Diary of a new commuter

4dam

Hi all,

The reason I decided to start riding to work. Was that after getting Wii fit for my 30th birthday ,to see that i was on my way to 16st was a bit of a shock. So I wanted to get fit and lose the weight I put on over the last few years since quitting the cigs(4st).

So with my work doing the cycle2work scheme. I saw this as a great oportunity to achieve both of my goals.

So last night I picked up my bike, A Boardman Urban Comp. With that I mapped out my route to work ,and did a few test runs in the car. So with the total journey from home to work being 9.5miles with some very big hills along the way , it was at this point I started to think it might not be the right decision!!!(you don't seem to notice the hills when your sat in your car). But hey I still couldn't wait to get started!

As it had been such a long time since I last sat on a bike let alone rode one, I thought it would be a good idea to ease myself in gently and to kick off my cycle fit campaign from my Girlfriends house until i get used to being on a bike again. Seeing as she only lives 2 miles from my work.

DAY 1

Going 2miles= 12minutes
Return 2miles= 12minutes
Weight = 15st 12pounds

Got out of bed nice and early. Got in to my new cycling clothes, which were all laid out the night before, just like your first day at school.(Not to sure, if i will ever get used to wearing cycling shorts with that big Sanitary towel in them, well thats what it feels like anyway, not that I'm partial to wearing them!!!). Setting off half an hour before I start work(forgetting my drink bottle which my lovely Girlfriend had filled and placed in the fridge). I had a few teething problems with the gears when I first set off. But soon got on top of them. Getting to work in one piece. Not too out breath, or too sweaty. So feeling really proud of myself that I had actualy began my quest for fitness.

On the way home I got straight into it, With no problems. Then about 500 yards from the missus house, a car,with the driver looking straight at me, just pulls out straight across my path. I just miss him and he gets a bit of abuse but I stayed on the bike, so not as bad as it could have been. Then 100 yards down the road a Women decides to do the same! She to gets some abuse. So note to self "Watch out for drivers even when they look straight at you".


Overall I really enjoyed Day 1 and felt very pleased with myself for going by bike.

Bring on tomorrow.

woodford2barbican

Nice one. Kepp it up! Soon you will be 15.5 stone like me, after 4 years of commuting...

Gilbie

Good on you! Sounds like your determined to make a go of it. Don't be put off by the idiots in tin boxes, when you get a few more miles road experience under your belt you start to see the menace drivers and it gets easier to spot them before they spot you. Good luck 8)

cjcp

Excellent stuff. Soon, you'll be SCR like the rest of us.

gtvlusso

Excellent stuff - you should keep this thread up and track your progress. Don't get too het up about crap driving, it will happen everyday and you will just have a heart attack getting wound up about it - take it out on your pedals and beat them through the traffic. A good hill sorts out anger issues I find.

If it helps, I always maintained that I was 12 stone throughout my racing career (rowing), with the exception that I was actually 13.5 stone - not great when you row a boat that is only designed for 12 stone max weight (Always wondered why the boat sat very low in the water)!! Anyway, I do triathlon now and maybe an Ironman event next season (see how my training pans out). I have stayed the same weight, but am just much firmer and fitter, so don't get too caught up in the weight thing!!!

Other thing is, as you cycle you will need to buy new clothes - jeans won't fit over you butt and your thighs will get big - can look a bit odd if you don't do any upper body work, so I would suggest some swimming or light weights to stay in proportion - just for the sake of easy clothes buying too!!

Some of the race boys here will give you pointers for distance/time ratio. I base everything on averaging 25 mph - quite high, but I have been doing this for 10 years plus!!

Enjoy!! And don't forget - you can use your bike at weekends/evenings to go and do errands/shopping and so on!!

alfablue

4dam wrote:

So note to self "Watch out for drivers even when they look straight at you".

Well don 4dam - it will change your life.

On car drivers / eye contact, I have learned as a pedestrian that if you cross roads without giving eye contact to drivers they will stop, if you give eye contact they take it that "he's seen me, now its up to him to stop" - the same works on a bike. If I see a car waiting at a junction up ahead I put my head down (I am still looking, peering upwards, just my body language suggests not) and I reckon they are less likely to pull out, same works with pedestrians that are on a cycle path or going to cross the road in front of you - they take responsibility if there is no eye contact.

Just my theory - don't try crossing the road without looking to test it - just appear not to be looking.

Belv

Well done.
You'll be doing the 9.5 miles in no time. The idea of it is worse than the reality!

Gussio

Should that be "dairy" of a new commuter?

Breathless Commuter Man

alfablue wrote:

4dam wrote:

So note to self "Watch out for drivers even when they look straight at you".

Well don 4dam - it will change your life.

On car drivers / eye contact, I have learned as a pedestrian that if you cross roads without giving eye contact to drivers they will stop, if you give eye contact they take it that "he's seen me, now its up to him to stop" - the same works on a bike. If I see a car waiting at a junction up ahead I put my head down (I am still looking, peering upwards, just my body language suggests not) and I reckon they are less likely to pull out, same works with pedestrians that are on a cycle path or going to cross the road in front of you - they take responsibility if there is no eye contact.

Just my theory - don't try crossing the road without looking to test it - just appear not to be looking.

+1 on eye contact.

Sewinman

Re weight - I was 15.5 stone in january and am now 13.5 stone (ish). I lost loads to begin with, but have not lost any weight for a few months. However, every time I see my sister she says I have lost weight. I have also found my body shape is slowly but surely changing to something more athletic. Belt no longer fits and thighs are also now big. New muscles have appeared in my calfs.

So +1 for not being obsessed with weight. Some fat is pretty hard to shift too. Also +1 for doing upper body work - cycling does not rid you of a beer belly (in my experience) so think of sit ups.

kitch@mmm

Well done 4dam. Excellent. Keep up the updates...

The first ride is always the hardest. I started commuting for new job Aug last years. 15 miles each way!! Started by using the train for part of the journey.

Then did train one way and ride back full length. Stick at it, you will get fitter.

As for car drivers, it's par for the course. Happened again this morning! And i made eye contact. Always ride defensive and assume they will pull out. Keeps you safe....

Don't try keep up with other bike commuters, ride at your own pace. Enjoy the ride and try other routes once fitter.

It will become adictive!!! Even the rain will not bother you after while. Wear less clothes than you think you need, you will get v/warm riding. The wind is what will make you feel cold, so a good windproof is essential. And ear covers in winter....

I now ride 3/4 days a week total of 90/120 miles. It takes me 50 minutes now to cover my route but first ride was 1hr 20 mins.....

Welocme to the club

cougie

Good effort.

Eye contact is very important - but its harder when its dark.

Get yourself kick ass lights too - I'd go for the Smart 0.5Watt on the back (two in case one dies) and on the front a bright strobe light to get their attention. Fenix L2D or similar.
Hi Viz jacket is also good - nobody can say they didnt see you.

4dam

Thanks for all your support, I plan to keep this thread updated about twice a week.

As for the drivers not seeing me I was wearing a bright orange jacket, With "kick arse lights". I know I will get used to idiot drivers and will live with it.

Tomorrow I plan to take a detour on my way home to put a few miles in and see how I feel around the busy town center roads.

DAY 2

Going 2miles= 12minutes
Return 2miles= 12minutes
Weight = 15st 12pounds

Nothing to report today all went well there and back

Mista Kreg

On the subject of town centre riding, I commute through the one way system in Guildford; not for the faint-hearted but plenty of opportunities for filtering heroics.

Enjoy it but avoid the squeeze...

I'm a recent starter too: I've done an almighty four commutes so far having ridden at weekends throughout the summer. It's wonderful getting work on time feeling energised rather than crawling in half-asleep in the car. The buzz you get from ragging it silly on the way home helps too!

Peace

sc999cs

I'd drop the weight recording. You'll find that it goes up or stays the same and that can be discouraging. You're better to do the belt test or flab jiggle test. You'll 'convert' light weight fat to heavy muscle quite quickly so weight can be misleading.

Otherwise congrats on a good start.

fossyant

I've been a life long cyclist, but jobs stopped me cycling to work (not cycling though) when I was just 30. By 38 had enough - and a fair bit heavier - 14.5st......, got a job nearer to home (10 miles away) and cycled every day. Lost 2.5 stone in 3 months, and that was a year ago. Now as fit as I was when racing in my mid 20's.. just over 12 stone and 5'9"..

You'll get there..don't get put off by drivers - same idiots you encounter when driving....

You got yourself a good bike there.

Drivers never see you, lit up like Blackpool Illuminations or not.... One tip...eye ball them going round junctions - look right at their eyes... (you'll soon be able to ride and not look where you are going) and you'll notice if they have seen you....it does work... they see your head tracking them as you cycle past...it does stop them pulling out....or at least you have your brakes covered and are braced for impact........

AndyManc

It's not easy loosing weight during the winter months, your body naturally retains fat, so don't expect miracles.

I wouldn't look at the scales for the next 6months, just get your body into the routine of regular excercise then next spring you should see the benefits.

During the summer you should see a rapid inprovement,better weather for cycling and eating low cal salads and fruit.

I reckon if you really are motivated you could loose 3st over the next 12months.

4dam

Hi again,

Day 3

Going 2miles= 10minutes
Return 2miles= 10minutes

A nice trip to and from work, Getting right into traveling to and from work on the bike.

Day 4

Going 9miles= 50minutes
Return 9miles= 1hour 12minutes

Today I had the pleasure to have the day off, So decided to do a test run of the actual route I will be doing each day, to and from work.

Today was a big learning curve:

1. I realised just how unfit I am(very). Have to admit I stopped and walked the last part of a hill, but this has given more drive to get fitter so that I can get up them without stopping.

2. I have some very big hills on my comute. One that is over 1.5 miles long. Which is good on the way there but very bad coming back.

3. I need more equipment. Gloves , my hands were very cold. Glasses ,my eyes were running like a river. Cycling shoes/pedals. So will need to spend some cash but its essentials not luxury items!

4. Have to change the route a little, one road was very dangerous with high speed trucks blowing me everywhere.

But to be honest even though my legs are a little weary this evening, I cant wait to beat those hills, And cut the time down.

Kieran_Burns

Stretch your thigh muscles each evening. It relieves the pain and can help prevent knee issues later, and make you feel more comfortable afterwards.

Oh, and get the best kit you can afford - buying cheap will NOT save you money!




Good Luck and keep us up to date - I for one, am enjoying the diary!

sc999cs

4dam wrote:

Have to admit I stopped and walked the last part of a hill

No shame in this. One trick is to drop to your absolute lowest gear and just keep pedalling. Doesn't matter if your only moving at 2 or 3 mph as long as you keep moving. Stopping can sometimes make it worse as it is harder to get going again than it would have been moving at a constant slow speed.

doog442

similar commute to me; once your legs are sorted,which may take a couple of months,start to 'hammer it' there and back,within reason of course ...if you treat every commute as a work out, you will defo lose weight.........then you start doing weekend rides and then you start mooching on the roadie forum and so on.... 8)

tardington

I am now fitter than I was - though this means I now I can peg it up my big hill to catch the green light. Of course, then I have to keep up with the other cyclists who have had a nice, long rest at the red light...

snakehips

October , good time to start commuting by bike. Keep it up , good luck.

Snake

my bikes ... http://beta.yudu.com/library/item_details/17432/Snakehips--Bikes

4dam

Hi again, Sorry not updated this thread been working away, and been on holiday.

Not been riding to much while off just 2-3 times a week. Going to update once a week at least from now on.

Just a few things to tell you about. At the beginning of December some CHAV came into the cycle lane got as close to me as he could and blew his horn. Nearly jumped out of my skin To say the least i was a little upset. But a little further up the road he was sitting in traffic, He now as a BIG dent in his door. Then a few days later was out on the bike when the chain snapped, And while trying to repair by the side of the road my chain tool brakes, And to finish it of the next day a puncher, so a nice few days.

So I let you know how 1st week back at work goes

el_presidente

A puncher!? did you punch him back?

rhext

The hills will get a lot smaller very quickly, and there's no shame in walking when you're getting started.

Re runny nose/eyes. I find that cotton sweat bands are ideal for this.

Rich158

4dam wrote:

Hi again, Sorry not updated this thread been working away, and been on holiday.

Not been riding to much while off just 2-3 times a week. Going to update once a week at least from now on.

Just a few things to tell you about. At the beginning of December some CHAV came into the cycle lane got as close to me as he could and blew his horn. Nearly jumped out of my skin To say the least i was a little upset. But a little further up the road he was sitting in traffic, He now as a BIG dent in his door. Then a few days later was out on the bike when the chain snapped, And while trying to repair by the side of the road my chain tool brakes, And to finish it of the next day a puncher, so a nice few days.

So I let you know how 1st week back at work goes

That's a regular occurence in my neck of the woods. It's usually reserved for the summer though, and shouting as I go past. You get used to it after a while, and just once in a while you'll catch them at a red light and get your own back.

Good luck with the commute, it doesn't neccesarilly get easier, you just get faster

The Chingford Skinhead

Hey, the diary idea is great. Keep it up. It will be an inspiration for the rest of us who started late last year.

I'll have to confess that while I cycled right up until Christmas, but the snow this morning and threat of ice means I don't fancy it much at the moment (though I have lost the ability to walk at weekends - anything over five mins walk and I hop on the bike)

4dam

1st week back, Only went on the bike twice because of the bad weather. Not to eventful 1st day. But on the 2nd got the dreaded puncture. Replaced the tube roadside with no real probs. Would have got home without getting off to push for the 1st time.

Start from week 1 for 2009

Weight 15st6

Going to work

Day1= 9.5 Miles 44min
Day2= 9.5 Miles 46min

Return from work

Day1= 9.5 miles 1h 5min
Day2= 9.5 miles 5min (minus time for roadside repairs)

4dam

Day 2 return was 55min sorry

4dam

This week not been on the bike to much. Was planning to go all 4days this week. But working away changed all that. But still managed to get two trips in. On my 1st day I had a little problem with my index gears they kept on jumping. still got to and from work OK.
When i got home having never set them up before thought i would look online for and advice on how to do this and found a little gem on youtube. ( http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=SkzvfCaIb ... annel_page ) So on to the 2nd day when i got on to the bike. Going to work was great seemed to have set the gears correctly, If not better then when i got the bike. On the way ho me i got the my 1st feeling of how great it is to commute on a bike. All lights at green the bike feels great the hills seem to be easier everything just felt great. Until i get a puncture. (already posted about this to say thanks) While i was fitting the new tube in I get a fellow cyclist stop to see if i need a hand, Then with the worst luck i get another a few miles down the road. With this i had no choice to see if i could find the fault on the inner tube. When another cyclist goes flying past down the hill, Turns around rides back up the hill and hears my sob story and offers me his spare tube. I offer the guy a few quid for it and he was having none of it so a big thanks to you pal. Hope to catch the guy one day. Seeing we take the same route too and from Leeds to give him a new inner tube back. So even if my high was short lived the other cyclists stopping made up for it. Cheers guys, So with all inner tubes i have used I placed my 1st order on wiggle for 5 more, Can see going on to there site being expensive habit with what else i have gone purchased.




Week 2

Weight 15st5 (Loss of 1lb from start weightof 15st6)


Going to work

Day1= 9.5 Miles 47min
Day2= 9.5 Miles 39min

Return from work

Day1= 9.5 miles 1h
Day2= 9.5 miles 1hr 45min (with roadside repairs)