SB739

Do you guys think it'd be possible to cycle this distance in (and back) five days a week in the British climate?

The start bit is country lanes, to avoid a narrow main road. After "Newbuildings" on the map, it's a cycle path and much safer.

The idea excites me, as well as the money savings, because the car I have right now isn't cheap to run.

I'm currently unemployed, seeking a job too, so my money is running low... this would save quite a bit of money.

I have a few more questions too, but first I'd like to know what you all think of the idea as experienced commuters.

nightshade18

Absolutely, it's possible. 6.3 Miles each way should be fine. The elevation change isn't that much either. Depends on your level of fitness, but even if you couldn't jump straight into 5 days a week, you could build up to it.

British climate? Grab a jacket and some mud guards to keep you dry - apparently it only rains 12 times a year at commuting time statistically......

bmthom.gis

absolutely! I do almost (but not quite) twice that each way.

tarwheel 

Piece of cake.

bmthom.gis

Piece of battenberg

SB739

Excellent! I would love to start doing this to be honest, I'm 19 and I think I should be able to build the fitness up even if it's a few days a week to start with. It's coming to Winter now and my family are laughing at the idea as it is, let alone the winter weather. But to be fair, we rarely get snow until late January anyway and with the correct attire I think I should be fine? Gloves, coat, some kind of lightweight throw-over for trousers, and mudguards. Maybe thicker MTB tyres for my hybrid if it does snow?

ItsJustMe

I cycle 15 miles one way to work and back every day on mainly country roads and no bike paths at all, often with 60 MPH traffic, and have been for 12 years, so yes, very feasible.

Next year it'll be a 26 mile one way commute. I'm still planning on doing it but I may telecommute and I might go multimode with the bus one or two days a week.

caloso

That looks like an ideal commute and you've got a lot of the issues already worked out. Once you start doing this regularly, you'll see what works and what doesn't. Way to go!

ciderguy

Looks like an easy commute with little elevation change. Mudguards, a good jacket, lube, lock, rain gear, and a change of clothing are all you'll need for daytime riding.

Bikeforumuser0019

You can do it! I just started commuting to work (it's between 8-9 miles) on an old bike and it's really fun and enjoyable. I made my own "pannier" (aka waterproof box) for the bike and I made my own fenders out of coroplast. Couple other affordable equipment upgrades and now I have a great commuter.

I can always ride more than I think I can... I'm not very confident in my own abilities but I recently I did a 22 mile ride without even taking a break! I didn't know I could ride 22miles on a bicycle until I tried. Try and see what you can do! I think you'll be as pleasantly surprised as I have been.

Also, I just recently found a new full-time job after going without for about 14 months. Being under-employed is the pits however I'm really glad that my financial hardship made me consider a bike as one way to save money.

alan s 

Get some good lights.

jimc101

22km commute each way here, your proposed route is less than half that, and virtually flat, should be very easy to to.

Good advise given for the lights, although don't expect to save too much though vs the car for that short of a journey, use a bike a lot, and you will start to wear parts out; as you already have a car, your paying for insurance, VED etc, so the only real expense is fuel (maybe parking), which should be no more than £1-2 a day for that length of journey. Riding does have other benefits though with fitness etc

BobbyG

You can do it, and this forum has the answers to your questions. Mirrors and lights are cheap these days. Don't overdress in the winter. Cover exposed skin, but you should be chilly for the first 10 minutes, then you will warm up from riding. Carry extra layer of clothes in case of winter bike trouble and you have to stop. Only 19? Heck, yeah! go, Go, GO!

noglider 

You're asking a bunch of people who bike commute regularly if regular bike commuting is feasible.

How far you are willing to go and what conditions you are willing to endure are up to you. Some people even ride 25 miles each way. I'm not that tough, but I do ride 13 miles each way for one to three days a week.

If 6 miles is hard for you, and you didn't say it is, you will find that very soon, it's no longer hard. If you do it enough, you'll find you prefer riding to not riding because it improves your mood.

fietsbob

It's a half mile .. Here..

Visiting, Letterkenny to Derry didn't seem too far apart, even though there is a Political border between them .

SanSerif

I commute 8 miles each way five days a week through the worst (and best) that British weather can throw at me. It's not a problem. In fact, it's fantastic. As long as I have strength in my legs, I'll *never* go back to driving or buses.

Being 19 will help a lot - but if you're unfit be prepared to find it a bit of physical challenge at first but, if you're also prepared to keep at it, you'll very soon (weeks at your age, three months max) be taking it in your stride with ease.

You'll get fit. You'll be happier (endorphins). And you'll be richer (until you get a job and start spending on fancy lights, panniers, waterproofs, etc, etc).

Track down a UK bike forum for UK specific tips.

chefisaac

I ride 36-38 miles round trip to work a couple of times a week. Trying to do three times a week but with the humidity and weight training workouts, it can be a grind so I'm very happy with twice a week.

Your legs will get used to it and you'll find the equipment you'll need and love as time goes on. Do not buy cheap lights.... Buy the best you can afford. The back light must be bright and the front light must be very bright.

You our got this!

martianone

If you haven't yet, do a couple of practice runs on your days off. Carry the same gear and stuff you would during your commute. Soon you will find that 10-12 km commute to no problem.
Carry a spare tube, pump and learn how to change a flat. That will make your commuting more reliable for yourself and your employer. after a couple pay checks, consider getting a set of touring type tires, they are usually more puncture resistant and last longer. If it is wet out, lube your chain well.