How was your cycle commute?

[ChrisFilter]

Commute ranting is so big, and cycle commutes can be brilliant, so I thought I'd start a new thread for those of us who cycle to work.

Today? I got the train. Puncture yesterday. Terrible road surface at Tulse Hill as you come from West Norwood through to the South Circular. Saw a pot hole late and had to cover over it. Hit the back wheel hard enough to give me an instant flat.

Luckily I used to live there, so wheeled it to a mate's who stored my bike at his, then drove me to HH station. Result!

Apart from that, I only started cycling to work again the week before last and I'm lovin every minute of it. Interestly I find I'm enjoying the 12 mile commute more than I used to enjoy my 7 and 4 mile commutes. Feels like a proper distance, and I'm pacing myself a bit more rather than sprinting all the way.

South Norwood hill is a nice warm up in the morning. Had to walk up the first couple of times, but now I can manage it ok. Same with Knight's Hill on the way home. That is a bit of a struggle considering I'm carrying about 2 stone in excess weight, plus a heavy bag. Improving each cycle though.

All in all, really enjoying it and getting fit far quicker than expected.

How was/is your cycle commute?

 

[El Jefe]

you're such a show-off motherfucker.

 

[ChrisFilter]

No I'm not. Amongst proper cyclists I would be laughed at for struggling with Knight's Hill.

 

[Orang Utan]

I got a wet arse
You're a pussy, Chris!

 

[Badgers]

Commute ranting is so big

Sucessful?
Popular?

 

[Hellsbells]

I got the tube today b'cos it was pouring with rain when i got up.
Really really wish i'd taken my bike now.

This week, cycling in has been fantastic. The temperature is perfect and it feels like such a treat after endless weeks of being absoultely frozen.

My bike feels a little battered and bruised at the moment though. All the recent weather has been bad for it

 

[sir.clip]

No I'm not. Amongst proper cyclists I would be laughed at for struggling with Knight's Hill.

Yep.. You got that right..

 

[100% masahiko]

I didn't cycle in today. Didn't want to ruin my beautiful locks.
And I hate walking around with a wet arse.

 

[Boris Sprinkler]

It was a snow storm this morning. Bit slippery but chucked a hat, some gloves and waterproofs over my suit.
The snow came down faster than they could clear the cycle lanes and it felt a bit sketchy on a fixie with skinny tires. Didn't put my feet down once.

 

[Biddlybee]

I got the tube today b'cos it was pouring with rain when i got up. Really really wish i'd taken my bike now.

Aye, I got the bus because it was pissing down where I live... then 10 mins down the road it was dry

The roads are a lot shitter after the cold weather aren't they? Seem to be loads more potholes and general bumpiness. Had to gaffa tape my mudguard back together after it snapped when I hit a hole on Monday

 

[Orang Utan]

Not a proper cyclist if you don't commute just cos it's raining

 

[Biddlybee]

Wtf? I'll cycle when I want

 

[Orang Utan]

Fairweather cyclist!

 

[Biddlybee]

Fuck off, fairweather cyclist... one day not cycling in doesn't mean I don't most days

Just because I don't drive everyday doesn't mean I'm not a driver

 

[100% masahiko]

I'm a Fairweather Cyclist cos I don't like getting wet for work.

 

[Biddlybee]

I really don't care getting wet - I change when I get to work. Wind is worse.

 

[100% masahiko]

What about your hair? Underwear? Socks?
My bag is full when I'm cycling and weighs a ton already.
And I like going fast.

 

[Orang Utan]

I have a shower when I get to work and I change my clothes - my socks don't tend to get wet though, just my arse.

 

[Boris Sprinkler]

hmm i don't get it. I am guessing a commute in london must be harder work. I never have a sweat on and I am wearing a suit and waterproofs (if applicable). In the summer a shirt and trousers. I shower before I leave for work.

 

[Orang Utan]

How fast do you cycle? I don't get a sweat on if I keep down to 10mph or less

 

[100% masahiko]

hmm i don't get it. I am guessing a commute in london must be harder work. I never have a sweat on and I am wearing a suit and waterproofs (if applicable). In the summer a shirt and trousers. I shower before I leave for work.

Not really. It takes me 20 minutes to cycle from Streatham Hill to Victoria.
The problem is that I sprint-cycle on high gears and sweat loads.
And in work, I have to wear a smart suit and look the part - typical corporate environment bollocks.

Wished I had a shower place in here

 

[fredfelt]

Fell off my bike when going too fast around a corner a few days ago. Broke thumb and generally bruised. Being forced to do my 18 mile round trip in borrowed car until I recover. I find commuting by car generally rubbish. It's not any quicker in the car and I really miss getting my twice daily dose of exercise. I'm also missing the glowing feel I get when I reach my destination -I don't feel feel I've left my working day behind when I get home and can feel restless through lack of exercise. I'm also a fair bit worse off after paying for fuel etc.

Hopefully next week I'll be well enough to ride again - what ever the weather.

 

[Biddlybee]

hmm i don't get it. I am guessing a commute in london must be harder work. I never have a sweat on and I am wearing a suit and waterproofs (if applicable). In the summer a shirt and trousers. I shower before I leave for work.

Waterproofs over a suit... that must make you sweat?

 

[Boris Sprinkler]

Round about 15 - 20 mph. Not hard. But it's a light fixed wheel and no traffic other than other cyclists to contend with. Most of the time I keep a suit a work and wear jeans and shirt and tie with a jacket over the top. I just don't sweat doing it.

 

[Boris Sprinkler]

Waterproofs over a suit... that must make you sweat?

it's not stopped snowing for 3 days and the wind chill is bitter.

 

[dodgepot]

i need to get my bike fixed. i miss cycling. even in the rain.

 

[Orang Utan]

Round about 15 - 20 mph. Not hard. But it's a light fixed wheel and no traffic other than other cyclists to contend with. Most of the time I keep a suit a work and wear jeans and shirt and tie with a jacket over the top. I just don't sweat doing it.

Maybe you're fitter than me - I have a spare tire round my waist and I try to keep above 20mph where it's safe to do so as I feel like I've wasted my commute if I don't get sweaty and out-of-breath

 

[Hellsbells]

I'm also missing the glowing feel I get when I reach my destination -I don't feel feel I've left my working day behind when I get home and can feel restless through lack of exercise. .

Yeah, this is true for me too. If i don't cycle in, i have to go to the gym or something after work, otherwise i can't sleep and just feel horrible.
I like that feeling of hunger you get after cycling into work aswell - it makes food taste so good!

 

[Biddlybee]

it's not stopped snowing for 3 days and the wind chill is bitter.

I still sweat in the cold

Yeah, this is true for me too. If i don't cycle in, i have to go to the gym or something after work, otherwise i can't sleep and just feel horrible.

Same here... off for a swim later

 

[ddraig]

got the bus today as i managed to finally mangle back wheel into snapping whilst crossing a main road on way back last night!
already missing it and can't cycle to bike shop to look for new bike under 'cycle to work scheme' so will have to borrow a bloody car
need my new bike quick!