The daily "I cycled to work" thread

[WinstonWolf]

will_ said:

kiethton said:

Fair point but I meant it in the sense that some cyclists seem to think that as they are in the cycle lane nobody no vehicle, car, bus, lorry or spacecraft would dare cut into it or across them and that everybody would give way to their path....

As we know, with some experience we learn that that isn't the case and as you say some 'incidents' cant be avoided

True - it is one of the dangers of cycle lanes (and the fact that they are so rarely enforced).

I cannot think of a way that puts cyclists "out of the way" but which doesn't lead them into the suicide zone - although personally I think phased traffic lights could reduce the danger.

I always adopt a primary position at junctions, it's about having the confidence to own your bit of road space. Cycle lanes are for old ladies with massive saddles and baskets on their handlebars.

[kiethton]

WinstonWolf said:

will_ said:

kiethton said:

Fair point but I meant it in the sense that some cyclists seem to think that as they are in the cycle lane nobody no vehicle, car, bus, lorry or spacecraft would dare cut into it or across them and that everybody would give way to their path....

As we know, with some experience we learn that that isn't the case and as you say some 'incidents' cant be avoided

True - it is one of the dangers of cycle lanes (and the fact that they are so rarely enforced).

I cannot think of a way that puts cyclists "out of the way" but which doesn't lead them into the suicide zone - although personally I think phased traffic lights could reduce the danger.

I always adopt a primary position at junctions, it's about having the confidence to own your bit of road space. Cycle lanes are for old ladies with massive saddles and baskets on their handlebars.

^^^^

Exactly this, if it pisses people off temporarily so be it, would rather ensure I'm safe (can be a little embarrassing when you miss your clip-in a few times though!)

[thepawbroon]

Hello,

This week I've just started a new job in Chiswick Park, and today I tried cycling the commute from Carshalton for the first time. I've used the motorbike previously.

The 14 miles took me 62 mins - my route took me through Hackbridge - Mitcham - Tooting - Earlsfield - Wandsworth one way - Putney Bridge - Hammersmith one way - Chiswick High Road. I was previously commuting to the city, so found this OK trsffic-wise. And it's almost perfectly flat! I would like to avoid Wandsworth one way and Hammersmith one way if possible - does anyone use these areas and have any tips?

The return will be roughly the same, expect I'm going to head over Hammerwmith Bridge and along the Thames Path to Putney. That'll be OK in daylight I guess and the surface shouldn't cause any probs....I'm on a CX bike (Revolution Cross) with 25mm road tyres, I think the last time I was on that path was 12 years ago on a hardtail MTB!.

Any hints and tips appreciated. I would like to do this 2-3 days a week, using the motorbike on the other days - hence I'm not really carrying much luggage. I am carrying a fair belly though!

[will_]

thepawbroon said:

Hello,

This week I've just started a new job in Chiswick Park, and today I tried cycling the commute from Carshalton for the first time. I've used the motorbike previously.

The 14 miles took me 62 mins - my route took me through Hackbridge - Mitcham - Tooting - Earlsfield - Wandsworth one way - Putney Bridge - Hammersmith one way - Chiswick High Road. I was previously commuting to the city, so found this OK trsffic-wise. And it's almost perfectly flat! I would like to avoid Wandsworth one way and Hammersmith one way if possible - does anyone use these areas and have any tips?

The return will be roughly the same, expect I'm going to head over Hammerwmith Bridge and along the Thames Path to Putney. That'll be OK in daylight I guess and the surface shouldn't cause any probs....I'm on a CX bike (Revolution Cross) with 25mm road tyres, I think the last time I was on that path was 12 years ago on a hardtail MTB!.

Any hints and tips appreciated. I would like to do this 2-3 days a week, using the motorbike on the other days - hence I'm not really carrying much luggage. I am carrying a fair belly though!

You could avoid Wandsworth one way (and Hammersmith one way if you use the shared paths under the flyover) by using Hammersmith bridge and Roehampton Lane - but that does add a hill!

[thepawbroon]

will_ said:

thepawbroon said:

Hello,
I am carrying a fair belly though!

add a hill!

Maybe in a few weeks!

Thanks for the suggestion, I will check that out.

[will_]

thepawbroon said:

will_ said:

thepawbroon said:

Hello,
I am carrying a fair belly though!

add a hill!

Maybe in a few weeks!

Thanks for the suggestion, I will check that out.

If you take the hill route, maybe the belly will be gone sooner!

Roehampton lane is a large, wide bus-lane going down-hill, and Castleneau (up to Hammersmith bridge) has one going Northbound too, so heading to work you're fairly well provided for. There are some (complex) cycle-crossings and shared use pavements north of Hammersmith Brdige which should be able to let you get towards Chiswick without needing to go around the one way system (not pleasant at the best of times).

[Shivit]

I've just been out doing a reccy of a potential new route to work. Only a few hardy souls out on their bikes in the drizzle thankfully.

[Fotic]

Witnessed a motorbike/cyclist accident at home time yesterday on black friars rd - cyclist ran a red light and was hit by the biker. Both parties were ok other than grazes and being shaken up.

Hope it was no one on here and if it was that you learnt something from it.

[SystemParanoia]

I think 150miles per week is my limit for now.

I just couldnt manage to do friday.. so i drove in both wed and fri and rode 3 days.

hopefully im not shaming myself too much with this, but ill do the 150 for a few weeks and try for the full 250 when i have more endurance built up

[WinstonWolf]

SystemParanoia said:

I think 150miles per week is my limit for now.

I just couldnt manage to do friday.. so i drove in both wed and fri and rode 3 days.

hopefully im not shaming myself too much with this, but ill do the 150 for a few weeks and try for the full 250 when i have more endurance built up

Do you eat while riding? You probably should if you want to hit that schedule.

[Hoddo]

Do you clean your bikes after ever ride?

[Shivit]

Hoddo said:

Do you clean your bikes after ever ride?

Screw that. Once a month works for me. As long as I keep the tyres inflated and the various nuts and bolts tightened, and anything that needs lubing lubed, cleaning can wait.

[SystemParanoia]

WinstonWolf said:

Do you eat while riding? You probably should if you want to hit that schedule.

I have a banana at half way ( 1hr ), and overall drink about 3/4 of my water.

is that enough?

[WinstonWolf]

SystemParanoia said:

WinstonWolf said:

Do you eat while riding? You probably should if you want to hit that schedule.

I have a banana at half way ( 1hr ), and overall drink about 3/4 of my water.

is that enough?

We burn about 60g of carbs per hour , depends if you're trying to lose weight at the same time. Lots of good articles about it on the net...

[kiethton]

Hoddo said:

Do you clean your bikes after ever ride?

Never have :hides:

It's been 2 years and about 9k miles over all weathers too!

Never had a service (beyond a spray of WD40) and a new seat after my old one cracked and broke...this probably explains the clunking and dodgy noises, brakes are shot though!

[Gizmoish]

Hoddo said:

Do you clean your bikes after ever ride?

No. Tyres checked, brakes and gears adjusted as and when, chain lubed.

[will_]

Saw something bizarre on The Embankment this morning: a motorcyclist with a small terrier in a tank bag (i.e. on the fuel tank). It was yapping all the way along, providing a very effective horn to part the traffic!

[SystemParanoia]

miserable morning today..

rain started @15 mins in..

rain absolutely hammered down @17 mins

and then 12 miles in.. my left crank fell off

i was grubbing around in the dark looking for the bolt that fell out in some rancid puddle.. and finally having to wait an hr to be picked up by the mrs whilst i stood there freezing my nads off.

ended up an hr late for work and utterly miserable....

but seeing the weather on the way home i feel i may have dodged a bullet!

[Eddh]

Hoddo said:

Do you clean your bikes after ever ride?

I last cleaned my commuter around this time last year, it is bloody hanging. My nice bike gets cleaned after most rides unless its been short and dry and it hasn't picked up any dirt.

[PAUL RUN]

.
just a little rant to get it off my chest...9mile ride to work as usual,
about to turn right...road with a huge painted Right Arrow...on coming Aston decides to igonore the road markings.....leaving me feeling rather exposed...
As the video continues i have a nice shot of him with one hand on the steering wheel through his side window as he just misses my front wheel..

but on the bright side it was a nice sunny fresh morning ride in...
Paul...

RANT OVER...