Dirk Gently asked:
I want to start commuting to work on my 18 speed hybrid bike, the commute is about 7 1/2 miles each way. There are some pretty steep hills. Should I just go for it or should I get some miles in first and how long should I allow for the journey, roughly ?
I want to start commuting to work on my 18 speed hybrid bike, the commute is about 7 1/2 miles each way. There are some pretty steep hills. Should I just go for it or should I get some miles in first and how long should I allow for the journey, roughly ?
just go for it. thats what i did. and your will get used to it.
7 mile/ about 25,min
well i depends on whether you are a regular bike user. if you are not i suggest you do it slowly. Its trial and error i think , you should see how far you bike without getting tired and build up. lets face it this day and age if you get in work late you get sacked,. and you need to find out if they have changing facilities and a shower, you should not go into work stinking of sweat.
Depending on the hills, you may want some practice.
I suggest you ride the commute yourself on a day off to predict how much time you need to ride it.
We can’t see the terrain or traffic and we don’t know your pace.
go for it, but take it steady and allow extra time.
my 4 miles journey to work was toughest as i had 2 steep hills(i got of and pushed most the time when i hit the hill). also at 5.30 in the morning ,still half asleep.i managed to get it down from 40mins to 30 in the end.
the way back was easier which took 20-25 mins,was 5 -10 mins faster then the car due to traffic i avoided.
Thats a pretty healthy commute, even for a pro. I’d definitely ride the route on a day off to see how long it will take and if you can even make it w/o keeling over. I’d allow a minimum of 45 minutes since you mention some steep hills.
I think you should go for it. Give yourself an hour to get there in case of mechanical problems, traffic lights and signs, etc. An hour should give you enough time to get there and get cleaned up or changed before work.
Just remember, you’ll have to ride back again at the end of the day so be sure to have lights, reflectors and wear light-colored/reflective clothing.
When I first got back into bike riding (after about fifteen years or so), it took me a while to get back into shape. Riding up the slightest grade would make me tired. On the bike trail, I was being passed by joggers. But now I can out-ride many of my friends who ride bikes regularly. As far as the amount of time to give yourself, there are some factors. I’d ride the route on a day off first.
i go to school on my racing bike everyday 5 miles each way. i have been doing it for about two years. i love it, the great views, the exercise has really toned up my leg muscles. it takes me about 15 minutes when going slow. I think you should do it but be aware of the wind it’s hell especially when you have no cover. It should take you about 25 it’s really worthwhile.
If you are out of practice at riding then take it slowly at first and perhaps walk up some of the hills. If you find you get knee pain, slacken off, perhaps don’t ride on the next day.
Suddenly going from being unprepared to a lot of fast riding and hill climbing can cause knee injuries which can then take years to clear up again.