The daily "I cycled to work" thread (Vol 2)
Discussion
m444ttb said:
Back before Christmas I had some guy overtake me on a small estate road and beep his horn as he passed. The overtake was absolutely fine and there were no other cars at 7:30am so I was a bit perplexed. I thought I saw him parked up in the centre of the estate outside the local CoOp but as I wasn’t totally sure I’d registered what sort of car it was I thought I’d just leave it.
Fast forward to today and the exact same (almost to the meter on the road and same time) thing again. When I got to the CoOp again he was just parking up so I stopped to ask him why he was beeping at me. The guy then proceeds to argue that I should be on the s
tty cycle path as I’m not allowed on the road when there’s a path. He knows this because he has a class 1 license. After suggesting he might want to have another read of the Highway Code he then put forth his most devastating argument... if it’s ok for me to ride in either place can he drive his car on the path! Asked whether he was legally allowed to do that he just moved on to how I was also holding up the traffic at rush hour. He wasn’t awfully amused that I didn’t care. At this point I got a bit bored and suggested that perhaps we both re-read the Highway Code and compare notes when we inevitably cross paths again. I’m half tempted to print a section out to put under his wiper!
I have a had a similar sort of experience, although mine decided to close-pass me rather than beep.Fast forward to today and the exact same (almost to the meter on the road and same time) thing again. When I got to the CoOp again he was just parking up so I stopped to ask him why he was beeping at me. The guy then proceeds to argue that I should be on the s
tty cycle path as I’m not allowed on the road when there’s a path. He knows this because he has a class 1 license. After suggesting he might want to have another read of the Highway Code he then put forth his most devastating argument... if it’s ok for me to ride in either place can he drive his car on the path! Asked whether he was legally allowed to do that he just moved on to how I was also holding up the traffic at rush hour. He wasn’t awfully amused that I didn’t care. At this point I got a bit bored and suggested that perhaps we both re-read the Highway Code and compare notes when we inevitably cross paths again. I’m half tempted to print a section out to put under his wiper!Through him having a distinctive car, the area being relatively rural, and seeing him at various points on the route so working out the turning he takes, I worked out his address, and gave the information to my local PCSO.
I think they've had a word, but to be fair I've changed jobs so have a different route to commute now, so not as likely to see him.
100 miles this week, by the time I get home. 90 commuting, the rest local. Fair weather, managed to dodge the rain so far. Enjoying the new bike, my first 'road' bike since about 1991, but I'll save that for my other thread.
Christmas has taken its toll on my fitness (and waistline)
:
Christmas has taken its toll on my fitness (and waistline)
:I've just completed my first week cycling to work ever!
Its been years since I've cycled, so I had to buy a load of new gear (clothes, lights, helmet, gloves). All gear purchased at the very lowest end of the scale as I wanted to prove to myself I would keep it up before spending anything. The bike is also very much on the cheap end of the scale but fitted new tyres, new cables etc. Again, I'll reward myself if I keep it up.
Commute is 6.5 miles each way, 90% along dedicated cycle paths. Its between two small towns (Dorking to Leatherhead) so does get a bit muddy out of the town.
So far so good, but just getting into a routine regarding showers, bringing spare clothes to work etc.
Hope I keep it up!
Its been years since I've cycled, so I had to buy a load of new gear (clothes, lights, helmet, gloves). All gear purchased at the very lowest end of the scale as I wanted to prove to myself I would keep it up before spending anything. The bike is also very much on the cheap end of the scale but fitted new tyres, new cables etc. Again, I'll reward myself if I keep it up.
Commute is 6.5 miles each way, 90% along dedicated cycle paths. Its between two small towns (Dorking to Leatherhead) so does get a bit muddy out of the town.
So far so good, but just getting into a routine regarding showers, bringing spare clothes to work etc.
Hope I keep it up!
First week back, 5/5 days commuted.
Monday got soaked on the way home. Clean bike, degrease and oil.
Tuesday got mildly damp, quick wipe down of the bike.
Wednesday got in and out dry and did some intervals on the way home
Yesterday for absolutely soaked on the way home, cleaned bike and oiled etc.
Today nice and dry, colder this morning but nice anyways and got some sustained intervals in on the way home (TT seasons starts end of Feb so need to work on the power output).
90 miles done.
Monday got soaked on the way home. Clean bike, degrease and oil.
Tuesday got mildly damp, quick wipe down of the bike.
Wednesday got in and out dry and did some intervals on the way home
Yesterday for absolutely soaked on the way home, cleaned bike and oiled etc.
Today nice and dry, colder this morning but nice anyways and got some sustained intervals in on the way home (TT seasons starts end of Feb so need to work on the power output).
90 miles done.
cml24 said:
I've just completed my first week cycling to work ever!
Its been years since I've cycled, so I had to buy a load of new gear (clothes, lights, helmet, gloves). All gear purchased at the very lowest end of the scale as I wanted to prove to myself I would keep it up before spending anything. The bike is also very much on the cheap end of the scale but fitted new tyres, new cables etc. Again, I'll reward myself if I keep it up.
Commute is 6.5 miles each way, 90% along dedicated cycle paths. Its between two small towns (Dorking to Leatherhead) so does get a bit muddy out of the town.
So far so good, but just getting into a routine regarding showers, bringing spare clothes to work etc.
Hope I keep it up!
I started in september, the logistics is a pain but its really about finding a routine. I have to drive 1 day a week (although now I'll be doing more of those days at home) so I use that as a chance to replenish the locker and leave a couple of clean shirts behind.Its been years since I've cycled, so I had to buy a load of new gear (clothes, lights, helmet, gloves). All gear purchased at the very lowest end of the scale as I wanted to prove to myself I would keep it up before spending anything. The bike is also very much on the cheap end of the scale but fitted new tyres, new cables etc. Again, I'll reward myself if I keep it up.
Commute is 6.5 miles each way, 90% along dedicated cycle paths. Its between two small towns (Dorking to Leatherhead) so does get a bit muddy out of the town.
So far so good, but just getting into a routine regarding showers, bringing spare clothes to work etc.
Hope I keep it up!
On the whole though it's worthwhile!
louiebaby said:
Good work, but there is a golden rule:
"Ride it hard, and put it away wet."
(This advice may not lead the longest lasting drive train.)
"Ride it hard, and put it away wet."
(This advice may not lead the longest lasting drive train.)
I just can’t do it.
I clean and degrease the whole bike every weekend anyway but just have to do it post ride when it rains!
I go through a lot of Morgan Blue wash and degreaser
In reply to 2gins. I also drive into work on Monday and home from work Friday at the moment. They haven't given me a desk (I'm on a sofa!) or locker or anything at work yet. So I use the car as a locker!
It probably looks like I live in it as I hang my shirts and towel etc up.
Does mean I arrive, lock the bike, to the car, to the shower, to the car to my desk and reverse on the way home. Bit of tooing and froing for now!
It probably looks like I live in it as I hang my shirts and towel etc up.
Does mean I arrive, lock the bike, to the car, to the shower, to the car to my desk and reverse on the way home. Bit of tooing and froing for now!
louiebaby said:
Good work, but there is a golden rule:
"Ride it hard, and put it away wet."
(This advice may not lead the longest lasting drive train.)
That’s why my commuting bike has belt drive and an in-gear-hub. No maintenance. Just an oil change once a year. Also front hub dynamo, permanently on lights and xt disc brakes. I’ve not washed the bike for 3 years. Just new tyres, brake pads and the aforementioned oil. Easy life "Ride it hard, and put it away wet."
(This advice may not lead the longest lasting drive train.)
troc said:
That’s why my commuting bike has belt drive and an in-gear-hub. No maintenance. Just an oil change once a year. Also front hub dynamo, permanently on lights and xt disc brakes. I’ve not washed the bike for 3 years. Just new tyres, brake pads and the aforementioned oil. Easy life
I will definitely be looking at belt drive and hub gears if and when I replace mine, derailleur and chain are a bit of a pain in the arse when you live somewhere salty and sandy. I'm also a big fan of hub dynamos, the lights on mine are brilliant and I never need to worry about taking them off when I lock it up, or charging them.
RizzoTheRat said:
troc said:
That’s why my commuting bike has belt drive and an in-gear-hub. No maintenance. Just an oil change once a year. Also front hub dynamo, permanently on lights and xt disc brakes. I’ve not washed the bike for 3 years. Just new tyres, brake pads and the aforementioned oil. Easy life
I will definitely be looking at belt drive and hub gears if and when I replace mine, derailleur and chain are a bit of a pain in the arse when you live somewhere salty and sandy. I'm also a big fan of hub dynamos, the lights on mine are brilliant and I never need to worry about taking them off when I lock it up, or charging them.
One week is all I managed and some particularly wet weather. Bottom bracket is rough and noisy, new one boight. Whilst the chain was off I cleaned it and found a link half snapped, new chain too. I rebuilt the bearings in one of the pedals, when I took the cover off, mud came out. No sign of any grease!
RizzoTheRat said:
troc said:
That’s why my commuting bike has belt drive and an in-gear-hub. No maintenance. Just an oil change once a year. Also front hub dynamo, permanently on lights and xt disc brakes. I’ve not washed the bike for 3 years. Just new tyres, brake pads and the aforementioned oil. Easy life
I will definitely be looking at belt drive and hub gears if and when I replace mine, derailleur and chain are a bit of a pain in the arse when you live somewhere salty and sandy. I'm also a big fan of hub dynamos, the lights on mine are brilliant and I never need to worry about taking them off when I lock it up, or charging them.
The hub is due a service, which will hopefully be done at half term.
Pissing it down when I got up this morning, so decided to ride to work rather than walk, then by the time I left the rain had stopped and I had a sweaty ride to work in all my waterproofs 
On the plus side I'm at work earlier than planned so will get home in daylight tonight.
I bought some waterproof overshoe thingies before Christmas but haven't actually needed to use them yet, had loads of days when it's arsed it down overnight but stopped in time for my commute.
On the plus side I'm at work earlier than planned so will get home in daylight tonight.I bought some waterproof overshoe thingies before Christmas but haven't actually needed to use them yet, had loads of days when it's arsed it down overnight but stopped in time for my commute.
RizzoTheRat said:
I bought some waterproof overshoe thingies before Christmas but haven't actually needed to use them yet, had loads of days when it's arsed it down overnight but stopped in time for my commute.
I've tried several sets of those and none of them have ever kept my feet dry! Let me know how you get on with them and if they are any good I may look at picking some of the same ones up.I cycle in my work clothes with waterproofs over the top if it's raining, the main aim with these is to stop the water running off the bottom of my waterproof trousers and in to my shoes, and therefore not need to keep a spare pair of socks at work for emergencies.
https://www.vaude.com/en-BE/Products/Eco-Materials...
I can see me not bothering unless it really wet though as they're a bit of a faff to put on and the bit under the toe means you can't really walk in them. Ideally I think I want something like this but with a waterproof upper.
https://www.decathlon.nl/p/gaiters-voor-trail-zwar...
https://www.vaude.com/en-BE/Products/Eco-Materials...
I can see me not bothering unless it really wet though as they're a bit of a faff to put on and the bit under the toe means you can't really walk in them. Ideally I think I want something like this but with a waterproof upper.
https://www.decathlon.nl/p/gaiters-voor-trail-zwar...
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