The daily "I cycled to work" thread
Discussion
m444ttb said:
I come much closer to being taken out by other people on bikes than cars. Neither come close to the dog walkers though. Even the school kids tend to have more sense / self preservation instinct than them.
I've been struggling this week. There's just nothing in my legs and I've got no reason for them to be like this.
Schoolkids seem to have a bit more about them but as a teacher, I just go into shouting mode and that shifts them.I've been struggling this week. There's just nothing in my legs and I've got no reason for them to be like this.
Last commute for me for 6 weeks will be tomorrow. Summer holiday time!
E65Ross said:
Is it so hard for people to think 5 seconds ahead ffs.
a very large majority of drivers drive in a very 'reactive' way. They appear to set off with no real consideration of the task in hand and have very simple responses to 'hazards'. The responses are just about adequate for getting to their destination unless something goes even slightly wrong. No consideration is given to other people on the road and once a 'hazard' is passed, no more consideration is given to it. There is no incentive for them learn from their experiences as they get away with almost all of the time.I went for a run along a road with no sidewalk the other day. I was wearing fluorescent orange shorts and trainers. It was concerning just how close most drivers got to me before they moved out to pass me. The elderly were the worst culprits. I then had my hand up waving to draw attention to myself which appeared to help a bit.
E65Ross said:
Is it so hard for people to think 5 seconds ahead ffs.
a very large majority of drivers drive in a very 'reactive' way. They appear to set off with no real consideration of the task in hand and have very simple responses to 'hazards'. The responses are just about adequate for getting to their destination unless something goes even slightly wrong. No consideration is given to other people on the road and once a 'hazard' is passed, no more consideration is given to it. There is no incentive for them learn from their experiences as they get away with almost all of the time.I went for a run along a road with no sidewalk the other day. I was wearing fluorescent orange shorts and trainers. It was concerning just how close most drivers got to me before they moved out to pass me. The elderly were the worst culprits. I then had my hand up waving to draw attention to myself which appeared to help a bit.
MC Bodge said:
a very large majority of drivers drive in a very 'reactive' way. They appear to set off with no real consideration of the task in hand and have very simple responses to 'hazards'. The responses are just about adequate for getting to their destination unless something goes even slightly wrong. No consideration is given to other people on the road and once a 'hazard' is passed, no more consideration is given to it. There is no incentive for them learn from their experiences as they get away with almost all of the time.
I went for a run along a road with no sidewalk the other day. I was wearing fluorescent orange shorts and trainers. It was concerning just how close most drivers got to me before they moved out to pass me. The elderly were the worst culprits. I then had my hand up waving to draw attention to myself which appeared to help a bit.
I always contend that driving well is not difficult - but its very easy to do badly for that very reason. People switch off.I went for a run along a road with no sidewalk the other day. I was wearing fluorescent orange shorts and trainers. It was concerning just how close most drivers got to me before they moved out to pass me. The elderly were the worst culprits. I then had my hand up waving to draw attention to myself which appeared to help a bit.
When I cycled home on Tuesday I had two full panniers and two trailer wheels and tyres on the back of the bike - but because you can't see them when you're riding you soon forget they are there.
Today I cycled in with one pannier containing only my laptop - as a result it felt like I was about 10 times fitter. Such a shame these illusions need to be shattered.
Today I cycled in with one pannier containing only my laptop - as a result it felt like I was about 10 times fitter. Such a shame these illusions need to be shattered.
My new tyres and lifeline tubes have seemingly cured my puncture epidemic. It's nice to cycle to work without the inevitable puncture. I've contacted Wiggle about the Continental tubes which I believe to be faulty. I'm not really expecting a refund, but I told them the whole story anyway in case other people have as many issues as I have had.
I explained that I got 5 punctures on 5 consecutive days and all the holes were in generally the same place on the tube, but not on the rim side. I even tried two different wheels and still got punctures. There were no sharps in the tyre and I didn't ride through any debris, so my feeling is they were weak tubes that just split.
I explained that I got 5 punctures on 5 consecutive days and all the holes were in generally the same place on the tube, but not on the rim side. I even tried two different wheels and still got punctures. There were no sharps in the tyre and I didn't ride through any debris, so my feeling is they were weak tubes that just split.
RenOHH said:
My new tyres and lifeline tubes have seemingly cured my puncture epidemic. It's nice to cycle to work without the inevitable puncture. I've contacted Wiggle about the Continental tubes which I believe to be faulty. I'm not really expecting a refund, but I told them the whole story anyway in case other people have as many issues as I have had.
I explained that I got 5 punctures on 5 consecutive days and all the holes were in generally the same place on the tube, but not on the rim side. I even tried two different wheels and still got punctures. There were no sharps in the tyre and I didn't ride through any debris, so my feeling is they were weak tubes that just split.
This is almost exactly what happened to me last year, 4 or 5 punctures in the same place on the tube. Turns out there was a tiny fragment of glass in the rubber which was invisible until I really looked closely under a lamp and squeezed the rubber. It was almost like a splinter and I missed it several times when I thought I'd inspected it thoroughly. I would put money on it being something similar!I explained that I got 5 punctures on 5 consecutive days and all the holes were in generally the same place on the tube, but not on the rim side. I even tried two different wheels and still got punctures. There were no sharps in the tyre and I didn't ride through any debris, so my feeling is they were weak tubes that just split.
cirian75 said:
will be back on mine next Tuesday, its getting a new rear wheel n chain after the freehub packed up, 3 different bike mechanics could not id the no name hub and free wheel
Feel your pain. I was off the road for six weeks last year while my mechanic and Specialized argued over which freehub I needed and why it couldn't be supplied. Eventually got a new wheel too.loudlashadjuster said:
cirian75 said:
will be back on mine next Tuesday, its getting a new rear wheel n chain after the freehub packed up, 3 different bike mechanics could not id the no name hub and free wheel
Feel your pain. I was off the road for six weeks last year while my mechanic and Specialized argued over which freehub I needed and why it couldn't be supplied. Eventually got a new wheel too.Morning
Been meaning to do it for a while but this morning rode from home in Droitwich, which is just north of Worcester, over to the office in the centre of Coventry. Navigated the urban wasteland that is Redditch, through the considerably richa than yaou villages of Knowle, Tanworth in Arden and Dorridge and in to Coventry via Tile Hill. Just over 60km, 1,000 calories up on the day and feeling great.
Been meaning to do it for a while but this morning rode from home in Droitwich, which is just north of Worcester, over to the office in the centre of Coventry. Navigated the urban wasteland that is Redditch, through the considerably richa than yaou villages of Knowle, Tanworth in Arden and Dorridge and in to Coventry via Tile Hill. Just over 60km, 1,000 calories up on the day and feeling great.
Having deliberately taken it fairly easy and concentrated on cadence for the past few commutes, I decided that I would up the pace this morning.
The Stars were aligned, it was 11DegC with no wind when I set off, which was promising.
I started off fairly briskly and wound up the pace over the first Km or so. My intention was to be quick, but consistent and not sprint, keeping my speed above 20mph (yes, I work in Kms, but have mph on my speedo...) as far as possible, and as near as I could up the hills.
I was on the drops the whole way. I felt good throughout, but was hindered by a few traffic lights and a lorry pulling out in front of me. I passed a couple of fellow cyclists.
The result was a quickest commute, Strava moving average of 31.8Km/h over 27Km (in the trending uphill direction), which I was pleased with, even if it was just below 20mph...
Interestingly, despite the 'no sprinting', I achieved PRs on quite a few segments as well as the expected 2nd or 3rd fastest times on others.
I think an increase in running (long runs and intervals) has helped fitness recently, as I don't actually do that many hours of cycling per week.
The Stars were aligned, it was 11DegC with no wind when I set off, which was promising.
I started off fairly briskly and wound up the pace over the first Km or so. My intention was to be quick, but consistent and not sprint, keeping my speed above 20mph (yes, I work in Kms, but have mph on my speedo...) as far as possible, and as near as I could up the hills.
I was on the drops the whole way. I felt good throughout, but was hindered by a few traffic lights and a lorry pulling out in front of me. I passed a couple of fellow cyclists.
The result was a quickest commute, Strava moving average of 31.8Km/h over 27Km (in the trending uphill direction), which I was pleased with, even if it was just below 20mph...
Interestingly, despite the 'no sprinting', I achieved PRs on quite a few segments as well as the expected 2nd or 3rd fastest times on others.
I think an increase in running (long runs and intervals) has helped fitness recently, as I don't actually do that many hours of cycling per week.
Edited by MC Bodge on Friday 24th July 10:39
Well done MC Bodge!
I've had yesterday and having today off the bike to make sure I'm rested up for my charity Sportive tomorrow. I know 76 miles won't be a problem but.... I want to make sure!
Interesting you mentioned cadence. I recently moved cadence to my main data screen on my garmin edge 1000 and my last 2 rides I've tried keeping it around 100rpm or so (I'm quite a spinner, this sort of rpm seems to work well for me) and when going up the hills (there's one hill in particular on my commute which is about 1.2 miles long and an elevation gain of just over 300ft) and I was probably 1 gear easier than normal but spinning quicker. I didn't push hard, averaged the same sort of pace as normal but it just felt nicer. Going to try something quite similar tomorrow and see how it goes really.
It's absolutely pissing it down here now, I really hope it's not tomorrow!
I've had yesterday and having today off the bike to make sure I'm rested up for my charity Sportive tomorrow. I know 76 miles won't be a problem but.... I want to make sure!
Interesting you mentioned cadence. I recently moved cadence to my main data screen on my garmin edge 1000 and my last 2 rides I've tried keeping it around 100rpm or so (I'm quite a spinner, this sort of rpm seems to work well for me) and when going up the hills (there's one hill in particular on my commute which is about 1.2 miles long and an elevation gain of just over 300ft) and I was probably 1 gear easier than normal but spinning quicker. I didn't push hard, averaged the same sort of pace as normal but it just felt nicer. Going to try something quite similar tomorrow and see how it goes really.
It's absolutely pissing it down here now, I really hope it's not tomorrow!
2volvos said:
Morning
Been meaning to do it for a while but this morning rode from home in Droitwich, which is just north of Worcester, over to the office in the centre of Coventry. Navigated the urban wasteland that is Redditch, through the considerably richa than yaou villages of Knowle, Tanworth in Arden and Dorridge and in to Coventry via Tile Hill. Just over 60km, 1,000 calories up on the day and feeling great.
Sheer nosiness: 7 floor building in the middle of Coventry, scenic views of the inner ring road? Because that's where I am...Been meaning to do it for a while but this morning rode from home in Droitwich, which is just north of Worcester, over to the office in the centre of Coventry. Navigated the urban wasteland that is Redditch, through the considerably richa than yaou villages of Knowle, Tanworth in Arden and Dorridge and in to Coventry via Tile Hill. Just over 60km, 1,000 calories up on the day and feeling great.
E65Ross said:
Interesting you mentioned cadence. I recently moved cadence to my main data screen on my garmin edge 1000 and my last 2 rides I've tried keeping it around 100rpm or so (I'm quite a spinner, this sort of rpm seems to work well for me) and when going up the hills (there's one hill in particular on my commute which is about 1.2 miles long and an elevation gain of just over 300ft) and I was probably 1 gear easier than normal but spinning quicker. I didn't push hard, averaged the same sort of pace as normal but it just felt nicer.
I don't actually have a cadence meter, but use 'feel' and know which gears i use at different speeds. I know that I can maintain similar speeds in different gears using different crank rpm and vary it on different rides, with the aim of improving my cadence and power (ie. crank torque x cadence).As with running, if I can maintain a higher cadence, then it appears that I am less affected by undulations and hills.
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