The daily "I cycled to work" thread

The daily "I cycled to work" thread

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MC Bodge

21,628 posts

175 months

Monday 15th June 2015
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thelittleegg said:
Just wanted to pop back into this thread, as I was a regular here for a year or two, but since March I started working from home, so my 28 mile/day cycle commute has changed to walking up and down a flight of stairs in my slippers.

I never would have guessed that I'd be back on this thread, saying that in some ways, I miss it. Not every day, but sometimes, I miss getting that hour blast of chilled fresh air rammed into my face before work, which really kicked the life into me. So make the most of it and enjoy it, because like so many things, you only really miss it when it's gone.
Er, why not set your alarm for 6am, ride your bike and be back for breakfast and work?

Devil2575

13,400 posts

188 months

Monday 15th June 2015
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thelittleegg said:
Just wanted to pop back into this thread, as I was a regular here for a year or two, but since March I started working from home, so my 28 mile/day cycle commute has changed to walking up and down a flight of stairs in my slippers.

I never would have guessed that I'd be back on this thread, saying that in some ways, I miss it. Not every day, but sometimes, I miss getting that hour blast of chilled fresh air rammed into my face before work, which really kicked the life into me. So make the most of it and enjoy it, because like so many things, you only really miss it when it's gone.
It sounds a bit sad to some people but I've actually not applied for internal jobs that would require me to move to other sites where i'd have to start driving to work every day again. Being able to commute by bike is a real benefit to me and it's going to have to be something pretty special to get me to give it up.

matsoc

853 posts

132 months

Monday 15th June 2015
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I am really thinking to cycle to work...everyday won't be possible as once or twice a week I have to commute to other plants during the day and I also travel across Italy and Europe 5-10 days a month but it would be great to cycle 2-3 times a week at least.

I work in 2 offices primarly, first is 12 km from my house, the second is 18km far. I live in the hill above Turin so there would be also a 300m gap on the return route. My laptop has to come with me, I am thinking at a backpack...

MC Bodge

21,628 posts

175 months

Monday 15th June 2015
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L
matsoc said:
I am really thinking to cycle to work...everyday won't be possible as once or twice a week I have to commute to other plants during the day and I also travel across Italy and Europe 5-10 days a month but it would be great to cycle 2-3 times a week at least.

I work in 2 offices primarly, first is 12 km from my house, the second is 18km far. I live in the hill above Turin so there would be also a 300m gap on the return route. My laptop has to come with me, I am thinking at a backpack...
Yes, do it.

Pannier bags are by far the best thing for carrying items on a bike, followed by a messenger bag with a shoulder strap.

SystemParanoia

14,343 posts

198 months

Monday 15th June 2015
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MC Bodge said:
L
matsoc said:
I am really thinking to cycle to work...everyday won't be possible as once or twice a week I have to commute to other plants during the day and I also travel across Italy and Europe 5-10 days a month but it would be great to cycle 2-3 times a week at least.

I work in 2 offices primarly, first is 12 km from my house, the second is 18km far. I live in the hill above Turin so there would be also a 300m gap on the return route. My laptop has to come with me, I am thinking at a backpack...
Yes, do it.

Pannier bags are by far the best thing for carrying items on a bike, followed by a messenger bag with a shoulder strap.
A single strap bag would be the worst thing ever!!

I use a backpack myself, a proper one with x2 straps does the job.
i dont really like the look of panniers, they seem like a bit of a nightmare for filtering.

AndStilliRise

2,295 posts

116 months

Monday 15th June 2015
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Been 4 weeks now for me. Had enough of slow trains and wishing i was outside whilst the sun was shinning, so bought myself a bike, some kit and off we went.

Bought the clip in pedals and shoes this week and after falling off 10 odd times i seem to be getting used to it. Slowed right back down again and negotiating traffic whilst at the same time trying to find the point to clip in is a bit of a pain but getting there.

The journey itself is 15miles each way and I am trying to still run at lunch times which means when i get home i am completely knackered. Could be worse though, like my 7 year wanting to go for a ride when i get back! Averaging over 200mpw with some weekend riding, and i have to say I AM LOVING IT!

Best part is when a mate and me go to Regents Park and do some speedy laps. Absolutely Positively one of the best things i have done in a long time.


MC Bodge

21,628 posts

175 months

Monday 15th June 2015
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I'm j
SystemParanoia said:
A single strap bag would be the worst thing ever!!

I use a backpack myself, a proper one with x2 straps does the job.
i dont really like the look of panniers, they seem like a bit of a nightmare for filtering.
Messenger bags with a secondary small chest strap are actually very good for carting stuff whilst cycling. The load sits much lower than in a backpack.

Whether or not you care too much what they look like, panniers are excellent. They are not generally wider than the rider or handlebars and cause no problems with filtering.

Devil2575

13,400 posts

188 months

Monday 15th June 2015
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SystemParanoia said:
A single strap bag would be the worst thing ever!!

I use a backpack myself, a proper one with x2 straps does the job.
i dont really like the look of panniers, they seem like a bit of a nightmare for filtering.
I use a backpack too. I couldn't be arsed with panniers especially as I used my bike for weekend/evening as well as commuting.

Devil2575

13,400 posts

188 months

Monday 15th June 2015
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AndStilliRise said:
Bought the clip in pedals and shoes this week and after falling off 10 odd times
10 odd times! bloody hell. Have you got the clips on the loosest setting?

mazdajason

1,113 posts

172 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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First commute on the new bike this morning. SO much easier than the 10 year old one I was using.Looking forward to many, many more miles on it.

ewenm

28,506 posts

245 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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Warm and humid this morning. Struggling to cool down even after a shower! Saw more other commuters than usual, and even a couple of other run-commuters thumbup

Granola, milk, coffee

S10GTA

Original Poster:

12,679 posts

167 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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fking taxi drivers. Bane of my life. Why do they feel they must overtake in town only to hit the back of the next line of traffic. Idiots.

Accelebrate

5,252 posts

215 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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Commuted from Oxford to Reading this morning. Nearly fell off my bike when I thought I was alone, reached down to grab a water bottle and spotted a BMW i3 sat on my tail. hehe

Huntsman

8,054 posts

250 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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Lovely this morning.

JmeSwaz

151 posts

174 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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First post here.
Cycled to work Saturday before last for the first time. Haven't cycled in a few years or done any exercise in around 6 months. So making the 15 mile ride was rather daunting. First 3-4 miles I hated every minute and wanted to turn round, but once I got into my stride it was awesome.
My only issue with commuting on my bike is getting home, I got someone to pick me up when I cycled in. Mid week when I leave for work the roads will be quite quiet, but the way home they're awfully busy and my most direct route home is along a busy A road. So I haven't cycled since.
I use a road bike to that I brought from a friend, unaware of the discomfort I was going to experience in my arms. Anyone have any helpful tips?

TwistingMyMelon

6,385 posts

205 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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JmeSwaz said:
First post here.
Cycled to work Saturday before last for the first time. Haven't cycled in a few years or done any exercise in around 6 months. So making the 15 mile ride was rather daunting. First 3-4 miles I hated every minute and wanted to turn round, but once I got into my stride it was awesome.
My only issue with commuting on my bike is getting home, I got someone to pick me up when I cycled in. Mid week when I leave for work the roads will be quite quiet, but the way home they're awfully busy and my most direct route home is along a busy A road. So I haven't cycled since.
I use a road bike to that I brought from a friend, unaware of the discomfort I was going to experience in my arms. Anyone have any helpful tips?
Put the stem up on the spacers more, or flip it

Is your saddle pointing forward? I have my saddles a couple of degrees sloping back (looks flat to the human eye) , I find it works best for me, whenever I have ridden bikes with front sloping saddles, it puts the weight on my wrists.

JmeSwaz

151 posts

174 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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TwistingMyMelon said:
Put the stem up on the spacers more, or flip it

Is your saddle pointing forward? I have my saddles a couple of degrees sloping back (looks flat to the human eye) , I find it works best for me, whenever I have ridden bikes with front sloping saddles, it puts the weight on my wrists.
I'll try the saddle, never thought of that but makes so much more sense. Wondered if it was something more to do with a bad cycling position.

Devil2575

13,400 posts

188 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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S10GTA said:
fking taxi drivers. Bane of my life. Why do they feel they must overtake in town only to hit the back of the next line of traffic. Idiots.
Taxi drivers and white vans. A damn nuisance.

MG511

1,754 posts

241 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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Cycing to work this morning along the A4 into Bristol, downhill section so doing about 25-30 mph. Middle aged woman on bicycle pulls out of side street right in front of me. I swerved to avoid her and had a 'word' when we stopped at the next lights. Apparently she thought I had enough time to stop for her! I asked if traffic on the A4 usually stopped for her when she was pulling out of side streets, which she didn't answer. Some people are an accident waiting to happen.

E65Ross

35,081 posts

212 months

Tuesday 16th June 2015
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Detour this morning as I wanted some more miles. Felt quite good near the end. Absolutely lovely weather out there!

Edit - sorry for any cricked necks!
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