velocity

True but -How many know there true resting HR? I saw that the OP's RPE was very uncomfortable and was dreading getting back on tonight so I wanted to see what his age was at his described fitness level. He's Young, he will survive to go fast farther and easier if he likes (as long as he keeps up the practice.)

noglider 

You did great. Believe this!

Stop by your local bike shop and have them check your fit on the bike and your tires.

Eat breakfast for God's sake! Bring a water bottle with you on your ride. Your increased activity will increase your appetite, so eat a big lunch, too.

It will definitely get easier. I promise. And it will become more fun.

Gnosis

Congrats sumorez.

My first commute (which was at age 55) was a hilly 8-miles and it yielded a pathetic average speed of just 5.9 MPH! But hey, I was thrilled to have completed the distance in both directions (hence 16 miles round trip) as I was battling my way back from the lingering effects of my near fatal heart attack at age 53. Now, age 59, I’m faster than the majority of bicyclists that I encounter. So, keep at it and you’ll reap the rewards of far greater fitness.

CrankyOne

On your style of bike you should just be able to tip-toe the ground while seating on the saddle. EG, when you come to a stop you shouldn't have to dismount but just put your toes down. This will setup you up properly when pedaling. The straight leg to heel adjustment is for road bikes and racing. BTW, when pedaling you want the ball of your foot centered on the pedal.

No breakfast and no water explains a lot. Much better to eat a 500 calorie breakfast (w/ maybe 10g of fiber minimum) before heading out. My guess is you'll enjoy your next ride a bit more. Also remember to take your time. There's no rush.

sumorez

I was actually surprised a bit that my average speed was so low, but I think I'm going to attribute that to the fact that I live right in the downtown/midtown grid in Sacramento, which means I'm traveling about fifteen blocks' worth of stop signs and red lights. I also made a wrong turn at one point and ended up basically on a highway, so I walked the bike to the next light on the sidewalk and crossed back over to the other side to resume on the path. Wasn't comfortable street riding on a 55 MPH road just yet.

sumorez

I think I'm good to go then, that sounds exactly like I've got it set up. I want to say it's a 17" bike, and the seat is set pretty low. I'm only 5'6 though.

CrankyOne

I was a Cat 1 racer and still ride a couple of thousand miles each year and I don't like 55 mph roads (and do everything I can to avoid them). I'm much happier on a well designed protected bikeway.

caloso

If you're in midtown, I'd suggest stopping in at City Bike Works (on K between 24 & 25) and ask them to make sure your tires are properly inflated. Oh, and make sure to log your miles for mayisbikemonth.com!

BobbyG

You can do it...because you DID do it! Ditto, ditto, ditto giving yourself a rest day between ride days until you build up more stamina. You will feel when you're ready for regular riding most days. Three-Speed? Generations of Brits made do with just three-speeds (or less) on bikes weighing much more than yours. As far as ride time and average speed...those are not your challenges right now, if ever. The challenge right now is to achieve the level of fitness that allows you to enjoy your commute; and the best way to do that is to ride your bike to work! FWIW: I've been bike commuting seriously for almost 25 years, and have had a few major interruptions to my routine with one totaling over a year. The first few rides after a lengthy interruption of even a month, provide all the agony, pain and effort of when I first started. And those strenuous initial commutes can take 33% longer than later when I am "up to speed". If you had the gumption and drive to attempt bike commuting, you have everything you need to stick with it.
go, Go, GO!

rmfnla

As the others have said, it will get easier.

As to your point 1., it's amazing how what seems flat in a car is anything but once you are pedaling your way up it!

FWIW, I figured the best route for my 3 mile commute to minimize the hills.

Now if I could just do something about that #@&%ing headwind...

sumorez

Well, I decided I was in it to finish it, so I rode home instead of taking an Uber. That was significantly easier-feeling than the ride there... I also took a much more intelligent (albeit much higher trafficked) route home.

Stats according to Microsoft Band:

• Duration: 0: 50: 20
• Distance: 6.35 miles
• Average Speed: 7.6 mph
• Top Speed: 19.3 mph
• Total Gain: 226 ft
• Total Loss: -220 ft
• Average HR: 149
• High HR: 1174
• Low HR: 74

I think tomorrow I'll be driving, but I'll definitely be doing this again next week if possible.

a1penguin

Congrats! Just keep riding. You might want to take a day off in between rides if you are sore. I remember when I started riding again. I thought I was going to die after my 8 mile commute in to work. Fitness comes with time. Ride regularly and within a couple of weeks you'll notice that it's easier and you enjoy it!

Bikerdave222

A three speed. I don't know if I could survive using a three speed. I have a 24 and a 27 and I end up using some of the lowest gears I have. Maybe you could do better with more gears.

CrankyOne

Three speeds is fine for 90% of the U.S. that isn't mountains. Seven or eight would be nice but not essential. Just think how many people ride fixies for a variety of hilly commutes. This isn't racing.

dipy911

My last commute to work in Kansas City
43 minutes
9.3 miles
Average speed 12.8 (slow commuter bike)
Total ascent - 1.94 miles
Total descent 2.2 miles.

snow_echo_NY

i agree, you did it! but do so in spurts. your ride sounds like my husbands ride: 6.5 miles with about 200 ft elevation gain.

i would plan on committing to 2 days a week, then 3 days a week for maybe a month. then move to 4 days a week for a couple weeks then 5 days a week when you're ready. the 2-4 days a week will help your body get used to it. definitely stretch after riding. i know you just want to plop down somewhere.

riding 5x a week takes a toll on your body too. and no shame in going at an easy pace, it's more relaxing and will let you endure for the ride. it sounds like you will eventually cover 60 miles a week. good luck getting there!

caloso

3-speeds is plenty for Sacramento.

Todzilla

I have found that as I commute the same route for a long time, I'm actually eroding the hills and filling in the valleys with the erosion dust, thus making the route easier to pedal over time.

tsl

And will significantly rob you of power.

For what it's worth, you're already ahead of where I was on my first commute.

My first ride was home from the LBS--0.67 miles at -1% grade (yes, ever so slightly downhill). I had to stop and rest halfway, then needed a nap when I got home. It was about a month before I could ride the two miles to work at one job without stopping to rest. The 3.5 miles to my other job required a rest for at least two months due to the hill crossing.

Nine years later, I live 4.5 miles from work, but I ride 17 miles to work, and 13 home (different routes) simply because I can.

It gets better quickly if you stick with it.

kickstart

I live in a very hilly area, my 3 speed IGH are ok for grades up to around 10%, my 7 speed IGH, 8 speed IGH, and 10 speed are are ok for grades up to around 18%. That said, its going to take a little while before grades will be "ok" no matter how many gears one has.

SpaceGoat

Welcome to commuting by bike! It sounds like you did a great job for your first trip to work. This forum has some great members who can help with any question you may have- you've already received a lot of good advice. Keep it up!

spare_wheel

how many meters long are those grades?

CrankyOne

Can you please pass some of this magic off to me :-)

CrankyOne

If three speeds is enough for the Cauberg... I've climbed the Cauberg a couple of times and it's a workout. This is one well toned mail dude.


And a shorter version:

rumrunn6

right on OP!