New Commuter

Tinks29

Hi,

I have just started cycling from Bath to Bristol and back for work - I think its around 13/14 miles each way and I haven't ridden a bike in ten years! managing to do it three times a week but my legs hurt!! and I have to go to bed early!!

How long does it take to get used to that type of commute?

girv73

For a start, I'm impressed you could do 13 miles after 10 years with no cycling! It took me maybe 3 weeks of riding every other evening to build up to that sort of distance, I guess you'd get used to your commute in the same sort of period.

TheBoyBilly

As Girv73 said I'm surprised you've managed this without doing yourself a mischief. You have to build up slowly. 26 miles in a day is a big ask for a body unused to this sort of treatment. Make the most of your "rest" days and make sure you get plenty of the right kind of nutrients and liquids. If in doubt ask a personal trainer or search these forums. That said, fair play to you for giving it a go - but to keep it up you must raise the bar steadily. Perhaps by riding in one morning and bus/train home and vice versa next day (to begin with). Just a thought.

ris

probably best not to try and do the 3 days consecutively yet, so you can rest well between.

make sure you have plenty of water and snacks while riding, and that you are eating enough to fuel yourself in the days.

it really is an admirable effort and i'm sure if you take it easy your body will adjust fairly fast.

secretsam

Jeez, take it easy, why not ride part of the way, drop and lock the bike, then take a bus? Say go to Warmley and take the no. 45 (I think) into town.

(spot the (former) local )

redvee

SecretSam wrote:

Jeez, take it easy, why not ride part of the way, drop and lock the bike, then take a bus? Say go to Warmley and take the no. 45 (I think) into town.

(spot the (former) local )

No 43 or 41 from Cherry Gardens into the city centre.

kev2b3

I also cycle the same distance. What i found helpful for the aches and pains was to stop for 2 mins rest for every 25 mins cycled, it didnt take long before i could cycle all the way painfree.

Tinks29

Its nice to be able to ask other cyclists

C

2wheelzgood

Sweet Jaysus! nice going. I ride 5 miles to work and back and a long ride is 20-30 miles and very rare. I though I was a keen cyclist but I take my hat off to you and the rest of you guys on here.

spacey99

About 6 weeks, until your legs stop hurting. About 3 months until you don't notice you're doing it, it's just habit.

Jon8a

As above really but that's a proper distance for a newcomer. Take it easy, don't burn out.
The most important part of any training is the rest days, that's when the repair and growth happens, not in the saddle.

Make sure your bikes properly set up, saddles, bars, tyre pressures and gears, it'll make it easier.

Eat healthily. You'll probably be a lot hungrier now so if you do need to snack don't do it on crisps and chocolates as you'll suffer. Try searcing the forums on here and the articles for idea. Usual stuff though. Nuts, Porridge, vegetables etc.