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

[confusedcyclist]

Get in your lowest gear and you will be fine. Don't do what I did and spend 3 weeks over thinking the journey in, just remember to do the climbs in your own time with it. It's not a race after all. If it all gets too much you can always get off and push! The upside to riding on those hills is, you get a free ride back down on the other side to catch your breath and rest your legs!

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Gears if you get a hybrid try and ensure the front has something like a 26 or 28 inner ring (26 would be better, but it is easy to change, more of which later if you want) even with a close grouped set of gears on the back say from 12-27 the 26 front still gives a good low gear, but you can go much lower than that, so low in fact it is actually quicker to walk.

 

[upandover]

You can also try partial commutes if you normally use a car. For example, take the bike in the car to the top of the hill after the three mile mark, and cycle the rest of the way and back. You get the hill on the way home, but you can always walk, and you won't have to face colleagues at the end of it.

Steve

 

[mynydd]

I was the same age as you, and probably of similar fitness when I started riding again three years ago. I live at 1300 ft and work at sea level, the hills put me off for a long time! In the end I started driving halfway with my bike on a rack. I did this for about a year until my fitness got better, I then started cycling all the way every other day. I now think nothing of doing it most days. I started off with a carrera tdf and then bought a Tricross via the c2w scheme, the third ring on the front is nice to have if I'm feeling tired by the end of the week. Go for it though, I love it, and am a lot fitter than I was. I'm even doing a 75 mile sportive next weekend, I'd never have Imagined I'd be doing anything like that three years ago.

 

[stephec]

If you're going to try the route on a non work day why not ride half way then turn back?

Looking at that profile you will have done the same thing without the worry of being five miles from home when completely knackered.

 

[stephec]

Hey fattybumbum (sorry I couldn't resist)

One other thing, don't forget to find out how to change your username, because after a few months on the bike it won't suit you.

 

[fattybumbum]

thanks everyone. lots to think about, i'll keep you updated,