For the sake of comparison, my commute is about 22 miles one-way and consists mostly of fairly small rolling hills.
Originally Posted by
no1mad
1. How many times per week do you ride into/from work?
I ride 2 or 3 days out of 5. I sometimes take the bus for most of the distance if it is particularly windy or there is high risk of a thunderstorm. I don't commute once it gets significantly snowy, as my route involves some high-speed rural roads.
Originally Posted by
no1mad
2. Were you a recreational rider before you started commuting?
Yes, but more in the "stroll in the park" sense than the cycling enthusiast sense.
Originally Posted by
no1mad
3. How long did it take you to complete the entire distance under your own power?
I don't remember exactly, but I think I worked up to it over the course of a month or so, gradually riding further by taking the bus for less of the distance.
It takes me 1.5-2 hours to cover the distance.
Originally Posted by
no1mad
4. After your trial and error period, what ended up being your equipment?
Surly Long Haul Trucker (2010 Complete), Arkel Bug Pannier, Shimano Alfine dynohub, B&M IQ Cyo front light, B&M Toplight Line Plus rear light and a Topeak Road Morph G pump. I recently added Keen SPD sandals, which are nice but not necessary.
For clothing, I wear wicking general exercise clothing for warm weather. For cooler weather, I use merino wool base layers plus as many other layers as the weather requires.
I've really appreciated the wide and tough Continental Contacts that came with my bike, as I was riding through gravelly construction zones a lot this summer.