I started commuting this week after years of thinking about it. I could not afford a fancy bike so I bought a cheaper hybrid bike, $325 - but it's brand new and comes with one year of free service.
My commute to work is about 10 miles. I have done two days so far and I am LOVING it. Simply amazing. No traffic, nice bike paths and quiet streets, fresh air - can't wait for my next ride
It is also only maybe 30 mins longer than taking public transit but you don't have to get squished on the train during rush hour. A friend of mine drives to work in my area and it takes him 40-60 minutes due to traffic.
First off, welcome and well done! I started commuting last June (2013); have to say it was easier for me to keep it up through the fall and winter having had a few months of conditioning under my belt already. That said, the people in this forum will help keep you motivated - visit often
However it is quite harder than I thought, this whole cycling thing!
There are no major hills on my commute, well a couple of short ones, but quite a few of those very minor but quite long elevation changes.... my legs are weak! I thought I was in good shape but apparently not. My legs don't hurt next day they're just super tired and weak. Going down the stairs is a challenge
Within a month or two you'll find you don't even notice the hills anymore; at least the gradual ones. You won't be scared of the bigger ones either. It'll come
Any tips on what to eat / drink to help my muscles recover faster?
Protein (as others have mentioned); lots of water on your commute, and maybe a watered down Gatorade or something after if you're feeling a bit dehydrated?
Already learned the lesson that a $10 headlight performs according to its price! Also after riding in the rain already learned that I need fenders
Yes, and yes. Get good fenders, and if you can, have them professionally (and permanently) installed. I originally had bought some SKS fenders designed to be taken on & off easily; unfortunately, several times on each ride they'd get knocked out of place and start rubbing on my tires, making a God-awful noise. Took them back and had some Planet Bike fenders installed; been over a year and a few thousand km's, and they haven't budged. I'd contemplated taking my fenders off for the summer, but really in Vancouver it's not worth the hassle.
Yeah it's 10 miles each way. I was thinking that I might be overdoing it, going from nothing to 20 miles per day all of a sudden. I will go to bed early tonight and see how I feel tomorrow morning.
I will not be riding over the weekend so that should help too.
My commute is 13 miles each way, with ~300m of climbing coming in, and about 385m going home. I found that breaking it up with bus/Skytrain was too time consuming and more hassle than it was worth. I did, however, start by riding in Monday, then home Tuesday afternoon, then in Thursday and home Friday afternoon, for a total of 2 x return commutes. Built it up to 3 and 4 return trips/week, and have done 5 a few times; don't even notice anymore. In the beginning though it's good to have the recovery time; pace yourself so you don't get injured and/or discouraged. Never feel like it's a defeat if you decide to take a break one day.
Also, stretch lots, and if you have extended health coverage, get a massage and/or chiropractic adjustment now & again. Helps a lot
Last advice: get your bike professionally fitted. PM me if you'd like some advice on this. It'll really help maximize your efficiency and reduce your risk of injury!