Commuting - Am I being unrealistic about the commute distance I can handle?

In september I have to travel 26 km or 16.16 miles each way 5 days a week to my practicum. This works out to 161.6 miles per week. Is this unrealistic? I am not in super good shape, but I used to ride 11 miles each way to university and didn't find that too bad. I have to really "shine" during my practicum so I don't want to over-extend myself on my commute. However, I dread having to insure my car/pollution machine.

You can do it! Sure you can. A friend of mine whom I have not seen for some time now has a father who rode a little over 20 km to work and the same way home. He did that wen he was a bit over fifty years old/young. The way he rode was a little hilly. You can do it, I´m sure several guys and gals at this forum ride that distance and longer.

I have about 8 km each way but sometimes wish for a longer commute.

Good luck

Anders

I would consider that a very long commute, but possibly do-able.
Try a gradual approach, maybe every other day, then take wed as a rest.
Make sure you have an efficient commuting bike, and take full advantage of modern lightweight , reliable equipment.

It is do-able. The question will be how much time you can commit in the saddle. If you are a moderately strong rider and your 16 miles are in the city with plenty of stop lights, then it could take you an hour each way.

you can do it, I ride 18.5 miles every day to and from work. I have a trunk bag, bar bag and panniers 2 days a week. My route is quite hilly and I do it every day. I find that if you don't beat yourself up early in the week it will be no problem. This year I'm riding conti top touring 2000 tires size 26 X 1.75 and find they roll really well, I go faster and work less. I'm 48 years old and have been doing this commute for years. You can do, it's a commitment and it's not always easy when the weather is not nice. My advice to you is, get the proper clothing and the gear you need, if you get cold, wet and miserable, you won't keep it up. Give it a try and good luck.

Vegan,

I commute about 36 km each day (round-trip) to work, and pile on more as the weather allows. (did 20 in this morning)

You'll find that it's not really long enough of a ride (you'll want to keep going) but you'll really want to put on bike f*g clothing to ease your commute. Try to find out if you can store your bike easily where you'll be working, and if you can store clothing at your worksite. You really don't need more than a washcloth and a place to "pretty up" if you don't NEED to shower for your job.

Good luck,
Tom

The ride isn't the tiring thing, it's the working inbetween.

i find if I'm very busy at work I get tired quicker near the end of the week. Mine is a 13 mile each way.

I used to go that far on my commute, but now live closer to work. I don't think the distance will be a problem with being tired (well, maybe at first). It's simply a time issue. In fact, I wouldn't mind getting more than my normal 100miles/wk commuting, but I would have to deal with the increase in time that it took away from my family.

Dave

If you're not used to tham many daily miles, you might find it gets harder as the week progresses. So I'd advise you to start now, while you still have plenty of time to work on fitness and conditioning. You'll also be able to address any equipment issues that might arise, including whatever you'll need to deal with the weather.

Once you're prepared, I don't think it's unrealistic at all. I find my 13 mile morning commute energizing and mentally stimulating, and the evening commute helps relax me, builds up an appetite for a nice big dinner, and helps me be tired enough to get right to sleep on time.

RichC

I started with a few days a week. My commute is 20 miles each way (30 km?). I do it both ways 2 or 3 times a week and do it one way one or 2 times a week. The side benefit is I find I can do metric centuries on the weekend now without a second thought. This fall I am going to use all this mileage to train for a 252 mile one day ride. The key is start small and build as you feel ready to increase.

You have plenty of time to get some good miles under your belt so that by September a 26k commute will be an easy spin. Make sure you have a good plan for yourself, including mapping out a main route and a detour, figuring out where you'll park your bike, and your shower and clothes routine.

Hello Veganheart,

I live in Vancouver too (near UBC) and commute to Burnaby for work everyday. It is 12 miles one-way and I do it 4 days week.

Vancouver has a lot of bikers and you will absolutely fall in love with it once you start. Believe me, I just started biking last November and I don't arrive at work exhausted (as I used to in the beginning) anymore. It took me about a couple of months, may be, to get used to the distance.

As others have pointed out, start out gradually. I started with 2 days a week then bumped it up to 3 and now 4. Bus service is very good in the city...so the days you can't/don't ride, take the bus. Good luck.

Cheers,
Raji.

Hi Vegan

What would be the route that you need to commute?

I cycle from Steveston to the Burnaby flats near the New West border and that is 26km one way. If I take Kent Ave all the way to the Arthur Laing, this cuts the distance by 4 km. But it isn't as smooth as my Westminster Hwy in Richmond route.

I have not attempted as yet 5 times per week. I have done it 4 times last week and this week will be 3 times. My goal is at least 4 times and possibly 5. I can also use the bus as I live on the #410 bus route and the final dest for the #410 is 4km from my workplace.

Now remember, I'm 46 and had started cycle commuting in June 2001. I had not done any serious cycling for 20 years before then except usual weekend rides. I have also been working on traveling light and keep most of my change of clothes in my office. I have also switched to a new road touring bike from a 20 year old vintage roadbike and before then a mtb. But I don't know what type of bike you have.

You might be needing to carry books I gather, so that would need to be considered. But considering that you are several years younger than I am, the 26 km should not be unrealistic. You could be training for this now til September and you should be in top form by then. In fact I think you are right now, you're doing 11 miles each way. An extra 5 miles should be no problem.

Also, test a few routes before then and that should help.

So, let us know. I like to hear more about your daily commute.

I ride a mere 8-9 miles each way. I find that I have a lot more zip on the days when I ride and feel very sluggish on the days when I drive to work.

veganheart~
16 miles each way is definitely do-able. especially since you posess vegan power!! :D
it's really not hard...i ride 8.5 miles each way on my commute, and i really wish it was a bit further. just be sure to bring along a nice piece of fruit or cliff bar to re-fuel when you get to work-

also, i don't know about your city, but in portland you can put your bike on the bus. if this is an option, maybe you could ride half-way at first, and take the bus the other half. or take the bus to your practicum and ride home when you are done!

have fun!

It can be done, that's for sure. But feasability depends on route, terrain and time you have on your hand. For instance, 26 km on flat land is a piece of cake, while 26 km on the road to Whistler is far from being easy (hills). Likewise, 26 km with frequent stop signs and traffic lights is hard on the morale.

Other things that help:

- Ride the road before, either during a weekend or in one of your weeks off. That way, you will have time to adjust your schedule and stretch your muscles.

- Get a good rack (not a seatpost rack : too unstable with heavy books) and panniers so the bike will carry your books -- not your back.

- Get one or two good auto reflector (SAE 3" diametre or 2.5" x 5" -- Canadian Tire sells them in the Auto section). Ideally, get a red one (so you have the legal red reflector) and an amber one (visible from further away and legal as long as you have your basic red light and/or reflector -- not sure if BC is "either" or "both"). Install these reflectors so that they are visible even with loaded panniers.

- Get one or two taillights (2 adds some safety because you don't know if one dies on the road). Get an adequate headlight, as I assume you will be riding sometimes in the dark.

Good luck!

Originally posted by veganheart
In september I have to travel 26 km or 16.16 miles each way 5 days a week to my practicum. This works out to 161.6 miles per week. Is this unrealistic? I am not in super good shape, but I used to ride 11 miles each way to university and didn't find that too bad. I have to really "shine" during my practicum so I don't want to over-extend myself on my commute. However, I dread having to insure my car/pollution machine.
That depends on you. But if it were me, I would not experiment with overextending myself when I needed my energies elsewhere.

I found that 5 days per week of about 30 miles round trip placed an overextended demand upon my energy reserves, being a working family man. If you're not used to it, you may be able to keep it up for a short time, but you might pay for it at a time when you really need all your strength.

Thanks for all your support!
For those of you who live in Vancouver or know the area, I will be riding from Broadway and Clark to Foster and Blue Mountain Hwy in Coquitlam (about 8 min drive from Lougheed mall). I am going to be volunteering at the elementary school on Sports Day in June so I will do a test ride then. My concern is whether I will be able to maintain the commute. I absolutely cannot be late as I am being evaluated as a student teacher. This makes taking the bus less appealing as too often the bus can cause me to be late. The terrain isnt extremely challenging but there are definitely some nasty hills. Most of the route has a designated bike route along the side of the Hwy, but there are still plenty of cars to contend with. Part of me is really excited about taking on the challenge the other part of me questions whether I have the discipline.

Originally posted by gonesh9
veganheart~
16 miles each way is definitely do-able. especially since you posess vegan power!! :D


have fun!

I second that:D :beer:

While it is doable, unless you are in great shape I think you will find that distance 5 times a week to be a grind over time. I would look for an alternative at least one day a week. My communte is 12.5 miles each way and I seldom do 5 straight days.

The commute is doable. I had a job where I commuted 15 miles one way. It was pretty nice little ride, and in the summer I always looked for ways to extend my time on the bike. I love riding, and any opportunity to ride is look forward to.

Today my commute is a quick 8 miles, or up to 20 miles depending on the route I take that day. I am looking at a new job, that would be a 25 mile oneway commute.

I started out slow, and did an every other day until I had my legs and then began to push it. You'll know if you can do it. Like everyone else has said, check the route first and then you'll know if you're going to be late/early or inbetween. I went out on the route I had to take for the interview for the job, just to check the time, and length. I'll be putting in some 50 mile days, if I take this job(they haven't offered it yet).

Enjoy the ride Vegan.

That's a long commute but you've got all summer to get your body in shape for it.
When I was employed ( :cry: ) my commute was 14.2 miles one way. I'm 58 and managed to ride 3 days a week.

If it's an option have you considered combining public transportation with cycling?
Most large cities have bike racks on buses and allow bikes on trains. Some have bike lockers at bus/train stations.

The problem with long public transit trips is that you usually have to take about 3 busses, and you have to wait a long time between busses. Using a bike for one or two segments could alleviate this problem with miss-matching bus schedules.

I commute 18.5 km each way daily. In a few weeks you will find this distance enjoyable. One hour maximum each way. A great way to get in a workout and stress relief from the daily drive.

know your frame, aero, output power, carbs, fats, proteins, vits, mins, hydration, 360 outlook, plan 20-30sec's scan,

Thanks for all your support!
For those of you who live in Vancouver or know the area, I will be riding from Broadway and Clark to Foster and Blue Mountain Hwy in Coquitlam (about 8 min drive from Lougheed mall). I am going to be volunteering at the elementary school on Sports Day in June so I will do a test ride then. My concern is whether I will be able to maintain the commute. I absolutely cannot be late as I am being evaluated as a student teacher. This makes taking the bus less appealing as too often the bus can cause me to be late. The terrain isnt extremely challenging but there are definitely some nasty hills. Most of the route has a designated bike route along the side of the Hwy, but there are still plenty of cars to contend with. Part of me is really excited about taking on the challenge the other part of me questions whether I have the discipline.
Oh yeah, that's no problem. I leave from that area and head out to PoCo every day, about 15km. You'll be on Lougheed for much of the way, which has a very good bike lane. Give yourself about an hour and you can pedal very slow and still be fine. That's actually a really nice route, I'm jealous. You can mix in a lot of the Greenway too if you want, though it'll slow you down a bit. If you don't like the traffic, you might find it more enjoyable.

Oh yeah, and what hills??

know your frame, aero, output power, carbs, fats, proteins, vits, mins, hydration, 360 outlook, plan 20-30sec's scan,

I suspect the OP figured out his commute, in one way or another, about, oh, 7 years ago.

Hmm, OP is dated 5/1/03, last post before the Zombie resurrection was #24 dated 5/7/03....

I think he found a solution in the past seven years.

In september I have to travel 26 km or 16.16 miles each way 5 days a week to my practicum. This works out to 161.6 miles per week. Is this unrealistic? I am not in super good shape, but I used to ride 11 miles each way to university and didn't find that too bad. I have to really "shine" during my practicum so I don't want to over-extend myself on my commute. However, I dread having to insure my car/pollution machine.



Depends on how strong a rider you are. If it were myself I wouldn't chance it. For ensuring passing your practicum I'd pony up and drive for the month. My commute is about 16 miles and when I try to ride on successive days I start feeling like I'm living on my bike to the exception of everything else. I try to gun for 3 times a week but I'm happy if I make it twice a week.

I'd say once you have your Practicum in the bag then pick up your commuting when there is less on the line.

I commute 21.5 miles r/t most every day....235 days this past year for a total of 5014.4....I am 64 1/2.
I drove my car 8 days last year, and there were 12 days that I just commuted in and was driven home (social obligations).
This is the fifth year of commuting.
You can do it !

I think he found a solution in the past seven years.

Probably a carnivore by now.

The problem with long public transit trips is that you usually have to take about 3 busses, and you have to wait a long time between busses. Using a bike for one or two segments could alleviate this problem with miss-matching bus schedules.

16 miles one way is do-able, but you also have to factor in the time is takes, the difficulty of the route, and fatigue towards the end of the week. The suggestion of using public transportation for part of the trip makes sense. I have a roughly 22 mile commute, (one way), that I have been able to cut down to 9 miles by using the subway for the middle section of the trip. Its still about 1.25 - 1.5 hours each way, but I'm able to comfortably maintain it for 5 days a week.

If you elect to ride door to door each way, I would suggest starting slowly, (maybe 1-2 times per week) at the start, then gradually building your time on the bike as your body adjusts to the demands you put on it. Good luck and let us know how everything turns out!! :thumb:

Probably a carnivore by now.

Doh!!

You're likely taking the CVG. I ride it the opposite way. My distance is a bit less 18 km and I start along Winston and go to downtown. You may see me riding in the opposite direction.

Hills shouldn't be a problem, but going up to North Road along Broadway has a steep section. Other than that it's not too hilly.

I do recommend doing some practice rides so you get an idea of the time it takes you. Also be prepared for flats. If time is an issue, get CO2 inflation cartridges so your pumping time is reduced.

I think he found a solution in the past seven years.

Last post on BF was in '09, before that was in '04, so it's most likely that will hear back from him in '14. Must be one mother of a commute.