Starting cycling to work
Discussion
So decided to brush off the bicycle after a few years of neglect. Got some road tyres and tried my first road commute to work.
I am relatively unfit but actually enjoyed it, just over 8 miles each way through country roads, all good.
My observations from today
- Need to figure out what and when to eat, started to really flag on the way home
- Despite gel saddle cover, my arse really hurts
- Compared to motorcyclists, most of the cyclists I saw were a miserable bunch of b
ds. I nodded at a passing the other way, not even a smile or an acknowledgement. Won't bother in future
- If you keep in and allow traffic to pass, cars are surprisingly tolerant, felt quite safe on the lanes.
- Don't think I will enjoy cycling in the rain, may not bother.
Any tips for the first time commuter?
I am relatively unfit but actually enjoyed it, just over 8 miles each way through country roads, all good.
My observations from today
- Need to figure out what and when to eat, started to really flag on the way home
- Despite gel saddle cover, my arse really hurts
- Compared to motorcyclists, most of the cyclists I saw were a miserable bunch of b
ds. I nodded at a passing the other way, not even a smile or an acknowledgement. Won't bother in future- If you keep in and allow traffic to pass, cars are surprisingly tolerant, felt quite safe on the lanes.
- Don't think I will enjoy cycling in the rain, may not bother.
Any tips for the first time commuter?
Ditch the gel cover, all it will be doing is sliding around on the existing saddle and decreasing comfort levels, comfort is more about width and supporting your sit bones than padding.
8 miles shouldn't require any additional fueling other than what you'd normally have, have a decent balanced lunch and you'll be fine, you're tired cos you're not cycle fit, riding more will fix that.
Rain, hmm, I'm not the one to ask on that, I'll ride in frost, ice (to my lesson last year - broken femur) and wind, but I hate riding in the rain!
8 miles shouldn't require any additional fueling other than what you'd normally have, have a decent balanced lunch and you'll be fine, you're tired cos you're not cycle fit, riding more will fix that.
Rain, hmm, I'm not the one to ask on that, I'll ride in frost, ice (to my lesson last year - broken femur) and wind, but I hate riding in the rain!
Make sure you carry a couple of spare inner tubes, a pump and tyre levers with you. There's nothing worse than being stuck with a puncture half way to work with no way to fix it, knowing you're going to be late for something important.
Saddles and arses are funny things. If you've not ridden for ages, then it's going to be sore for the first 2-3 weeks regardless, but will toughen up, and at that point, you'll probably find that the gel cover is the last thing in the world you want.
Pretty much any decent bike shop will be able to measure your sit bones, tell you what width of saddle you need, and probably have demo saddles you can try for a few rides until you find one you're comfortable with. Whatever you do, don't bother coming on here to ask for saddle recommendations, as that area more than any other on the bike is personal preference. For example, I have a mate who loves Fizik Airone saddles. I bought a new bike which came with one, and it felt like I'd been on the receiving end of some amourous attention from a stud bull on Viagra!
Also worth bearing in mind, especially if you've got nice country lanes to choose from, is that as you get fitter, you may well choose to extend your ride further than the eight miles you're starting with. At that point, it's definitely worth getting padded shorts rather than having the padding in the saddle, as that ensures the padding is padding the right places.
Saddles and arses are funny things. If you've not ridden for ages, then it's going to be sore for the first 2-3 weeks regardless, but will toughen up, and at that point, you'll probably find that the gel cover is the last thing in the world you want.
Pretty much any decent bike shop will be able to measure your sit bones, tell you what width of saddle you need, and probably have demo saddles you can try for a few rides until you find one you're comfortable with. Whatever you do, don't bother coming on here to ask for saddle recommendations, as that area more than any other on the bike is personal preference. For example, I have a mate who loves Fizik Airone saddles. I bought a new bike which came with one, and it felt like I'd been on the receiving end of some amourous attention from a stud bull on Viagra!
Also worth bearing in mind, especially if you've got nice country lanes to choose from, is that as you get fitter, you may well choose to extend your ride further than the eight miles you're starting with. At that point, it's definitely worth getting padded shorts rather than having the padding in the saddle, as that ensures the padding is padding the right places.
lukefreeman said:
Some cyclists are aholes, and it's annoying. Always ALWAYS acknowledge others on road.
Why? holes, and it's annoying. Always ALWAYS acknowledge others on road.
I'll always say hello to other riders I see at the weekend when they're obviously also indulging in a hobby, but if I tried to wave to every other cyclist on the road on my commute, I'd have to cycle pretty much the last eight miles of the commute with just one hand on the bars!
Similarly, when I used to own an MGB, I'd always wave to other owners, but I'm certainly not going to wave to other S-Max owners because they'd quite rightly think I was a nutter! It's the difference between a shared passion and a shared mode of transport.
Some cyclists are friendly and chatty, some not. I suspect many commuter cyclists have the day on their mind and are just getting on with it, rather than being unfriendly. Do your thing and let the rest go.
I have a bowl of porridge at work as I don't like riding just after I've eaten. Other than that for a short ride just eat normally. Burning the extra calories should help you drop a few pounds, although doubt you'll loose much!
Spare inner tube is a good call, although personally I use good puncture resistant tyre and haven't had a problem. Keep a spare set of clothes at work as you will get caught out - whether forgetfulness or the weather!
Riding in the rain is a state of mind. Sure have the right kit, but one way or the other you're going to get wet, sweat or rain.
Your arse will also get used to it.
The other thing is to hang in there. IMO it takes a good year to fully convert to really wanting to cycle in. I absolutely hate driving to work now. Give me the pouring rain and a long line of traffic to overtake and I'm a happy bunny!
Edit: Despite the posts on here to the contrary, I've never had an issue riding in traffic and thats central Birmingham. Don't be afraid to take a defensive line, be respectful to other road users, observe the rules of the road and give a nod or wave to anyone that lets you in etc.
I have a bowl of porridge at work as I don't like riding just after I've eaten. Other than that for a short ride just eat normally. Burning the extra calories should help you drop a few pounds, although doubt you'll loose much!
Spare inner tube is a good call, although personally I use good puncture resistant tyre and haven't had a problem. Keep a spare set of clothes at work as you will get caught out - whether forgetfulness or the weather!
Riding in the rain is a state of mind. Sure have the right kit, but one way or the other you're going to get wet, sweat or rain.
Your arse will also get used to it.
The other thing is to hang in there. IMO it takes a good year to fully convert to really wanting to cycle in. I absolutely hate driving to work now. Give me the pouring rain and a long line of traffic to overtake and I'm a happy bunny!
Edit: Despite the posts on here to the contrary, I've never had an issue riding in traffic and thats central Birmingham. Don't be afraid to take a defensive line, be respectful to other road users, observe the rules of the road and give a nod or wave to anyone that lets you in etc.
Edited by warp9 on Tuesday 5th April 10:26
Firstly, well done. 8 miles each way is a nice distance. You're just down the road from me (Bracknell) so if you have country roads, are you going westwards?
I dont eat anything much different on days when i ride in (like today) except i bring a mars bar in addition to my usual daily intake (sandwich, crisps, and 3 pieces of fruit). Just make sure you drink a lot all day - your last widdle pre-ride home should be as clear as a mountain spring!
Yeah, your arse will hurt to begin with. MTFU, it will improve.
I usually nod to all cyclists (road or MTB'er) if they appear like serious cyclists. By that i mean wearing a helmet and with a look of steely determination. If its some helmet-less tracksuit wearing chav with his knees out at 90 degrees, then hes unlikely to reciprocate anyway... be aware, while some "real" cyclists wont bother saying hello, those that do have several methods - a nod, a raise of hand or index finer lifted off the hoods, which can be easily missed. I find most people acknowledge me anyway.
Yeah, i dont cycle in the rain. Its not the wetness - its the fact that road brakes arent as good as discs, and i wear glasses so within 2 minutes i cant see where im going...
Make sure you have a decent blinking light front and rear.
Get your ass on Strava and/or Endomondo and start recording your rides. Its hugely motivating (assuming you want to improve).
Anyway, keep it up.
I dont eat anything much different on days when i ride in (like today) except i bring a mars bar in addition to my usual daily intake (sandwich, crisps, and 3 pieces of fruit). Just make sure you drink a lot all day - your last widdle pre-ride home should be as clear as a mountain spring!
Yeah, your arse will hurt to begin with. MTFU, it will improve.
I usually nod to all cyclists (road or MTB'er) if they appear like serious cyclists. By that i mean wearing a helmet and with a look of steely determination. If its some helmet-less tracksuit wearing chav with his knees out at 90 degrees, then hes unlikely to reciprocate anyway... be aware, while some "real" cyclists wont bother saying hello, those that do have several methods - a nod, a raise of hand or index finer lifted off the hoods, which can be easily missed. I find most people acknowledge me anyway.
Yeah, i dont cycle in the rain. Its not the wetness - its the fact that road brakes arent as good as discs, and i wear glasses so within 2 minutes i cant see where im going...
Make sure you have a decent blinking light front and rear.
Get your ass on Strava and/or Endomondo and start recording your rides. Its hugely motivating (assuming you want to improve).
Anyway, keep it up.
lukefreeman said:
Some cyclists are aholes, and it's annoying. Always ALWAYS acknowledge others on road.
Man up, rain is water. Invest in some proper kit for rain. Focus on hands/feet. neoprene gloves and overshoes, and decent jacket, £100 maybe.
The acknowledgement thing? I always do, a smile, a 'salute', or even just a subtle 'hand raised on the bar'. My approach often depends on how the other person is dressed/what they are riding. Some return it, some don't. Don't be quick to judge, and don't let it stop you from "being nice" and greeting others. I'm significantly deaf in my right ear - often I won't hear a spoken greeting, not from an overtaking cyclist, nor over wind noise. Sometimes there's other things on your mind, you might be passing a chap and give him a wave just as he's worrying about conflict with traffic as he moves out round a wet drain cover or a pothole. Or he might be "in the zone". Failing to return a greeting doesn't necessarily make a person an "aholes, and it's annoying. Always ALWAYS acknowledge others on road.Man up, rain is water. Invest in some proper kit for rain. Focus on hands/feet. neoprene gloves and overshoes, and decent jacket, £100 maybe.
hole" or a grumpy git out on the road, not in the same way as if you were face to face in a social situation would.As for rain? lukefreeman is right. Rain really is just water. And he's right about the kit too. The neoprene overshoes and gloves will probably not keep you dry, but even if you are wet under them, you'll still be warm. Which is the most important thing. Keep your hands and feet warm and you ought to be OK, especially over an 8 mile commute. I did 15 miles of a 30 mile ride recently in an unexpected heavy shower. I was soaked through, but thankful that I'd convinced myself to wear overshoes, as despite being soaked through two pairs of socks and a pair of shoes, my feet, importantly, FELT like they were warm and dry until I took my shoes off at home. Rain jackets can be OK, but you need to buy a decent one if you're not going to end up wetter on the inside (from sweating) than you are on the outside from the rain. Although again, if it's only the 8 miles and not at 'full gas' effort, then it won't be so bad.
Thanks for the comments so far, went in again this morning so that is a total of just over 25 miles covered so far!
Arse advice, absolutely agree. I think I do need to MTFU about it so will work on that. Debating on whether to ride in tomorrow as well or thinking I should have a rest day as just getting started.
I do tend to really regret it during the first 15 minutes and even think about turning back and getting the car, however when I make it in I am much happier and can't wait to set off back home again. I am sure this will pass as has been mentioned.
Traffic has been OK so far, as said I am a respectful cyclist and having been on the receiving end in a car from the militant cyclist clubs, I will hold a dominant road position where required but I will also pull in and pull over if I am holding up a lot of traffic. I do subscribe to "people can wait" when you are doing something but there is never a need to make people wait just for the hell of it.
Daddycool - Basingstoke area to Hook area so lots of backroads to choose from!
Arse advice, absolutely agree. I think I do need to MTFU about it so will work on that
. Debating on whether to ride in tomorrow as well or thinking I should have a rest day as just getting started.I do tend to really regret it during the first 15 minutes and even think about turning back and getting the car, however when I make it in I am much happier and can't wait to set off back home again. I am sure this will pass as has been mentioned.
Traffic has been OK so far, as said I am a respectful cyclist and having been on the receiving end in a car from the militant cyclist clubs, I will hold a dominant road position where required but I will also pull in and pull over if I am holding up a lot of traffic. I do subscribe to "people can wait" when you are doing something but there is never a need to make people wait just for the hell of it.
Daddycool - Basingstoke area to Hook area so lots of backroads to choose from!
I did the same a few years ago, my situation was similar, was unfit and had about 8 miles to work. My first day was slow(maybe 40mins) and I made the mistake of cycling in jeans, I nearly gave up day 1 but persevered and invested in some bib cycling shorts (wore regular shorts over the top so as not to scare passers by). Each day got progressively easier and by the end of week 2 I was down to 20mins and would eventually get to a point where it was quicker on the bike than queueing in the car.
Keep it up it's worth it.
Keep it up it's worth it.
Kermit power said:
lukefreeman said:
Some cyclists are aholes, and it's annoying. Always ALWAYS acknowledge others on road.
Why? holes, and it's annoying. Always ALWAYS acknowledge others on road.I'll always say hello to other riders I see at the weekend when they're obviously also indulging in a hobby, but if I tried to wave to every other cyclist on the road on my commute, I'd have to cycle pretty much the last eight miles of the commute with just one hand on the bars!
Similarly, when I used to own an MGB, I'd always wave to other owners, but I'm certainly not going to wave to other S-Max owners because they'd quite rightly think I was a nutter! It's the difference between a shared passion and a shared mode of transport.
Not sure what an MGB and and an S Max have to do with it though. Poor analogy. Would you recognize other MGB drivers?
Conversely on the way back I was at a junction, and a cyclist coming towards me ran a red. So we shouted at him "w
ker, thanks for giving us lot a bad name"lukefreeman said:
On the roads that I ride to work on, it's pretty much B roads all the way. If I see a Cyclist, he's doing at least 10 miles to the next town. Don't take much to just raise a hand.
Not sure what an MGB and and an S Max have to do with it though. Poor analogy. Would you recognize other MGB drivers?
Conversely on the way back I was at a junction, and a cyclist coming towards me ran a red. So we shouted at him "wker, thanks for giving us lot a bad name"
Hardly a difficult analogy, surely?Not sure what an MGB and and an S Max have to do with it though. Poor analogy. Would you recognize other MGB drivers?
Conversely on the way back I was at a junction, and a cyclist coming towards me ran a red. So we shouted at him "w
ker, thanks for giving us lot a bad name"Waving to a fellow enthusiast (anyone driving an MG, anyone riding around in the hills on a weekend) is perfectly normal.
Waving to someone just because they happen to be using the same form of everyday transport as you (the S-Max, or the commuting cyclist in town) is just weird.
I've just started cycling too and I'm doing a day on and a day off. I do 13km a day and it's pretty much downhill in the morning and about 60% up hill on the way back. I got a really sorry arse to the point where any tiny bump would fking kill!
The only problem I have at the minute is cramp in my legs / calves any idea what this is or is it just because I'm not used to cycling?
Sorry to hijack this thread op!
king kill!The only problem I have at the minute is cramp in my legs / calves any idea what this is or is it just because I'm not used to cycling?
Sorry to hijack this thread op!
richatnort said:
I've just started cycling too and I'm doing a day on and a day off. I do 13km a day and it's pretty much downhill in the morning and about 60% up hill on the way back. I got a really sorry arse to the point where any tiny bump would fking kill!
The only problem I have at the minute is cramp in my legs / calves any idea what this is or is it just because I'm not used to cycling?
Sorry to hijack this thread op!
Good hijack! I started having a similar issue today. Changing feet position and eating bananas seem to help!king kill!The only problem I have at the minute is cramp in my legs / calves any idea what this is or is it just because I'm not used to cycling?
Sorry to hijack this thread op!
By coincidence I'm going to try commuting into work on the bike today. Never done it before.
I'm not planning to cycle home today though, one step at a time (it's about 30 miles from Lingfield to the city).
I like cycling and 30 miles isn't long for me, biggest concerns for are routing, logistics (I've forgotten to leave a coat at work so I'm going to have a chilly trip home) and concentrating on work if this tires me out.
I'm not planning to cycle home today though, one step at a time (it's about 30 miles from Lingfield to the city).
I like cycling and 30 miles isn't long for me, biggest concerns for are routing, logistics (I've forgotten to leave a coat at work so I'm going to have a chilly trip home) and concentrating on work if this tires me out.
Edited by idiotgap on Wednesday 6th April 06:14
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