first real commute.

sharm1969ca
sharm1969ca Posts: 136
edited August 2009 in Commuting chat
Yeeeaaaahhh! just done my first real commute this am, from bramley to halifax. ok so it took me an hour and a half but its something i intend to work on. 15 miles, i am overweight and just hit 40, and all ive done in the past is look for excuses not to do it but this morning i forced my lazy fat arse out of bed and done it. what a buzz! prob feel it later on though on the way home.

Comments

  • Wallace1492
    Wallace1492 Posts: 3,707
    Good for you!! What bike you use? What tyres?
    These make a big difference, and can turn a hard slog into a pleasurable commute.
    "Encyclopaedia is a fetish for very small bicycles"
  • Kieran_Burns
    Kieran_Burns Posts: 9,757
    Congratulations mate! :D

    just so you know:

    I'm 42 now and my first 14 mile commute which I started properly last summer took 1hr 20mins.

    I'm now happily down to below 1hr (nearer 50 mins as like as not) and much better for it.

    You'll feel it tomorrow, but don't let it put you off :wink: Just start carefully and build up.

    Good Luck 8)
    Chunky Cyclists need your love too! :-)
    2009 Specialized Tricross Sport
    2011 Trek Madone 4.5
    2012 Felt F65X
    Proud CX Pervert and quiet roadie. 12 mile commuter
  • UndercoverElephant
    UndercoverElephant Posts: 5,796
    Well done! That kind of distance is a mountain to try the first time, but after a few times it becomes far more manageable. Should be some decent hills in them parts too!
    Sun - Rain - Snow
  • Wallace1492
    Wallace1492 Posts: 3,707
    Ah Kieran, not only same bike, but same age!!

    My commute now is 27mins for 7.5 miles. Was 40 mins when started.
    I feel fitter, healthier, stronger and miss the morning ride if i ditch out of it for whatever reason. I LOVE cycling home, no matter the weather, and usually double my distance on the way home.
    "Encyclopaedia is a fetish for very small bicycles"
  • sharm1969ca
    sharm1969ca Posts: 136
    Wallace1492 wrote:
    Good for you!! What bike you use? What tyres?
    These make a big difference, and can turn a hard slog into a pleasurable commute.

    Wallace1492, i done the commute on a carrera subway 2 just bog standard, only changed the bars to the euro type, also i was loaded up with panniers and a bar bag and d lock. Thanks to everyone for their support it really is appreciated and does help.
  • Kieran_Burns
    Kieran_Burns Posts: 9,757
    Leave the D Lock at work - it's unnecessary weight. I leave mine and the cable lock tied to the cycle stand... after all (as has been said on here) who's going to nick 'em? :wink:
    Chunky Cyclists need your love too! :-)
    2009 Specialized Tricross Sport
    2011 Trek Madone 4.5
    2012 Felt F65X
    Proud CX Pervert and quiet roadie. 12 mile commuter
  • gadgets
    gadgets Posts: 100
    hi sharm1969ca - well done from another noobie!!! How are you feeling? I can't seem to stop munching :(

    I brought the D lock and cable to work a few days ago, those things are heavy!! I still have a laptop to lug and a few other bits and pieces on a messenger bag. still resisting the idea of using paniers just for the reason that I have not used them before, will try a backpack next :D

    happy riding on the way home tonight!!
    Synapse Disc 3 Ultegra '14/CAADX 5 105 '11
  • oxonmackem
    oxonmackem Posts: 31
    well done, similar here started in beginning of June, 10 miles each way started 2 days a week, now do every day, even make a special trip to take in clothes for the week. Lost weight feel better, hate missing a day. Do 10 miles into work now and either 15 or 20 home, fantastic feeling, can't get enough
  • DanielCoffey
    DanielCoffey Posts: 142
    gadgets - get the panniers - hauling all that stuff on your back will make you sweaty and you will feel the weight. If in doubt, see if you can borrow (or short-term hire) panniers.
  • jimmypippa
    jimmypippa Posts: 1,712
    DanielCoffey wrote:
    gadgets - get the panniers - hauling all that stuff on your back will make you sweaty and you will feel the weight. If in doubt, see if you can borrow (or short-term hire) panniers.

    Seconded

    And Mudguards

    I started using a (good rucsac) but panniers are far superior (and have a better food-chain number)...
    http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=6404
  • monkeycowboy
    monkeycowboy Posts: 186
    Kieran_Burns wrote:
    Leave the D Lock at work - it's unnecessary weight. I leave mine and the cable lock tied to the cycle stand... after all (as has been said on here) who's going to nick 'em? :wink:

    Its not a case of someone knicking them, more of whos going to squirt superglue in them leaving you with no way of locking your pride and joy. Its happened to me :twisted:
  • sharm1969ca
    sharm1969ca Posts: 136
    well, i got home ok last night, took me about an hour and 40 mins, which i was expecting really. If anyone knows the area from halifax to bramley you will know it is a bit hilly, well it was to me especially the part from stump cross pub up towards bradford way think its the A60 something! Anways like i said earlier yesterday was my first real commute and loved every minute of it, will see what its like when its raining!!!! Oh what i did notice as well was i was up at 2am raiding the fridge with a serious case of the munchies!!

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