Just completed 1500 miles on my bike

[Londonscottish]

In the last week of May 2009 I decided to try out commuting by bike. On the way home last night my trip computer hit 1500 miles. I was determined to see it click over so was watching it like a hawk and trying not to crash (that would have been ironic....).

Anyway, that equates to 100 commutes so I am very pleased. Needless to say I stopped at the very next pub I saw to have a celebratory pint which didn't touch the sides.

I've cycled all year round through all weathers and found it really good fun. I think that more than makes up for my V8 habit

Are there any other cyclists on the forum?

 

[kth286]

and you now have the additional free benefits, like, weight loss, greater fitness etc etc.

Good example - but be very careful - that London traffic is dangerous for cyclists.

 

[Charles Morgan]

I admire your commitment! I cycled into work every possible day for six months and I lost over 20lbs but in the end decided it wasn't a matter of if I was knocked off, it was when.

 

[wemorgan]

Are there any other cyclists on the forum?

Yes When I work at one customer's site only 2 miles away I cycle to work. It takes roughly the same time as driving, so makes perfect sense. Plus it gives me the flexibility to have a few beers post work.

Another customer is only 10 miles away, but that's on a busy and fast road, so I'm not so sure I'll try that.

 

[jaymanek]

I would have loved to have done this when I lived in London.. would have been my work out done at the same time..
the only reason I went for a scooter instead was the fact that I would be covered in sweat before I even sat at my desk.. Yes we had showers but it seemed an awful faff to have to have to pack clothes, towel etc etc then have a shower, then take all the sweaty clothes home etc..

 

[amg_me]

well done i should follow your lead.

 

[Londonscottish]

and you now have the additional free benefits, like, weight loss, greater fitness etc etc.

Good example - but be very careful - that London traffic is dangerous for cyclists.

Well I haven't lost much weight - but I haven't put any on....I'm at that stage in life. But I've swapped fat for muscle which is goodness and it's improved my cardio fitness.

Yes the traffic is dangerous but I ride defensively so always have an emergency plan if the car/van/bus/taxi/cyclist/pedestrian does something unexpected.

My real fear is the car door opening in front of me - there's nothing you can do about that one........

 

[Londonscottish]

I admire your commitment! I cycled into work every possible day for six months and I lost over 20lbs but in the end decided it wasn't a matter of if I was knocked off, it was when.

Well I've managed 12 months and 1500 miles and I can honestly say I haven't had any major scares yet, which surprises me.

It doesn't mean I'm relaxed though - it's a bit Wild West out there.....

 

[Londonscottish]

I would have loved to have done this when I lived in London.. would have been my work out done at the same time..
the only reason I went for a scooter instead was the fact that I would be covered in sweat before I even sat at my desk.. Yes we had showers but it seemed an awful faff to have to have to pack clothes, towel etc etc then have a shower, then take all the sweaty clothes home etc..

Well the company I work for provides lockers so I keep a suit/shoes/shirts etc there. It's a bit of a faff but still quicker door to desk than the tube. And I now find the tube BORING and SLOW

 

[Londonscottish]

well done i should follow your lead.

Yes - carbon offset

 

[clk208]

I used to cycle in to the office in London nearly every day, 12 months a year.

My original route went through my local park, onto a canal towpath and dropped me almost straight into central central London (when I was working near Holborn).

Subsequently moved offices to the southbank and had the same deal - park, canal, then river Thames then office - hardly any road!

Had everything organised in terms of suit / shoes at work and carried a fresh shirt and what not in a pannier bag on the bike - had a 5 minute shower when I arrived.

Brilliant feeling to not pay a fiver a day to be squashed on the underground, shorten my commute time, cycle through interesting areas that you would never normally see and get a free workout in the process. Also sunbathing on the way home if it was nice and listening to the traffic reports on the radio was incredibly theraputic!

Now I am travelling a lot more for work and really really miss this! Managed to cycle in about twice this year :'(

Must get out on the weekends more - maybe there would be a call for a MB club cycling GTG?!

 

[Londonscottish]

Brilliant feeling to not pay a fiver a day to be squashed on the underground

Yup

shorten my commute time,

Agree

cycle through interesting areas that you would never normally see

Yeah I love this aspect

and get a free workout in the process.

Absolutely! This is what made me take it up in the first place

Also sunbathing on the way home if it was nice

Well I don't sunbathe per se but I enjoy being out in the sun

and listening to the traffic reports on the radio was incredibly theraputic!

Yeah - and as for the impending Tube strikes........so what?

 

[martin_a]

When I saw the title, i assumed an engine would be involved! Good on you though!

m.

 

[kurtdaley]

A mate of mine got pulled by the police whilst cycling home from the pub after quite a few pints and got quite a big fine.

I didn't know that it was illegal to ride a bicycle whilst under the influence.

I wonder if the police breathalyse you?

 

[Londonscottish]

When I saw the title, i assumed an engine would be involved! Good on you though!

m.

Heh heh

 

[Londonscottish]

A mate of mine got pulled by the police whilst cycling home from the pub after quite a few pints and got quite a big fine.

I didn't know that it was illegal to ride a bicycle whilst under the influence.

I wonder if the police breathalyse you?

I've no idea but it's not a very good combo. After two pints my finer judgement starts to drop off and I start making mistakes that are a little alarming.

Of course the obvious thing to do is cycle slowly and carefully but beer has rather the opposite effect on me.....

 

[buccal]

Good effort,

I've also started to the offset the V8 via the bike. Although i have to admit that its not down to any environmental ethos. After six years i simply can't face the tube or buses on a weekday.

Only been commuting for 2 weeks though, sods law i had a puncture on my 2nd day so i now know that these tyre weld kits are a total waste of time.

Otherwise all good, now 25 mins each way as opposed to an hour. Feel as bright as a button when i arrive in the mornings and the run home is great for getting rid of some stress.

Just have to be careful, as you said it can get a bit wild, especially on the run home. Pedestrians have been the worst so far......

 

[buccal]

Oh, and i forgot to mention its FUN!

 

[MPK]

Nice one Londonscottish - I'm about to buy a bike myself.

What model did you get for your commute ?
I only have a £300 ish budget, trying to get something I can live with for a similiar 15 mile round trip commute.

 

[buccal]

Nice one Londonscottish - I'm about to buy a bike myself.

What model did you get for your commute ?
I only have a £300 ish budget, trying to get something I can live with for a similiar 15 mile round trip commute.

I bought this:

Trek Bikes | Bikes | Bike Path | 7.1 FX

V happy with it so far