cycling to work....hoping not to die!

[fattybumbum]

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping to start cycling to work to loose weigh

t and improve my fitness. Its very hilly and I'm concerned it may be too much. I don't want to buy a bike and then give up. Heres the route... Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm 41 and not very fit, although I know I have the capacity to improve as was very active, running, dancing, kayaking until 4 years ago.
Thanks

 

[Dave 123]

Hello FBB (I'm trying to be polite.....)
Have you done this ride before? If not, try giving it a whirl when you haven't got the pressure of clocking on to worry about. Get out on your bike on flatter rides if possible as often as you can.
Make sure your tyre pressures are correct, buy a track pump.

Good luck!

 

[Nigelnaturist]

That does look a tough little section.
Do as Dave says first, then if you are struggling read the next bit.
What gearing do you have on the bike, number of teeth on the front gears and on the rear, or what bike, gearing can be changed to make the hills easier, both on the front and on the rear, but it helps if I know what you have.

 

[fattybumbum]

Thanks Dave 123,

I thought I'd try it on my sons bike on my day off, the worrying thing is i'll have to ride straight back again! I haven't got a bike so am concerned about the outlay then failing because of the hills. That said, things can only get better with time!
Thanks for the advice, FBB!

 

[raleighnut]

maybe borrow a bike and try it on a non-work day to get an idea, mind you once you get used to the hills they won't seem as bad.

 

[fattybumbum]

I don't have a bike yet but they I work for NHS so they do have a cycle to work scheme. Also defibrillators and clinical staff at the end point!!

 

[Peter Cairns]

Is there an alternative route?

 

[fattybumbum]

there is an alternative route but it's worse, and in a small windy main road, another way to die! I'm usually quite optimistic but trying to be realistic in this. I live in the Cotswolds so every route is equally hilly.

 

[Saluki]

Couple of hard climbs there! You might want to get fitter on some flatter routes before riding that particular 5 miles to work with the time pressure that entails. Or start earlier. Certainly practice that route to give yourself an idea of the time needed for it before doing it in anger, so to speak. Over a few weeks you will find yourself getting up the hills faster and your commute time will get shorter.
to CC. I am sure that you will get fitter and thinner as you go on. Cycling is hard work to start with but oh so addictive. Enjoy.

 

[annedonnelly]

Can you cycle to work then get the bus home? Next day get the bus in and cycle home? That way you won't be riding so far each day.
There's nothing wrong with getting off and pushing up the hills. Then you have the fun of riding down the other side

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

If you are seriously worried about your health, I would advise a wee visit to your GP before attempting any physical exercise.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

You will be fine, just take your time, walk up the hills if you have to at first, before you know it you will be doing it no problems

 

[Profpointy]

get proper low gears, and specifically, don't let the shop convince you that a "compact double" is as low geared as a triple.
But think of the fun zooming back down the other sied

 

[DannyCFC]

No shame in walking up the hills at first. Just try and remember how far you get so you have something to aim for - maybe use something like Map My Ride or Strava. You'll surprise yourself after a while!

 

[G3CWI]

Do you have showers at work? You might well need one after you have cooled down.