The daily "I cycled to work" thread (Vol 2)
Discussion
I don't mind this, I find it flattering. I do prefer it when there's some give and take though and I get a turn too which happens less frequently.
I'm afraid I'm a bit of a chatterbox at the lights and I've made a few acquaintances now on my regular commute. Some of these people have become strava buddies and it does brighten things up a bit to encounter a friend on the road. I don't talk to RLJs or other miscreants.
I'm afraid I'm a bit of a chatterbox at the lights and I've made a few acquaintances now on my regular commute. Some of these people have become strava buddies and it does brighten things up a bit to encounter a friend on the road. I don't talk to RLJs or other miscreants.
Had a great ride in this morning.
I decided in mid-Nov to crank up the exercise a bit and ride in at least twice a week and to alternate the rides with 5k runs or 1k swims. The aim being to exit 2017 a bit lighter and a fair amount fitter.
Three weeks in and feeling the benefit.
Have also signed up for a 10k run in Feb and a tower run in March to make sure I keep hammering away all the way through January.
I decided in mid-Nov to crank up the exercise a bit and ride in at least twice a week and to alternate the rides with 5k runs or 1k swims. The aim being to exit 2017 a bit lighter and a fair amount fitter.
Three weeks in and feeling the benefit.
Have also signed up for a 10k run in Feb and a tower run in March to make sure I keep hammering away all the way through January.
Matt_N said:
8 degrees when I set off, tropical compared to last week, looks cold towards the end of the week though.
Both yesterday and today I got a bit annoyed with people wheel sucking me, the wind has changed to a SW, hence the temp rising again which leads to a strong head wind on the way in. Both mornings I've passed a slower rider only for them to then wake up, get in my tow and take it easy for a few miles, I think it's a bit rude to do this so today I just sat up, stopped pedalling and let them come by only for them to blow at the slightest incline.
Having someone on your wheel also saves you a few watts apparently! Something to do with the air they're pushing forwards. (Marginal gains and all that...)Both yesterday and today I got a bit annoyed with people wheel sucking me, the wind has changed to a SW, hence the temp rising again which leads to a strong head wind on the way in. Both mornings I've passed a slower rider only for them to then wake up, get in my tow and take it easy for a few miles, I think it's a bit rude to do this so today I just sat up, stopped pedalling and let them come by only for them to blow at the slightest incline.
Don’t mind another cyclist wheel sucking, doesn’t cost me anything so happy to make someone’s life easier.
Slowed down to a crawl for a jogger on an unlit cycle path in the middle of nowhere. She was wearing a proviz jacket, visible from miles away, observed me coming and moved over. Unlike her three mates three abreast blocking the path, two dressed in black and one in a camouflage top. If it wasn’t for their friend...
To make matters worse, after I slowly threaded through them and was getting back up to speed their black Labrador ran towards me.
Slowed down to a crawl for a jogger on an unlit cycle path in the middle of nowhere. She was wearing a proviz jacket, visible from miles away, observed me coming and moved over. Unlike her three mates three abreast blocking the path, two dressed in black and one in a camouflage top. If it wasn’t for their friend...
To make matters worse, after I slowly threaded through them and was getting back up to speed their black Labrador ran towards me.
I had my work Christmas do last night so I got the train home (delayed) and had to train it back in again this morning.
What a disaster!
A bird pooed on me in spectacular fashion smattering my coat on the way to the station.
The trains were delayed due to a power failure so I ended up departing half an hour late.
I had to get a train heading to Victoria instead of London Bridge (took a Boris bike across town).
All told an hour late to work.
Can't wait to get on my bike for a civilised commute home!
What a disaster!
A bird pooed on me in spectacular fashion smattering my coat on the way to the station.
The trains were delayed due to a power failure so I ended up departing half an hour late.
I had to get a train heading to Victoria instead of London Bridge (took a Boris bike across town).
All told an hour late to work.
Can't wait to get on my bike for a civilised commute home!
Matt_N said:
Not as cold as the indicated 1c (-3c with windchill) would suggest, bit of sleet too.
Unless there is ice on the ground I'll be riding, need to average 87 miles a week for the rest of the year to hit my 4000 mile target.
I thought the same this morning. I'm In similar position, I need 75 miles a week to hit my 3000 mile target. Far better year, only struggled to 750 last year. 4k will be my 2018 goal.Unless there is ice on the ground I'll be riding, need to average 87 miles a week for the rest of the year to hit my 4000 mile target.
Birmingham still has a substantial covering of snow, but work was open so I had to get in. Given the options of clearing my car off and braving the roads, or taking the bus, I took option C. Mountain Bike!
The side roads were slippy, the main roads were grimy, but it was definitely the quickest way in. I'm a bit nervous leaving it outside work since it is worth a fair bit more than my commuter bike, but it's still there!
The side roads were slippy, the main roads were grimy, but it was definitely the quickest way in. I'm a bit nervous leaving it outside work since it is worth a fair bit more than my commuter bike, but it's still there!
Paraicj said:
Birmingham still has a substantial covering of snow, but work was open so I had to get in. Given the options of clearing my car off and braving the roads, or taking the bus, I took option C. Mountain Bike!
The side roads were slippy, the main roads were grimy, but it was definitely the quickest way in. I'm a bit nervous leaving it outside work since it is worth a fair bit more than my commuter bike, but it's still there!
Do you work in the Mailbox/Cube? I think I recognise your bike, I was there for work on Monday. If it was you I was the chap on the red Boardman hardtail admiring your bike! The side roads were slippy, the main roads were grimy, but it was definitely the quickest way in. I'm a bit nervous leaving it outside work since it is worth a fair bit more than my commuter bike, but it's still there!
simonpieman said:
Slippy ride to and from work in central Birmingham. It was more challenging than I imagined it would be. Tomorrow I'll try a cyclocross bike. I reckon the thinner tyres will cut through some of the ice and give better grip.
Draconic said:
Do you work in the Mailbox/Cube? I think I recognise your bike, I was there for work on Monday. If it was you I was the chap on the red Boardman hardtail admiring your bike!
So at least 3 of us were Mountain Biking in Birmingham yesterday? Good stuff!I work down near Millennium Point, so it wasn't me in the centre, there must be a fourth foolish soul...
I had to help push a car and a van out of parking spaces yesterday on the way home, my bike did a great job. On the MTB again today, the hard freeze means it was definitely slippier than yesterday.
Took the bike in this morning and it wasn't too bad. The right layers helped! However I while walking the final bit through the work car park I slipped and went over! Somehow managed to break the saddle, so it was walking home, and walking in tomorrow.
However the new bike gets delivered tomorrow, so theres still plenty to look forward to
However the new bike gets delivered tomorrow, so theres still plenty to look forward to
Pretty treacherous on the way home today. Slightly milder but raining heavily. Black ice everywhere on the cycle paths. Saw two folk bin it right in front of me. Quite lucky for me as I was able to jump off and walk. Otherwise I'd have probably found out too late.
Looks like I'll have to stick to the roads in future!
Looks like I'll have to stick to the roads in future!
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