The daily "I cycled to work" thread

The daily "I cycled to work" thread

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loudlashadjuster

5,707 posts

199 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
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On this this week's car commutes I'd been enviously eyeing folk managing to get out in this weather and I finally managed it today (logistics of kid drop-offs etc.).

My ride on bank holiday Monday was still in tights, skully, two layers of gloves etc. so it felt glorious to got out this morning in only a top and shorts. About bloody time!

Even though I managed a good (for me) average of 19.5mph I was barely sweaty when I got to work, just the right temperature. Quick shower and I was good to go.

The ride took me 35 minutes, I really wouldn't have managed it any quicker in the car considering traffic smile

Bring on the ride home.

idiotgap

2,113 posts

148 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
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JPJPJP said:
2 hours each way commute?

No excuse for not being fit with that is there?!
Probably not no!
I'm only just getting going really and feeling my way.

First week I'd go in one day and back another.
Then I did it twice (Monday in, Tuesday out, Wednesday off, Thursday in, Friday out).
Last week I did Tuesday in and out because of the RMT strike action and Thursday in and out because I could.

This week I'm just doing Wednesday in and Thursday out, for operational reasons and because I'm signed up to do my first ever triathlon at the weekend and don't want to over do anything.

It's probably not practical for me to do day in day out all journeys because there just isn't time and I like the idea that pher j00pY mentioned on my commuting thread of making it a bit of a treat.

Huntsman

8,757 posts

265 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
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Defo getting warmer in the mornings.

Kermit power

29,622 posts

228 months

Thursday 5th May 2016
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My plan for the day didn't work out as expected!

I'm due to be riding Cwmcarn, Bike Park Wales and the Forest of Dean over the next three days, so decided I'd get the train in to work. This was compounded by the need to bring home a pop up display which is still over 3' long when folded down.

That lasted as far as reaching the station, and seeing the people standing 6 deep all along the platform. Oh joy, Vauxhall caught fire last night!

So, back home, changed into bike gear, and off to Waterloo. Lovely ride in, deliberately taking it slowly, and I'd have an excuse to leave a 4pm to get a train out before they stop bikes from going on....

Got to Waterloo for the 16:09. Got on the 16:09. Got "we will shortly be ready to depart", followed a couple of minutes later by "sorry, this train has been cancelled, but there's one leaving in 2 minutes seven platforms away if you're quick!"

So I ended up cycling home as well, complete with pop up display stand sticking out of the back of my bike. irked

johnwilliams77

8,308 posts

118 months

Friday 6th May 2016
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Huntsman said:
Defo getting warmer in the mornings.
Yip. Have wore shorts all week. About time, its bloody May!

JustinF

6,795 posts

218 months

Friday 6th May 2016
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Evening shift for me, I've missed my night rides home, 16 deg at 11PM, can't wait.

BadgerBenji

3,533 posts

233 months

Friday 6th May 2016
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Commuted everyday, no diesel used by me smile

It's definitely getting warmer bib knickers in the morning, shorts in the evening.

Wildlife update, now have a second swan nest to watch, first sighting of it tonight. The original one looks to be doing OK, they had high water in the week so built it up, water now gone down so swan sat on tower block size nest.

So pleased I get a lovely rural commute, the trains sound horrendous.

Liquid Knight

15,754 posts

198 months

Friday 6th May 2016
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bks!

I forgot all the norms in their cars would have the "Friday feeling" today and the operation of their vehicle would be nineteenth on their list of things to do.

fking morons on the road today. rolleyes

Fugazi

564 posts

136 months

Friday 6th May 2016
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Liquid Knight said:
bks!

I forgot all the norms in their cars would have the "Friday feeling" today and the operation of their vehicle would be nineteenth on their list of things to do.

fking morons on the road today. rolleyes
Indeed, had somebody overtake me giving me loads of room but having literally made it just a few feet in front of me, on came the brake lights and left indicator. I have noticed that in recent years that when there is a sudden change in weather like we have now where there is a mini-heatwave (in comparison to the previous few weeks weather), driving skills go to pot. Similarly when it rains after a period of good weather, I expect dodgy overtakes and close passes galore. Not scientifically validated, just personal opinion based on observation.....

Anyway as I only ever commute in bib shorts, today was the first day that felt warm. Think I'll need to break out the factor 50 soon, lest my pasty flesh become pink... laugh

Liquid Knight

15,754 posts

198 months

Friday 6th May 2016
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I wear dayglo yellow shorts, yellow or orange t'shirt, orange ruck sack, orange shoes, yellow gloves and a yellow helmet, rear light on (flashing during daylight hours) at all times.

Still not enough for some. hehe

Thanks to Mr Clarkson and Mr May I think "Maniac!" whenever a haphazard Peugeot crossed my path. wink

JustinF

6,795 posts

218 months

Saturday 7th May 2016
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That was a bloody lovely ride home, A267 at 11pm, saw only about 20 cars in 10 miles, every single one gave me space, waited for no road furniture and amazingly oncoming ones dipped their lights, got a bit carried away and put the hammer down for the last half, too amped to sleep now biggrin

Edited by JustinF on Monday 9th May 11:10

AC43

12,696 posts

223 months

Monday 9th May 2016
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Bit humid cycling through London this morning but shouldn't complain as looks like I might get soaked on the way home later.

cirian75

4,481 posts

248 months

Monday 9th May 2016
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Fugazi said:
Liquid Knight said:
bks!

I forgot all the norms in their cars would have the "Friday feeling" today and the operation of their vehicle would be nineteenth on their list of things to do.

fking morons on the road today. rolleyes
Indeed, had somebody overtake me giving me loads of room but having literally made it just a few feet in front of me, on came the brake lights and left indicator. I have noticed that in recent years that when there is a sudden change in weather like we have now where there is a mini-heatwave (in comparison to the previous few weeks weather), driving skills go to pot. Similarly when it rains after a period of good weather, I expect dodgy overtakes and close passes galore. Not scientifically validated, just personal opinion based on observation.....

Anyway as I only ever commute in bib shorts, today was the first day that felt warm. Think I'll need to break out the factor 50 soon, lest my pasty flesh become pink...laugh
smile

http://newsthump.com/2015/07/01/hundreds-blinded-b...

E65Ross

36,183 posts

227 months

Monday 9th May 2016
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Awesome ride home today. After a really hard 3 weeks of cycling I was going to have a recovery week.... But my legs didn't feel too bad, it was dry, and I had a net tailwind so did some extra miles.

Just over 28 miles with 2100ft of climb, so not a flat route, and a 19mph average biggrin

Love the warmer weather. Around 20 degrees is absolutely perfect for me, though yesterday was warmer it was still an extremely pleasant 68 miles!

macp

4,380 posts

198 months

Monday 9th May 2016
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Beautiful ride home extended it to just over 22mls but man that headwind was strong keeping me down to an avg speed of 15.3mph

E65Ross

36,183 posts

227 months

Monday 9th May 2016
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Drove in today then cycled back, so I have no choice but to cycle in tomorrow.....forecast is mild (14 degrees)....but it's set to be pissing it down hehe

great

idiotgap

2,113 posts

148 months

Monday 9th May 2016
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https://www.strava.com/challenges/bike-to-work

Global bike to work day or not tomorrow I'm going to check the weather before committing... good luck Ross!

S10GTA

Original Poster:

13,315 posts

182 months

Tuesday 10th May 2016
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Forecast lied

Pleased I ignored it smile

idiotgap

2,113 posts

148 months

Tuesday 10th May 2016
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I got rained on, but it wasn't cold so actually a good ride. Very late to work because my riding partner trying it out for Bike to Work Day was late, I had a puncture and the rain seems to send the car drivers mad.

Sighting of a PH jersey (sans rider) drying over a bike stand near the office.


Edited by idiotgap on Tuesday 10th May 09:52


Edited by idiotgap on Tuesday 10th May 13:54

E65Ross

36,183 posts

227 months

Tuesday 10th May 2016
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Rained, but was not cold. Short sleeve top, arm warmers, Gilet and 3/4 lengths were enough. No wind as well which was nice.

20 miles at 18.4mph. Legs feeling tired after what's been a really intense last few days in particular.
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