I am now officially a cycle commuter....

magibob · May 2015

1/ Because I said so.

and

2/ Because I have actually commuted to work on my bike, Twice actually.

Feeling pretty chuffed with myself. It's 28 and a bit miles round trip, 13 and a bit out, and 15 and a bit back. Nothing to a lot of people, but as a 55 year old fat bloke......

I did it in about 1 hour 20 each way. The 4 and a half miles from Palma seafront to work is uphill all the way. Imperceptibly so in the car, Pretty damn perceptibly on the bike. Hence similar times each way, despite going the scenic route home.

Gave myself plenty of time to cool off when I got there. No showers at work, but had a big wash, and used baby wipes on the "pits and bits." Followed up with a good spray of perspi-antirant and felt pretty fresh all day. No complaints from the neighbouring desks, so I assume it worked.

Best thing was I properly enjoyed it.

Looking forward to the next one. Only issue is time. I play a few nights a week in a band plus have the full time day job. Couple of days off a week, so works out that the next time I can sensibly commute will be next Thursday. That's a week to wait!

Outbound...

And back.

Cheers.

Andy

elbowloh · May 2015

Well done magiblob.

I am jealous of your commute though. Beats the CS7 through south London.

rubertoe · May 2015

Its not quite the A1000/A400.

But it will work. Well done.

veronese68 · May 2015

Excellent, well done. That does look like a very pleasant ride, could be a few distractions along the sea front I should think.

markhewitt1978 · May 2015

Excellent! And a nice place to be cycle commuting - although the traffic in Mallorca isn't as courteous as some would make it out to be.

I suspect you'd be ok in the mornings, but get to August and your pushing above 35C there I guess? That can't be too pleasant.

I was in Mallorca last week, mostly Cala d'Or but went to Palma Nova too, very pleasant riding conditions at about 7am.

The Rookie · May 2015

Excellent job, well done....

Not at all jealous of you having a commute along the coast in Palma, no, not one bit, although scenic Warwickshire is nice, it's not that nice!

Kieran_Burns · May 2015

They're all being too polite. We all hate you

magibob · May 2015

Thanks for the kind words folks... and... well the words.

Gotta say, as a commute, it doesn't suck.

Re the heat, I'm hoping that starting early, and that fact that I'm aiming to be be quite a bit fitter in a couple of months time will mean I get through it OK, Plus, I'm really not clogging it. Averaging under 12 miles an hour moving, and plenty of stops at traffic lights etc in Palma.

Mallorcan Drivers. Funny bunch. In general, I find them much more courteous than I remember from the UK. Mind you, I do a lot of my riding on Cyclepaths, and tends to just be me so I am passable much of the time. Also, I have been driving over here for 10 years, so I am used to their endearing little quirks.

The Rookie · May 2015

The only way to stay fresh in that sort of heat is to ride early (or very late) and relatively gently, I ride a lot in India and you just accept how it is, no point fighting it!

markhewitt1978 · May 2015

You work at that "Parc BIT"? Looks like a lovely route, the last bit being on 'Cami' type roads which seem to be all over the place in Mallorca and make a good back road network.

I've always said that Mallorca is a lovely place for a holiday but not sure about living there; although with a commute like that I could be persuaded!

magibob · June 2015

A few pics from the commute home.

Leaving Parc Bit. Happy that the next 4 miles or so are going to be downhill.

This sign is a mile or so from work.

I have already gone home once this way as it's not too far out of my way. It's an interesting ride. It is hilly for someone of my age, weight and lack of fitness and I was absolutely knackered by the time I got home... and that was in the car!

Pretty lanes heading towards Palma.

Once you hit the outskirts of Palma, it's pretty much cycle paths all the way.

If I'm out at lunchtime, this place does a good Spag Bol for €4.50.

On the way home, I usually take a loop out to Portixol past this beach.

This sculpture thingy is just past the bay at Portixol. It's exactly 10 miles from here to home.

Past the cathedral...

Cycle path again past the marina.

Then Road/Bike path through Cala Major, Bendinat and Portals Nous.... then a looooong shower.

imatfaal · June 2015

Very very jealous - looks spectacular. I think the cathedral on my commute is better (westminster abbey) - but other than that you have dirty grey London beaten hands down.

Kieran_Burns · June 2015

I hate you, I hate you... I really, really hate you.

Keep me away from cats.

muttermutterexpletivemutter

markhewitt1978 · June 2015

Oh man, that's got to be a dream commute for most people here!

I am now officially a cycle commuter....

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