Starting a commute - things I should be aware of/need?

[iancity]

Cycling on and off at the minute, got a Giant slr tcx cyclocross bike and at the minute just do a 7 mile loop around a local village before work in the mornings, probably 4 days a week. I am very slow, avg speed around 12/13mph (that's a whole other thread!) but, I am transferring to a different place of work 16 miles away, and losing my lease car in the process. I am due to go 1st July....

One of the options I have now is obviously cycling to work. There are showers there and secure bike racks.

I don't plan to commute by cycle every day (at least not at the start, think I would be chewing off way more than I could chew doing that, but I'm just wondering what peoples thoughts on it are - is a 16 mile commute there, and 16 miles back doable? Is there anything I need to look out for when cycling to work, things I need to take with me before hand etc etc just really after a few experiences from people that do this sort of commute on a regular basis..

Oh, I am 46 and quite unfit at the minute

 

[iancity]

ooops. Just noticed the 'essential guide to commuting' in the 'commute' section lol. Must read forums more carefully :-)

 

[summerdays]

I'd start doing a 16 mile loop now to start getting your legs used to it. I think it's doable, but you will be tired at first. Do you have a back up plan for the days you don't feel like it?

Edit: forgot to say my normal commute is usually about 12 miles each way but sometimes up to 15 depending if I need to go to another location.

 

[jay clock]

that speed is fine. I am 53 and my target for a two hour ride at weekends is about 13-14.

Do a dry run there one weekend

Mudguards are essential in my view, as is regular bike cleaning and maintenance. And good lights

Definitely build up to it. Personal advice would be panniers (one is fine). If you need to wear smart clothes I would look at getting shirts washed locally. Opposite my office I can get 5 washed and ironed for £7 - makes life massively easier

I am sure people will be along in a mo with loads of advice

 

[Turbo Rider]

Get some nice puncture'proof' tyres...heavy duty...eat well pre ride and post ride...mudguard at the rear would be a bonus, as would a USB chargeable set of lights. Pump your tyres up once a week, clean your chain, cassette once a week...oh...and a chain checker...defo buy a chain checker...

 

[Pale Rider]

Build your mileage up a bit and then do a couple of dry runs at the weekend.

You have until July, so a reasonable target would be to have a go at the commute sometime in May.

 

[winjim]

Learn to shrug off any incidents and avoid confrontation. Everybody's tired and grumpy and makes mistakes at rush hour.

 

[mjr]

12/13mph is not "very slow" especially not if there's much on the route. 16 miles is doable, but it is 1h20 at that speed, so 2h40+, maybe with luggage, maybe in bad conditions on the way home (assuming you won't ride in in awful conditions), so be realistic about building up to doing it regularly.

My top tip as a rarely commuting utility rider is to put the luggage on a rack of some sort.

 

[biggs682]

commuting can be fun and and distressing after a hard day working

 

[jay clock]

commuting can be fun and and distressing after a hard day working

I find it relaxing. Only a 35 minute ride on my Brompton across London a few times each week, but certainly not distressing

 

[Turbo Rider]

I love my rides...only reason I go to work is so I can ride my bike there and back these days...or that's what it feels like since I started commuting...same route every day for the last 8-9 months and every day is different. 11 miles there, about 12-13 back (one way system!). Love it - very soothing

 

[DCLane]

Build up slowly - I started out at 2 days a week and now do 5.

My commute's a hilly 25 mile round trip and it's well worth doing; I'm quicker than by car.

 

[iancity]

Thanks for all the replies, appreciate it.
I can get a lift, or the bus (1hr 40, probably cycle there quicker!) as a back up plan...I take on board the comments about building up slowly and the kit mentioned, exactly what I was after , thanks for that.

I love my rides...only reason I go to work is so I can ride my bike there and back these days...or that's what it feels like since I started commuting..). Love it - very soothing

love this, great attitude to have and is great motivation for me :-)

 

[winjim]

commuting can be fun and and distressing after a hard day working

Do you mean de-stressing?

 

[Jimidh]

I cycle into work 2-3 days per week (14 miles each way) and those are the most enjoyable days. I get into work raring to go after a 40 minute blast on the bike and I get home chilled out.

One hint would be look at alternative routes which bypass busy junctions / traffic lights etc which although may add on a wee bit extra distance might speed you up and make it less stressful.