SoCal Commute

ok, well I did my test run of my commute tonight and it was a blast.

Here's the breakdown of how my ride goes.

First, I start off with 2 miles up hill. For this part I had the mantra of "why am i doing this" or "there's no way i'll make it at this rate." Well after a mile and a half of switching between granny gear and walking I finally made it to the second leg.

Here is the point where I had one of those monty python moments. The clouds split and the sun illuminated the crest of the hill where the world just drops off. (at least that would have happened if it hadn't been pitch black outside.

So I cross the street and begin to enjoy what marks the beginning of 5 miles downhill. Heck I beat my previous top speed of 27 mph with a whopping 35.7 mph. I'll have a better time in the future seeing as I had to stop in the middle of the best part of the hill to refasten a bungee that came loose.

All in all it took me an hour to go the 7 miles to work. 45 minutes uphill walking for 2 miles. 15 minutes downhill for the last 5. I don't have my return times due to the last 4 miles being unlit and I didn't want to take the chance of some motorist not paying attention.


Breakdown of accessory performance: fenix l2d premium- no problems, even at 35 mph i had no problems seeing my path. Planet bike superflash: worked great, cars gave me a nice wide cushon of space.

Just ordered my fenders and panniers today so i'll post pics next time.


Thanks for the advise from everyone advise in my previous thread on this commute. Judging by how I feel after that run I think i'll just jump right in and commute the 3 days a week I don't have school.

kayakdiver

congrats on your first day... As a year round commuter I for giving it a try!! Keep up the good work!

SouthFLpix

You'll get stronger and those first 2 miles will be no sweat before you know it. Congratulations on number 1, that's always the hardest.

europa

Well done mate.

You'll notice over time that the first few miles are the worst ... so it's a pity that your commute starts with a stiff climb. Your muscles do need to warm up and to get the blood flowing. Seeing you're starting with a climb, just slip onto the granny and spin - you'll get used to it in time and probably surprisingly quickly.

The secret is knowing when to get off and walk. Forcing yourself to ride until you collapse is fine in a neanderthal sort of way, but knowing how to stop and take a breather will get you going again and in a better state too. Walking is good though collapsed over the handlebars gasping works too.

You'll be right. If you're physically tired at the start of the day, take the car - your muscles need rest to rebuild. If you're mentally tired, the workout is therapeutic. If you're hung over, do the ride - riding is a wonderful hangover cure.

Go for it. Apparently a fitter, leaner you is in your future ... a promise that is yet to be fullfilled in my case.

Richard

Artkansas 

Well done! 7mph isn't bad for hilly country. You'll only get better!

Matt1972

Your calves will grow up to be cows!

SoCal Commute

Yeah, it's a single hill that I have to climb all the way to the top, but the 5 mile decent is a good enough reward and I was completely fresh when I arrived. It's going home that's gonna be tough, 5 miles uphill won't be fun but I gotta start somewhere right?

SoCal Commute

lol, yeah my bodies screamin at me and I know i'll really feel it tomorow morning, left the bike at work so i'll have to settle for a nice long walk tomorow for excersize

CB HI

PS: The other sex really loves those types of cows.

JoeyBike

Nice! Welcome to certainly one of the most gratifying ways to get to work - under your own power. Just about every aspect of your health, strength, and stamina, will improve in very little time.

Welcome to the "Club"!