The daily "I cycled to work" thread

The daily "I cycled to work" thread

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MC Bodge

21,620 posts

175 months

Friday 12th June 2015
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A glorious morning. Sunny and warm (not too hot). I needed to cart some stuff, but wanted to ride the road bike, so used my messenger bag. It didn't appear to add much drag when I was down in a tuck.

I managed PRs on a number of segments and was just shy of 19mph average over 27K, which is good for me on the outward, trending uphill leg with no tailwind.

I'm hoping that it stays still this afternoon.

E65Ross

35,051 posts

212 months

Friday 12th June 2015
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MC Bodge said:
A glorious morning. Sunny and warm (not too hot). I needed to cart some stuff, but wanted to ride the road bike, so used my messenger bag. It didn't appear to add much drag when I was down in a tuck.

I managed PRs on a number of segments and was just shy of 19mph average over 27K, which is good for me on the outward, trending uphill leg with no tailwind.

I'm hoping that it stays still this afternoon.
I have a random question for you....

Why do you measure your distance in km, yet your speed in mph?

MC Bodge

21,620 posts

175 months

Friday 12th June 2015
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E65Ross said:
MC Bodge said:
A glorious morning. Sunny and warm (not too hot). I needed to cart some stuff, but wanted to ride the road bike, so used my messenger bag. It didn't appear to add much drag when I was down in a tuck.

I managed PRs on a number of segments and was just shy of 19mph average over 27K, which is good for me on the outward, trending uphill leg with no tailwind.

I'm hoping that it stays still this afternoon.
I have a random question for you....

Why do you measure your distance in km, yet your speed in mph?
Good question.

I (and many other Brits) tend to think primarily of speed in mph and since the early 90s I've had my bike computers set to mph displays. When I run or walk I think in Km and min/Km. Distance-wise, I'm happy with Kms or miles.

ps. About 30.5 Km/h.

Edited by MC Bodge on Friday 12th June 14:04

Johno

8,414 posts

282 months

Friday 12th June 2015
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First 200km + 1200m climbing (It's Singapore, not the Alps) week commuting .... Thought I'd ride local trail which passes work for a change today after 4 days on the road. The weather decided that it would rain from lunchtime all afternoon with 20kms to do on way home, I spent the first 15mins when I got home hosing myself down, then after the bike.

Couldn't see the Garmin screen after 1km, that much crud flying around....

I was actually cold, not bad as it was still 30 degrees plus!

But having been off both bikes for 8wks with a broken frame, then slipping 2 discs in my back, I've put in 500kms in last 3wks so chuffed how the legs and back feel this week. Longer ride to come Sunday and then repeat next week.

Johno

8,414 posts

282 months

Friday 12th June 2015
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First 200km + 1200m climbing (It's Singapore, not the Alps) week commuting .... Thought I'd ride local trail which passes work for a change today after 4 days on the road. The weather decided that it would rain from lunchtime all afternoon with 20kms to do on way home, I spent the first 15mins when I got home hosing myself down, then after the bike.

Couldn't see the Garmin screen after 1km, that much crud flying around....

I was actually cold, not bad as it was still 30 degrees plus!

But having been off both bikes for 8wks with a broken frame, then slipping 2 discs in my back, I've put in 500kms in last 3wks so chuffed how the legs and back feel this week. Longer ride to come Sunday and then repeat next week.

MC Bodge

21,620 posts

175 months

Sunday 14th June 2015
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MC Bodge said:
I trundled in on my cyclocross/pub/shopping bike with a heavy pannier this morning. Lovely weather, but it was like riding through treacle compared with the road bike.

The BB is kaput, but it felt as if there was drag from somewhere else too. I need to check the wheel bearings. Giving it a wash might help too.
When I checked out the bike earlier, I realised that the rear mudguard bracket had come lose and that the guard was pressing down onto the tyre, rubbing constantly. That might have some effect! It's all extra resistance training anyway.

Huntsman

8,044 posts

250 months

Monday 15th June 2015
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Today. Bit dull but otherwise ok.

Big challenge this week, all five days, never done it before, 1 down, four to go.

Steve vRS

4,845 posts

241 months

Monday 15th June 2015
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Another fast one in this morning - an 8th overall on a flat 0.8mile segment which I was TTing along biggrin

Granola.

Steve

MC Bodge

21,620 posts

175 months

Monday 15th June 2015
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A relaxed, slow one in a low gear this morning. Quite pleasant.

Craikeybaby

10,404 posts

225 months

Monday 15th June 2015
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Can't you do a detour on your commute though to get out on your bike?

S10GTA

Original Poster:

12,674 posts

167 months

Monday 15th June 2015
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Craikeybaby said:
Can't you do a detour on your commute though to get out on your bike?
I would. Get up and ride for an hour or so beforehand whistle

MC Bodge

21,620 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

21,620 posts

175 months

Monday 15th June 2015
quotequote all
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

21,620 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
quotequote all
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?
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