
Edited by Justin Cyder on Tuesday 2nd September 08:59
maybe a more sensible recommendation would be to have the paths split in half. cyclists one side pedestrians the other.
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff