Anyone commuting 27 miles???
- Thread starter synapse05
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OP
OP
synapse05
Active Member
- Location
- Los Angeles, California, USA
I know this is a UK forum; who cares! stop being negative! My commutr is pretty much on flats with occassional slopes but nothing killer. Cycling in and bus back home is the plan. I am doing 55 minutes on my current 15 mile early morning commute at 3:40am
Breedon
Legendary Member
- Location
- Long Eaton, Nottingham
It can be done, I've done a route of 65 miles round trip for just over a week yes I was knackerd but I enjoyed it, the trick is to take your time going there dont go at it like a time trial.
Go there on your bike one way for the first few weeks then try both ways for a couple of days then back to going on your bike one way.
It's also in the mind (sounds strange I know) if you like the idea then it will be easier, if your not sure or have doubts then it will be tougher.
I'll be doing the 65 miler again next week this time for 2 weeks and im looking forward to it, it'll help with bumping up my mile's on mycyclinglog.
Time wise it would take just over 2 hours I would leave the house at 5.30 but I would be up at 4.30.
Wish I could do it for longer, but then again I wouldnt mind doing a 40 miler each way trip
Go there on your bike one way for the first few weeks then try both ways for a couple of days then back to going on your bike one way.
It's also in the mind (sounds strange I know) if you like the idea then it will be easier, if your not sure or have doubts then it will be tougher.
I'll be doing the 65 miler again next week this time for 2 weeks and im looking forward to it, it'll help with bumping up my mile's on mycyclinglog.
Time wise it would take just over 2 hours I would leave the house at 5.30 but I would be up at 4.30.
Wish I could do it for longer, but then again I wouldnt mind doing a 40 miler each way trip
OP
OP
synapse05
Active Member
- Location
- Los Angeles, California, USA
I'll be riding from Covina to Long Beach, 27 miles. Only plan on cycling in and taking bus back home, 4 days a week and resting friday.
OP
OP
synapse05
Active Member
- Location
- Los Angeles, California, USA
thanks breedon!!!! your comments bring comfort and encouragement! I'm not going to give up without a fight! I'll be wise and take it slowly.
Breedon
Legendary Member
- Location
- Long Eaton, Nottingham
No problem here's the route that i do dont know what yours will be like.
http://www.strava.com/activities/93926208
Origamist
Legendary Member
I think with your current level of fitness you'll be well placed to step up the mileage, particularly as it is one way. The trade trade off though is the earlier nights, that might be a bit tougher than the commute itself. Give it a go and see how it works out.
OP
OP
synapse05
Active Member
- Location
- Los Angeles, California, USA
That's what I'm saying Origamist. Not fond of giving up more sleep since my days are crazy enough. I have a really rough schedule. I have four young kids to attend to as soon as I get in because my wife does'nt get home from work till 7pm. That's why I'm planning on taking the bus back home so I can nap. Of course, I'll try it the first week and see how that works out. And yes, I'll schedule in a trial ride next Sunday; It's pouring cats and dogs this entire weekend.
classic33
Leg End Member
Did the 20 miles, each way, to Leeds & back 5-6 times a week. So I can't see why the extra 12 your planning on doing should be a problem, given that your looking at doing it one way.
Take it steady and there should be no reason for what you're looking at doing, being a non starter. The biggest hurdle will be setting off. Doubt will be there in your mind over whether you can or can't do it. Get that doubt out of the way and the ride should be easier.
Take it steady and there should be no reason for what you're looking at doing, being a non starter. The biggest hurdle will be setting off. Doubt will be there in your mind over whether you can or can't do it. Get that doubt out of the way and the ride should be easier.
i used to do 25 each way. I didn't do it everyday, usually 2 or 3 times a week. Gave me a great boodie but it can be tiring when you're wrapping it around a working day. once i did it 3 days in a row and nearly fell asleep at my desk. That might have been due to boredom tho LOL
classic33
Leg End Member
That'd be due to boredom, not the cycling.
Southside Mike
Active Member
- Location
- Somewhere wet and cold
Hi Synapse
After lurking for a while on the forum, I've registered so I can add to this thread.
I am, as it happens, a doctor but don't worry I work for the NHS here in the UK so this advice costs nothing. I have to be honest and say that I think what you are planning is a bad idea. Most of the replies you have received relate to distance but you are talking about 27 miles, 4 days a week which is clearly fine for anyone of reasonable fitness.
The main issue, as I think you know, is the timing. You are talking about a 3am start. You then work all day, have a quick nap on a bus and then have childcare responsibilities until your wife gets home at 7pm. Presumably you are planning on spending some time awake when she is home, so what time are you planning to go to bed - 9pm? That gives you about five and a half hours sleep before you need to get up at 2:30am. You are basically going to have the double problem of sleep deprivation and spending a significant portion of the night awake. There is increasing evidence about the health risks associated with night shift working - increased risk of heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.
I really do think that what you are proposing will not be sustainable long term. Obviously it would be better for you to get a bus to work (assuming one is available in the early morning) and then cycle home but I assume from your posts that won't be possible due to the childcare issues.
I hate to say this, as I know how much I enjoy my own cycle commute, but perhaps right now your work and family situation aren't really suitable. Kids grow up really quickly, you know and very soon they won't need quite the help they do now, but they'll still want their dad to be fit and healthy.
Mike
After lurking for a while on the forum, I've registered so I can add to this thread.
I am, as it happens, a doctor but don't worry I work for the NHS here in the UK so this advice costs nothing. I have to be honest and say that I think what you are planning is a bad idea. Most of the replies you have received relate to distance but you are talking about 27 miles, 4 days a week which is clearly fine for anyone of reasonable fitness.
The main issue, as I think you know, is the timing. You are talking about a 3am start. You then work all day, have a quick nap on a bus and then have childcare responsibilities until your wife gets home at 7pm. Presumably you are planning on spending some time awake when she is home, so what time are you planning to go to bed - 9pm? That gives you about five and a half hours sleep before you need to get up at 2:30am. You are basically going to have the double problem of sleep deprivation and spending a significant portion of the night awake. There is increasing evidence about the health risks associated with night shift working - increased risk of heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.
I really do think that what you are proposing will not be sustainable long term. Obviously it would be better for you to get a bus to work (assuming one is available in the early morning) and then cycle home but I assume from your posts that won't be possible due to the childcare issues.
I hate to say this, as I know how much I enjoy my own cycle commute, but perhaps right now your work and family situation aren't really suitable. Kids grow up really quickly, you know and very soon they won't need quite the help they do now, but they'll still want their dad to be fit and healthy.
Mike
OP
OP
synapse05
Active Member
- Location
- Los Angeles, California, USA
Mike,
Wow! great analysis and input. I totally appreciate your support and advice. Yes, I plan on riding in 27 miles, leaving at 3am
.I begin work at 5am and get off at 1:30pm. I work at a local Toyota automotive manufacturing plant where I am in quality control. Basically, I'm not grinding it out digging trenches and such; I'm in charge of checking and verifying that what we build is up to par with customer quality satisfaction. Pretty light work but I do have to be on my feet for 8hrs. I nap for 30 minutes in my lunch break pretty much every day to help give my body some rest.Also, I'm hoping to nap over an hour on the bus ride going back home. My kids are all in an after school daycare program where I can pick them up by 6pm daily. I am aware of the potential hazards I face with cutting my sleep hours here. I normally have all my cycling gear ready the night before and plan on getting up at 2:45am followed by some stretching and some fruit. I do plan on going to bed by 9am; earlier if possible. You, however, have raised a valid concern. This whole cycling commute thing began about 6 months ago when I tipped in at 217lbs on the scale. The weight was a big concern for me. Since then, through cycling, I've dropped weight and am 201lbs as of today. I am 40 years old.
I love my family dearly and wish to be here for them for many many many years to come. My children are my life! What if I cycle in every other day for starters? Would that be OK? I just don't want to loose my momentum in weight loss. My goal is to drop down to 175lbs-180lbs. Now I'm a bit confused and concerned
. Any suggestions on how I can taylor such a cycling commute without depriving my body of health? Weekends are out of the question because my kids play sports and that pretty much all we do every weekend....softball. Great post Mike!
Simon
Wow! great analysis and input. I totally appreciate your support and advice. Yes, I plan on riding in 27 miles, leaving at 3am
.I begin work at 5am and get off at 1:30pm. I work at a local Toyota automotive manufacturing plant where I am in quality control. Basically, I'm not grinding it out digging trenches and such; I'm in charge of checking and verifying that what we build is up to par with customer quality satisfaction. Pretty light work but I do have to be on my feet for 8hrs. I nap for 30 minutes in my lunch break pretty much every day to help give my body some rest.Also, I'm hoping to nap over an hour on the bus ride going back home. My kids are all in an after school daycare program where I can pick them up by 6pm daily. I am aware of the potential hazards I face with cutting my sleep hours here. I normally have all my cycling gear ready the night before and plan on getting up at 2:45am followed by some stretching and some fruit. I do plan on going to bed by 9am; earlier if possible. You, however, have raised a valid concern. This whole cycling commute thing began about 6 months ago when I tipped in at 217lbs on the scale. The weight was a big concern for me. Since then, through cycling, I've dropped weight and am 201lbs as of today. I am 40 years old.I love my family dearly and wish to be here for them for many many many years to come. My children are my life! What if I cycle in every other day for starters? Would that be OK? I just don't want to loose my momentum in weight loss. My goal is to drop down to 175lbs-180lbs. Now I'm a bit confused and concerned
. Any suggestions on how I can taylor such a cycling commute without depriving my body of health? Weekends are out of the question because my kids play sports and that pretty much all we do every weekend....softball. Great post Mike!Simon
