How far do you go? How long does it take you? What is the terrain like? I am considering doing a 10 1/2 mi commute each way, slightly hilly. 7 miles are country roads and the other 3 1/2 are like suburban stripmalls. My husband discourages me. Says it's not safe. I'm not in the best shape. How long should it take me after doing it for a couple weeks-a month? Any advice?
2007-02-27 08:35:52 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Cycling
Yes many people ride to work. Common distances are around twenty miles (each way). So your ride should be fine. I've been doing it for longer than I care to mention.(never had any real trouble)
If you ride around the same time each day and the same route You will find that,mostly the same motorists pass you and get used to you being there.
Since you say your not in the best shape. I would advise approaching this conservatively. If you don't already ride this distance work your way up to it.(it should only take a week or so)
once you are commuting regularly you should be able to get your average speed somewhere around 15-20mph (maybe a bit more) on the country roads. The stripmall sections will depend on how busy they are.
Try to carry as little as you can. If you can leave a whole bunch of work clothes at work, do it. You might be able to launder them during lunch breaks or after work.
Carry a spare tube and a pump (tools if needed).
Once others see the benefits of doing this they will be doing the same.
2007-02-27 11:20:00 · answer #1 · answered by Glenn B 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I used to bike around 16 total miles to and from work each day. The route consisted of a recreational path as well as the city streets of Chicago.
Just ease into it and you should be fine. It's a great way to get in better shape! Wear a helmet and follow the traffic laws and you should be fine. If you are still concerned about safety, you could maybe plan a route that uses less busy streets.
For extra motivation you can consider buying a cyclocomputer (you can find a decent one for around $25) which will keep track of your MPH, cadence, trip distance, trip time, and total distance you've ridden overall.
Find more discussion, information, articles, tips, drills, etc on cycling and more at http://www.active.com and http://active.typepad.com/teamsports
2007-02-28 18:00:17 · answer #2 · answered by Active.com 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I will be biking to work once the weather gets a little better here in Upstate NY. My route is about 18 miles with a few hills. I always wear bright yellow shirts for added visibility and my ride is equipped with a good light system in case I have to work late. I use a flashing taillight even in the daytime, too. If you're in decent shape now, it shouldn't be a problem, if you're not in shape, it might be a few weeks before you get used to it.
Just remember to follow the rules of the road, signal for turns, stop for red lights, etc. Most drivers are pretty good about being courteous to bikers, but you'll always have a few that aren't. Good Luck!
2007-02-27 09:48:39 · answer #3 · answered by crazydave 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go for it! Just be safe...and don't try to do it every day (at first). Drive to work on a Monday, and bring some extra clothes/toiletries. Tuesday, ride to work. Give yourself plenty of time...maybe 2 hours to start? I'm not sure what kind of shape you are in. Make sure you bring equipment ( and know how to use it) to change a flat tire if you get one, and be sure to bring a cell phone in case of an emergency. Then drive to work again on Wednesday, switch out your clothes, and try riding again on Thursday. This should give you time to recover in between your efforts and not get burned out. After a while, you may be able to ride more than a couple days a week. Depending on what kind of bike you have ( a road bike is much more efficient for traveling on asphalt), you should be able to get there in an hour or so after some practice. Hope this helps!
2007-03-03 06:44:09 · answer #4 · answered by I have wings 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bike "to" work, or bike "for" work? I bike for work and take only 15 mgs of steroids each week. I am experimenting with an increase so I can maybe one day compete in the Tour de France....that is if Lance doesn't mount a tainted comeback. Sorry cycling people....Lance was dirty and it will come out.
2007-02-27 19:03:09 · answer #5 · answered by Mika Gionta 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋