Training for the work commute

Really well done for sticking at it so far. I can only echo what saga_lout and weeksy say though - take time to enjoy the ride more than anything ease. Otherwise, it becomes a chore and that's not what being on the bike is all about. (And leads to some people packing it in unnecessarily, but I'm sure that won't happen with you).

Originally Posted by AnnAliRse

Really well done for sticking at it so far. I can only echo what saga_lout and weeksy say though - take time to enjoy the ride more than anything ease. Otherwise, it becomes a chore and that's not what being on the bike is all about. (And leads to some people packing it in unnecessarily, but I'm sure that won't happen with you).

Cheers I need to bear that in mind. At the moment as I am just started I am terrified of stopping and then not being able to do it.

The canal path, despite the mud, is great in the mornings with the birds, mist etc. I do worry about my pace but hopefully that will come. I need to keep reminding myself that I have only done it twice so far. Seems like a lot more!

Yeah, I never time my rides but just record the distance.

I do time all my rides, I think it is important for commuting so I know how much time various routes take.
Then I can adjust my route as needed for pleasure, rest or the fastest time.
I don't watch the time as I ride as it will lead to me taking risks for the sake of a few seconds.

well I did it again today and I think my seat is too high (angle) as its bloodly comfortable. Unfortunately I have left my allen key at home!

Also my rear light snapped off, so I have to get another one.

Anyone recommend one?

thanks

sam

Originally Posted by hellsbuddha

well I did it again today and I think my seat is too high (angle) as its bloodly comfortable. Unfortunately I have left my allen key at home!...

http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/#48

Do you need to borrow a spirit level?

Its level I just dont know why is so uncomfortable even wiht padded shorts!!

Actually I dont have a spirit level :-(

that way I am less prone to breaking down half the house!

Originally Posted by hellsbuddha

Its level I just dont know why is so uncomfortable even wiht padded shorts!!

Actually I dont have a spirit level :-(

that way I am less prone to breaking down half the house!

'Cos it doesn't fit your arse! Saddles are a personal as helmets (fnarr, fnarr!). Either go to somewhere like a Specialized shop and do their "body geometry" thing and end up with one of theirs or do what everyone else does and start with a Charge Spoon (£20) and if it doesn't work for you then flog it on here/Bikeradar or wherever and try something else.

The Charge can also be found mascarading as the Madison Flux. It's a generic "Made in Taiwan" saddle but just seems to suit a LOT of peoples arses.

Originally Posted by hellsbuddha

Its level I just dont know why is so uncomfortable even wiht padded shorts!!

Try:
http://www.therevcounter.co.uk/trc-cyc...-low-down.html

Update

Well its been nearly 5 months I have been doing the commute.

For some reason, I have developed a really bad RHS shoulder, neck ache. I can do about an hour's cycling and then it simply kills me.

Other than that, I am trying to build up some endurance by cycling slowly, not sure if its working but I am pretty consistent with my times around 1.5 hours. I am finding that its takes me a while to get into the ride, about 25-35mins and the first 15 mins are hard work.

Overall, I am enjoying it, especially in the mornings along the canal when there are no dogs. I think I have lost some weight but its all a bit of a plateau now.

Any hints advice appreciated.

Now looking to get sorted for winter, but that will be a separate thread.

still on the MTB?

Nope, on a dedicated road bike, which ironically I love riding.

The mtb does not see daylight at all