Please be gentle!!

dugliss

Hi everyone, new on here so please be gentle with the p*sstaking for the first post at least I`m thinking of starting to bike to work as I`m struggling to contain my rapidly expanding waistline. The main problem is that I`m a bit worried it`s gonna be too much. I`m a postie so I walk between 8 and 10 miles at work as well as being on my feet in the office and my commute is about 9 and a half miles each way. I`m 44 and 14 and a half stone so I`m thinking that I`d probably only do every other day to start with. I`ve got a decent enough bike, a Boardman hybrid, so I`m all set to go. Do you guys think it`s gonna be too hard or shall I just "man up" and stop looking for excuses?

Oddjob62

dugliss wrote:

"man up" and stop looking for excuses?

This!

Start doing 1-2 days as week.. before you know it 10miles each way will seem like nothing.

EDIT: Oh and welcome to the club (when you start)

Zombie_donkey

You won't get pee taking on here. I'm a noob too and people have been great.

I'm doing the same as you and I pick my new bike up tomorrow.

tailwindhome

dugliss wrote:

Hi everyone, new on here so please be gentle with the p*sstaking for the first post at least

No one agrees to your preconditions

Do you guys think it`s gonna be too hard or shall I just "man up" and stop looking for excuses?

I think you already know the answer

fnegroni

I just have some advice for later on.

If you ever feel like giving up on the idea or it seems you have reached a low, just pop back in the forum and have a browse around.

The weather is only bound to get better now Summer is only round the corner, so that will hopefully give you time to build up stamina and get into a better shape for Winter.

When the rainy season starts again, you will be prepared phisycally (even if you won't necessarily feel like that), but you might have to start thinking of wet wather gear: waterproofs, overshoes, mudguards, and most of all *motivation*.

SO just pop back in whenever you feel like this is not going to work and we will get you back on the saddle in no time.

rjsterry

Welcome. Yep, take it steady to start with, and add extra days as you feel capable. Don't get disheartened if you have a few bad runs either (weather/bad drivers/p***tures). These happen to everyone now and then, but they are fairly few and far between. Once you get the hang of it you'll wonder why you ever used another form of transport.

northstar

fnegroni wrote:

*motivation*.

dubnut71

You'll be fine mate, I felt a bit "post lunch sleepy" on my first commute but it easily passes!!

All the advice here is sound. You "might" think it to be a fair challenge for the first couple of weeks but indeed it gets easier.
I commuted for the first time on Friday (34 miler round trip) Had a lovely run home, was enlivened and invigorated beyond belief on Friday night when I got home!

Just buid up to it mate, if you start with once a week and build up then thats fine, just don't go at it five days a week to start with!

Oh and padded shorts are a godsend!!! lol !!!

Welcome to the otherside!!, one more of us one less of them!!!!

dugliss

Thanks for all the encouragement. You`re all right, I did know the answers to my own questions, just always looking for an excuse although I am still a little concerned as my job is quite physically demanding despite what most peoples opinions of postmen are!! I`m not too concerned with being able to do the journey as I have a reasonable level of basic fitness although not bike specific. I did London to Brighton the last 3 years so I`ve got all the padded shorts and stuff so I guess it`s time to give it a go

Zombie_donkey

Padded shorts get expensive when you need 5 pairs.

Is chamois cream a realistic alternative?

dugliss

Zombie_donkey wrote:

Padded shorts get expensive when you need 5 pairs.

Is chamois cream a realistic alternative?

Well I`ve just picked up a couple of pairs of padded undershorts from Lidl which were about 6 quid a pair but they only have them in for a very short period. I think you can get a 3 pack of the Endura undershorts too

Zombie_donkey

Interesting. I can't see them on the Lidle website. Might be worth a visit.

Halfords ones are all to small for me. The XL ones are 38" and I need 4 more inches than that i'm afraid.

Is there a Big and tall shop for cycling shorts?

always_tyred

Not sure if its possible for you to use public transport as an alternative, or to leave your bike at work anywhere. But if it is, another option to help you get up to speed would be to cycle, get the bus/train home, get the bus/train in, cycle.

I do this if I want to go out on the lash right after work (for example - although I never do. Ever).

dugliss

I think Lidl only have things in for a week but you might be lucky and find some left over especially if you`re not the popular 32-34 size. The Halfords undershorts are rubbish, they haven`t really got proper padding just a little felt type pad sewn in!!

Zombie_donkey

I'll just use the cream and go commando in jogging pants

dugliss

:shock:

suzyb

Zombie_donkey wrote:

Interesting. I can't see them on the Lidle website. Might be worth a visit.

Halfords ones are all to small for me. The XL ones are 38" and I need 4 more inches than that i'm afraid.

Is there a Big and tall shop for cycling shorts?

www.cycle-clothing.co.uk is the only cheapish one I've found. There is also www.corinnedennis.co.uk.

lardboy

Zombie_donkey wrote:

I'll just use the cream and go commando in jogging pants

Get padded shorts. Seriously.

The Aldi shorts will be here in a few weeks, just keep an eye out here and you'll be able to pick some up cheap.

Zombie_donkey

suzyb wrote:

Zombie_donkey wrote:

Interesting. I can't see them on the Lidle website. Might be worth a visit.

Halfords ones are all to small for me. The XL ones are 38" and I need 4 more inches than that i'm afraid.

Is there a Big and tall shop for cycling shorts?

www.cycle-clothing.co.uk is the only cheapish one I've found. There is also www.corinnedennis.co.uk.

Just ordered two pairs from cycle-clothing.co.uk, along with a bunch of other stuff I didn't actually need

DonDaddyD

Oddjob62 wrote:

dugliss wrote:

"man up" and stop looking for excuses?

This!

Start doing 1-2 days as week.. before you know it 10miles each way will seem like nothing.

EDIT: Oh and welcome to the club (when you start)

+1