Inigo Montoya

Hey all,

First off, I should state that I'm a complete noob. I've been lurking here for a couple of weeks, and this place is great. I've shopped around at a couple of stores, and I've made the decision to buy an '07 Specialized Seqouia Elite. I want to ride comfortably for fitness, and once I'm in better shape I would like to start commuting.

Now, I've read a lot of posts about how many of you ride at like 5am. This is probably doable for me, but I have a six month old, and I'm also starting grad school in september, and I'll continue to work full time. I can ride early in the morning if I sleep at 10pm, but I'll likely be staying up late studying. And riding after work will be harder for me, as that's my "family time". Anyone else in a similar situation? Thanks in advance for your advice!

Inigo Montoya

Ropopompom

You don't really need to get in shape to start commuting. Just start riding to and from work and your fitness will increase.

Inigo Montoya

Thanks, at first I planned on commuting right off. But there's a monster hill on my route that is called "heart attack hill" by cyclists and runners. If anyone is familiar with the San Diego area, it's the hill that goes along the cliffs of Torrey Pines.

webist

Just saw that hill a couple weeks ago during a SD vacation. Nasty.

Inigo Montoya

Yep, I get tired driving up that hill

valygrl

Nice commute. Just do it.

El Duke

I try to be in bed around 9 pm so that I can get up at 5 am. If you're planning on being on the road at 5, you might want to be in bed earlier to avoid being a zombie at work. It might be unavoidable because of the little one, though.

DannoXYZ 

Bah! Torrey Pines is nothing! You'll just need a triple-crankset with low gearing. Pace yourself and take your time so that you'll make it up without burning out and having to stop. Then gradually increase your speed.

For me, when I was in school, going to work took 15-20 minutes by car or 45-minutes by bike. I found that the extra 25 minutes each way to ride and train was well worth it.

Al.canoe

I had that problem for all my career, but especially when I was a junior engineer with a lot of travel, two kids, and going to classes in the evening and studying for a MS. I went to bed at 9 pm and got up at 4 to 4:30. Did that 7-days a week for years and still do it today though I'm retired.

When working, I had no time/motivation for cycling during the week, so I jogged 3 to 4 miles and weight trained.

Al

Inigo Montoya

Thanks for the helpful advice!!!

jamesstout

a triple on a road bike - NEVER

stevelon

I get up at 4AM so I can be on the bike at 5. Back when I was doing the grad school thing and working with small kids I was on the bike by 4:30. I would be at work hr to hr and a half early to study. At end of work could cram in another half hour or so before home or class. Home by 6:30. Kids and I hit the hay about 8PM. System worked great until the dreaded 7-10PM one day a week class.