The daily "I cycled to work" thread (Vol 2)
Discussion
It's cooler in the mornings now, so I can ride harder without over-heating. This is good.
What's not so good is that the council has dressed many of the (very) minor roads that constitute my commute with about an inch of gravel. The said roads are so infrequently used that it's not packing down, and the few cars that do use them are sweeping it into 2 inch+ deep piles, particularly at junctions. I'm struggling for grip in the turns and traction in a straight line. And this on a Fatty running 4inch tyres on 80mm rims at ~10psi or less.
Just as well that half of my commute is properly off-road!
What's not so good is that the council has dressed many of the (very) minor roads that constitute my commute with about an inch of gravel. The said roads are so infrequently used that it's not packing down, and the few cars that do use them are sweeping it into 2 inch+ deep piles, particularly at junctions. I'm struggling for grip in the turns and traction in a straight line. And this on a Fatty running 4inch tyres on 80mm rims at ~10psi or less.
Just as well that half of my commute is properly off-road!
Monday and Tuesday were miserable in Birmingham, but today was clear and sunny. I'm on my road bike for the week, since I am waiting for a replacement gear cable om my commuter. My commuter is a 2012 Scott S30, so it isn't a bad bike at all, but the commute feels a lot smoother and quicker on my better bike. I remain nervous about locking it up outside work, but it's been fine so far!
Didn't cycle today as had the bike scheduled for its 10 week free shakedown service so it came with me in the car. Driving to work is pants.
Service identified that some of the spokes needed tightened so that's something i need to add to my "not maintenance free" list, along with putting air in the tyres.
After yesterday's drenching have also ordered a waterproof rucksack in a fetching shade of orange. Matches the bike, of course.
Service identified that some of the spokes needed tightened so that's something i need to add to my "not maintenance free" list, along with putting air in the tyres.
After yesterday's drenching have also ordered a waterproof rucksack in a fetching shade of orange. Matches the bike, of course.
Managed to avoid the rain today, but was chuffing cold! Arm warmers arrived today so will break them out tomorrow.
My weekly commute is only 27 miles in total, but I've done almost 50 thanks to feeling better the more I cycle and therefore extending my route. Now lost over a stone so its all going in the right direction
My weekly commute is only 27 miles in total, but I've done almost 50 thanks to feeling better the more I cycle and therefore extending my route. Now lost over a stone so its all going in the right direction
Well I finally managed it, nearly 3 years since I last did it I cycled to work
Thankfully I don't feel too bad, I managed to find the buildings showers which weren't as grotty as I'd been led to believe and considering my lack of cycling recently the time it took wasn't too atrocious; 38 minutes to do the 11 miles from Beckenham - Moorgate.
I usually ride a motorbike in and that takes ~30 mins so not too bad. In standard form I also had my strava going and managed to pick up 9 trophies, mainly PB's on the route, although I'm significantly behind my old pace where it lapped onto the old route (used to do Orpington - Bank) - result considering!
Thankfully I don't feel too bad, I managed to find the buildings showers which weren't as grotty as I'd been led to believe and considering my lack of cycling recently the time it took wasn't too atrocious; 38 minutes to do the 11 miles from Beckenham - Moorgate.
I usually ride a motorbike in and that takes ~30 mins so not too bad. In standard form I also had my strava going and managed to pick up 9 trophies, mainly PB's on the route, although I'm significantly behind my old pace where it lapped onto the old route (used to do Orpington - Bank) - result considering!
Good effort! Did you come via Crystal Palace for extra hill points?
I'm genuinely interested in the route as always thinking I should look for ways to vary mine.
I ditched the heavy commuter hybrid for a road bike today as I didn't need to carry anything much and enjoyed the ride. It felt fast but every time it's the lights that seem to have more of a bearing on my door to door speed.
I'm genuinely interested in the route as always thinking I should look for ways to vary mine.
I ditched the heavy commuter hybrid for a road bike today as I didn't need to carry anything much and enjoyed the ride. It felt fast but every time it's the lights that seem to have more of a bearing on my door to door speed.
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