Progress report and thanks

lizro
lizro Posts: 30
edited December 2008 in Commuting chat
Have been cycling in to my new job 2-3 x a week since begin Nov and slowly getting the hang of it! (Cycle/commute not the job!) Thankyou everyone who replied to my queries - really helpful and I have been generally inspired by reading the topics. I got an Ortlieb shopping pannier to carry my baby scales - discovered they will come apart quite easily - really like the bag - it is very easy to clip on and off and the carry straps work well. I change at work from tights and base layer to smarter work clothes - although now looking for some better cycle friendly work clothes for the days when I am out visiting patients. Have to be confident the weather is going to stay dry if out visiting - can't turn up at peoples houses dripping wet! Ok if it is wet on the journey home. Went into Reading town yesteday to go to the bank, and someone nicked my saddle and the post - so really fed up about that - but my own stupid fault - quick release + Brooks = easy picking. Got the lights sorted - potholes down fast hill - found that out on first day going home! Finding out what you all mean about people in cars! Really enjoying the cycling and will be even better when the days are lighter and can do the scenic but longer route through Mapledurham. Still need to sort out the 10p mileage allowance and no cycle to work initiative.

Comments

  • The Chingford Skinhead
    The Chingford Skinhead Posts: 718
    Well done. Glad it's working out for you. Bit of a pain in the rear ( :? literally as well now that i think about it) that you had the saddle nicked. Still, you live and learn. Did you manage to find a decent local bike shop?

    You'll get used to the cars and will be amazed at quickly your spidey-senses sharpen up - made me realise that I was living in a daze when commuting by train. Keep it up :wink:
    Pain is only weakness leaving the body
  • lizro
    lizro Posts: 30
    The Chingford Skinhead wrote:
    Well done. Glad it's working out for you. Bit of a pain in the rear ( :? literally as well now that i think about it) that you had the saddle nicked. Still, you live and learn. Did you manage to find a decent local bike shop?

    You'll get used to the cars and will be amazed at quickly your spidey-senses sharpen up - made me realise that I was living in a daze when commuting by train. Keep it up :wink:

    Hi - there isn't a bike shop in the centre of Reading - just walked back to my office - only about a mile or so - I didn't risk riding it without a saddle - altho my son said he would have! my son came and rescued me in the evening! he also took a post and seat off one of his old bikes that he is using for spares - we have a Mountain High locally, but we mainly get everything on line - well it is my other half who is the real cyclist and does all the maintainance.
  • The Chingford Skinhead
    The Chingford Skinhead Posts: 718
    lizro wrote:
    The Chingford Skinhead wrote:
    Well done. Glad it's working out for you. Bit of a pain in the rear ( :? literally as well now that i think about it) that you had the saddle nicked. Still, you live and learn. Did you manage to find a decent local bike shop?

    You'll get used to the cars and will be amazed at quickly your spidey-senses sharpen up - made me realise that I was living in a daze when commuting by train. Keep it up :wink:

    Hi - there isn't a bike shop in the centre of Reading - just walked back to my office - only about a mile or so - I didn't risk riding it without a saddle - altho my son said he would have! my son came and rescued me in the evening! he also took a post and seat off one of his old bikes that he is using for spares - we have a Mountain High locally, but we mainly get everything on line - well it is my other half who is the real cyclist and does all the maintainance.

    I'm pretty sure there is a bike shop on West Street - don't know what it is like though. West Street is at the Broad Street Mall / KFC / Oxford Road end of Broad Street (opp end to M&S) and the shop is opposite to Primark. Only know because when I was visiting my brothers last I saw a bike advertising the shop. :wink:
    Pain is only weakness leaving the body
  • JGS
    JGS Posts: 180
    In the winter if you are using the bike to go visit clients / people / out patients I find that some waterproof and breathable over trousers from somewhere like Blacks (I have The North Face Gore-tex ones from hiking) and a similar jacket will go over your normal clothes and keep you warm and dry. Just don't ride the bike at maxium effort (i.e. get a sweat on) and you'll find it easier than having to change at your destination.
  • el_presidente
    el_presidente Posts: 1,963
    Action Bikes is on West St

    I have heard good things about AW cycles in Caversham but cnnnot give a personal recommendation (few years now since I lived in reading)

    AW Cycles
    110 Henley Road
    Caversham
    <a>road</a>
  • Jez mon
    Jez mon Posts: 3,809
    el_presidente wrote:
    Action Bikes is on West St

    I have heard good things about AW cycles in Caversham but cnnnot give a personal recommendation (few years now since I lived in reading)

    AW Cycles
    110 Henley Road
    Caversham

    They have a very good road bike section but not sure what the rest of the shop is like!
    You live and learn. At any rate, you live
  • lizro
    lizro Posts: 30
    JGS wrote:
    In the winter if you are using the bike to go visit clients / people / out patients I find that some waterproof and breathable over trousers from somewhere like Blacks (I have The North Face Gore-tex ones from hiking) and a similar jacket will go over your normal clothes and keep you warm and dry. Just don't ride the bike at maxium effort (i.e. get a sweat on) and you'll find it easier than having to change at your destination.

    Hi - and thanks for your adviceI do have a Gore tex pack lite which works ok - it rustles alot!!
    Normal clothes are the problem - last job - which was car for everything - lots of skirts
    and jackets - so need to find some culottes/cropped trousers.

    Sounds like you have been there and got the T shirt!?
  • lizro
    lizro Posts: 30
    The Chingford Skinhead wrote:
    lizro wrote:
    The Chingford Skinhead wrote:
    Well done. Glad it's working out for you. Bit of a pain in the rear ( :? literally as well now that i think about it) that you had the saddle nicked. Still, you live and learn. Did you manage to find a decent local bike shop?

    You'll get used to the cars and will be amazed at quickly your spidey-senses sharpen up - made me realise that I was living in a daze when commuting by train. Keep it up :wink:

    Hi - there isn't a bike shop in the centre of Reading - just walked back to my office - only about a mile or so - I didn't risk riding it without a saddle - altho my son said he would have! my son came and rescued me in the evening! he also took a post and seat off one of his old bikes that he is using for spares - we have a Mountain High locally, but we mainly get everything on line - well it is my other half who is the real cyclist and does all the maintainance.

    I'm pretty sure there is a bike shop on West Street - don't know what it is like though. West Street is at the Broad Street Mall / KFC / Oxford Road end of Broad Street (opp end to M&S) and the shop is opposite to Primark. Only know because when I was visiting my brothers last I saw a bike advertising the shop. :wink:

    I will have to have a closer look next time I'm in town - I thought there was a shop there too but didn't find it altho was all hot and bothered 'cos saddle nicked!

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