My first commute to work

whome

I've been doing some utility cycling and occasional recreation cycling, but had been put off doing my commute into work by the distance. After promising I would at least try it one day, I have finally made it in.

I was given lots of suggestions before (many thanks to everyone) -
http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12543971
But I had almost managed a year without finding a good time to try it out fully. There had always seemed to be an excuse of bad weather, being on call, doing something in the evening, etc, etc. I finally thought if I am going to do it this year I ought to just go for it.

So -
Distance just under the 30km
average (stopping speed, not real average) 24km/h
total time door to door about 1:25

basic Giant hardtail mountain bike but with more road sensible tyres.

The route unfortunately includes some 60/70mph sections, but is fairly wide and it was mostly OK.

My right thigh/bum feels very sore now (as soon as I got off the bike), so getting back home might be more of a problem. Yes, I should have prepared better, but see above for procrastination. If I need to I can always wimp out and get a lift (possibly) or take the train either part or all the way home.


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ChrisLS

...well done Whome...do you have padded shorts? Might ease the bum a bit.

...soon you will be playing the Game ...or the Game will be playing you...

...just keep on keeping on...

alfablue

Well done!!! That's quite a hardcore commute! It can only get easier with practice though. Your average speed is very respectable, I rarely exceed 22kph on my 22km commute, and it's mostly flat.

whome

Well like I said, it isn't a real average speed but the cycle computer average thingy which stops when you stop and also it is a fairly flat route. The real average must be around 20kph.

This as a one off trial at the moment, I am definitely not cycling tomorrow and will probably be leaving it a week before trying again. Or getting home tonight by other means and cycling the bike home friday or something.

If the Game is beating your last commute, then we'll see when I next try it If the Game is racing other cyclists - there weren't many of those. And none I passed or was passed by in my direction.

The bum I think is a slight pull or tendon strain sort of thing. See how it feels later on. The saddle soreness will kick in too I am sure.

alfablue

yep, that's the basis of my average too, though I don't really stop except for the odd junction.

Upping your mileage may reveal issues with your bike setup - the bum pull (!) may indicate a seat too high or low, or seat setback. Just a thought, not suggesting you go messing with it.

I suppose the game is beating your last commute, but I am afraid I reached a plateau some time ago

Coriander

Boys, boys, boys - how can you tread these boards and not know The Game - the single greatest thread on any forum anywhere? Fact.

Make yourselves acquainted - http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12575770

alfablue

Oh, I have studiously ignored that thread! Had too many disappointing rides trying to keep with the Bristol and Bath Railway Path chaingang :oops:

whome

Ah it is the "Silly Commuter Racing" thread - which looked far too long by the time I noticed it (irregular reading habits) .

biondino

deleted post

alfablue

Coriander wrote:

Boys, boys, boys - how can you tread these boards and not know The Game - the single greatest thread on any forum anywhere? Fact.

Make yourselves acquainted - http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12575770

Okay, I have looked at it now - not all 154 pages though! I have had an idea, I am going to print out the rules and show my girlfriend, then maybe she will understand why we need to up our pace and not get overtaken when we ride together - she doesn't have a strong competitive instinct I'm afraid, and it kills me to see hairy legged knobbly tyred mtb'ers pass us and let them go off into the distance unchallenged! I am hoping her very logical, rather than competitive, mind will make her see sense!

boybiker

The trouble with The Game is that I am more of a target for other players rather than me being able to score lots of points, I hardly ever see anyone that I would be able to claim and get points,its not fair boohoo

whome

good luck! with persuading your GF

I've read the rules bit, we'll see, not sure I can remember all the complications or how competitive I really am (not very I suspect).

alfablue

boybiker wrote:

The trouble with The Game is that I am more of a target for other players rather than me being able to score lots of points, I hardly ever see anyone that I would be able to claim and get points,its not fair boohoo

If it's just leg hair why not let it grow?

whome

Ah the return leg was not so great. Very tired, windy (headwind) and it seemed more uphills.

Average about 16km/h and I gave up and took the train for the last bit when I thought I was hurting too much. So only about 24k of the way home. Still I'm not feeling too bad this morning (not on the bike) so hopefully it is just getting used to long (for me) distances. Must try it again soon though.

I did see a couple of other cyclists going my way on the way home. Unfortunately the only one I might have had a hope of keeping with I wasn't able to latch on to and lost as my energy ebbed away.