Commuting - Question about my commute

I'm a pretty avid biker. Pretty fit (race and ride atleast 5 times a week) I'm moving to Columbia, SC and have heard the commute sucks. I'm really not worried about traffic, I am from the Washington DC area. Anyways my question is, I'm about 6-8 miles away from work, whats the time I should give myself the first couple days? half hour?

Thanks


(I know I'm asking dumb questions sorry)

Why not try your commute route on a weekend and time it? You would of course have to adjust for any delays due to excessive stoplights and traffic, but at least you could get kind of a benchmark.

My usual commute is mostly flat and about 7.5 miles on urban roads, times vary from 22 minutes to 30 +, depending on traffic lights, trains, ships and my energy level.

I'm moving this weekend, and start work Monday morning.. things are going to be crunched. So i'm goign to try and get time to ride it but its not a guarantee.

Definitely go with 30 minutes. My commute was 9 miles and it took me 30 minutes each way roughly. It was very flat with low traffic volume. Very rural area.

In a new area, AB, ride your route ahead of time so you can memorize the route, including potholes, tricky spots, etc. On your first ride, leave 10 minutes early so you can test the route during rush hour without being under pressure.

Originally posted by Arsbars
I'm a pretty avid biker. Pretty fit (race and ride atleast 5 times a week) I'm moving to Columbia, SC and have heard the commute sucks. I'm really not worried about traffic, I am from the Washington DC area. Anyways my question is, I'm about 6-8 miles away from work, whats the time I should give myself the first couple days? half hour?
I was in Columbia two weeks ago for a job interview (didn't get the job :crash: ) and noticed that it is a lot hillier than I expected. But I guess you noticed that.
Have you ridden on hills very much?
Have you driven or ridden your commute route to see what the traffic and roads are like (potholes, intersections, number of lanes, etc.)?
What shower/locker/bikerack accomodations does your employer provide?
Have you contacted one of the Columbia area bike clubs and asked if anyone else commutes by bike?
Do any of your new co-workers ride to work?

My commute is 10ks & it takes me 20 mins but theres a few hills & heavy traffic + a wind penalty on the harbour bridge !!! Traffic jams with trucks slow you up as they tend to take the whole road + the sidewalk at traffic circles !!!!!