Really enjoying commuting by bicycle

[M.C]

So yeah, motorbikes been off the road for a couple of weeks, and I've been cycling into work (6 miles each way). Always hated it the odd time I had to before, combination of uphill & d!ckhead car drivers (I can't accelerate away from), but now I'm really liking it.

Not that much difference in journey time either (urban commute), only going in for the early shift (at 6.30am) do I really save time on the motorbike, 20ish minutes vs 30ish minutes cycling.

So what's wrong with me?

[NJD]

[M.C]

Thanks for making me feel (more) normal I used to cycle 14 miles a day + similar or more mileage at work, and although I felt fit only realised when I stopped I was just fatigued. Also got sick of cycling on the roads, only really rekindled some warm feelings towards cycling by going on rides in the woods/nice parks etc.

I guess that's why I'm puzzled as to why I'm enjoying it now. Anyway the motorbike will be back on the road soon, if I find myself missing the bicycle I'll know something's really wrong

[The Tot]

Worst thing about commuting to work on a push bike... you get properly into it after a while and end up hanging out with the crowds at work who are cycling enthusiasts. You'll eventually end up doing 40-60mile pub rides after work in summer and decide "ooh, I need a decend road bike".

Then, you'll soon discover that quite a few motorcyclists also dabble in a bit of mountain biking. You tag along with ANOTHER group, who then become pretty close mates. You spend silly money on mountain bikes, enter into cross-country/enduro/DH races and before too long, cycling becomes your primary hobby!

To think that it all started off with a humble £500 cycle to work bike, I seriously got into my aggressive trail riding/enduro racing within 18 months. You get to the point (depending where you live) where you actually enjoy taking the extremely long detour home via the hills and woods (3 miles into work, and it's not unheard of for me to do 20 miles of climbs and fast downhill runs immediately after work according to strava). If you have an open mind, it can lead you (and your bank balance) to new places which you wouldn't have otherwise considered.

That being said, you'll develop your skills off road which are transferrable to riding on wet greasy roads on your motorbike. And your leathers will thank you in summer by maintaining your figure.
____________________
The Tot 2007 Yamaha R1 4C8 2002 Yamaha FZS1000 Fazer &
www.youtube.com/Titot182 for your bike gear reviews and pop punk covers
Earl Of Easycore Pop Punk Will Never Die!

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[The Tot]

Yeah, I know. Having leathers constantly altered is annoying! It's rather ironic that I started off cycling to lean out, which is what I've done. But, it's got me really active and into fitness. I can't help playing with chinup bars and dumbells in my spare time too
____________________
The Tot 2007 Yamaha R1 4C8 2002 Yamaha FZS1000 Fazer &
www.youtube.com/Titot182 for your bike gear reviews and pop punk covers
Earl Of Easycore Pop Punk Will Never Die!

[Fin]

[mudcow007]

I tend to get fed up commuting by pedaller, so take my Bandit, then flit between the two

I still havent lost any weight by pedalling - that's in over 5 years commuting my pedaller

[DRZ4Hunned]

I want to cycle to work (2 miles) but I end up driving because I can't be arsed getting caught in the rain. Those of you with an office job who cycle do you leave work clothes at work or what? Seems like more hassle than it's worth.
____________________
DRZ400-SM
FZS600

[bamt]

Two miles is borderline walking rather than anything else!

When cycling (or motorbiking, come to that) I leave clothes at work and change there. Trousers and shoes live there (except for coming home for washing), I also leave a coat & comfy trainers there for lunchtime walks. I normally take a few shirts in at a time together with underwear in a garment folder.

For a two mile cycle in I'd likely be leaving an emergency change of clothes at work and riding in gently (not raising a sweat) wearing the shirt I'd intend wearing for the rest of the day. Ideally I'd change trousers though as they are likely to get grubby, unless it's summer. It really doesn't rain that often in this country, and if the forecast says fine and looking out has clear skies you are unlikely to get caught on your way in - and on the way home, who cares?

[instigator.]

I used to cycle everyday to work, 9km each way. Now my commute is 37.5km each way, I'll try it once the days are long enough. I too much prefer it to riding a motorbike. I'd rather tour on a bicycle than a motorbike. Just bought my first car after 14 years relying on a motorbike so even less time on motorized 2 wheels now.

[DRZ4Hunned]

[bamt]

[The Tot]

[Fin]

[The Tot]

[Fin]

I don't have a decent trail rig, haven't been riding regularly for a few years, just bought a downhill rig and am going to start downhill (can't pedal up yet as fitness isn't there), still have my old bike (xc Kona Manomano) which I think will handle the easier trails but is a bit small and uncomfortable. I didn't know there were many trails over that way, am definitely down to hit them some time.

[spnorm]

I got back into cycling last year after losing 25kg in 2014.

It's turned into an expensive hobby after buying a £1300 Cannondale CAAD10 roadbike through the C2W scheme, quickly followed by a new mountain bike. Being a tight Yorkshireman, I couldn't resist a Cannondale Trigger 4 27.5 which was reduced from £2699 to £999 (about £1000 cheaper than anywhere else ).

Now I'm looking to upgrade again to something with a carbon frame, Ultegra and disc brakes.

As I live in the Pennines, my 5 mile ride to work can soon turn into a 15-20 mile ride home via some lovely hilly country lanes or bridleways depending on my mood and which bike I'm riding

[thx1138]

I can get around my town quicker on a bicycle than I can by motorbike.

Going to venture out on the green lanes soon on my bicycle, and the bridleways.

[Fiona84]