Bike Forums - View Single Post - newbie commute tips

06-09-08 | 01:09 PM

#2

chipcom

Infamous Member

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 24,360

Likes: 6

From: Ohio

Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinman

hi everyone. i'm thinking of starting a cummute to work but don't know whether i'm biting off abit more than i can chew. thing is it's abit less than 25 mile (39 kilometers) each way and means the more or less 4 hours on the bike each day and i am wondering if this could be abit dangerous to undertake. i don't intend to do it every day, maybe twice a week with at least one day in between and carry out my normal training when i'm not at work (abit of free wieghts, football(some of you may say soccer or lawn fairies

) some running and cycling). i have done this commute once before and wondered whats the best way to go ie.
-best heart rate to keep to (140bpm average first time).
-what average speed to go at (about 22kph average first time).
-how much fluid to drink and what food to eat the night before and whilst at work for the ride home.
-just bought a GIANT OCR bike that i'll be using.
also i'm 29 year old male weighs about 14st and of low-average fitness and want to lose some beer gut

whilst improving fitness/stamina.
any tips you can give me on this would be much appreciated

My current commute is 25 miles each way - nothing dangerous about it (and I am almost 49).
- Best heart-rate - Keep your heart-rate at or below 80% of max for the most part.
- Average speed - who cares, average speed means nothing unless conditions are controlled. Ride at whatever speed works for you.
- I eat nothing in the morning, drink maybe 1/4 bottle of lemonade on the ride in, eat a bowl of oatmeal with some juice when I get to work, soup and a sandwich for lunch, a little fruit before I leave for home, drink 1/2 to a full bottle on the way home (more climbing, heat of the day), eat a normal dinner, prep and PM my bike, gear and clothing for the morning, get a good nights sleep.

Of course that's me, you gotta find what works best for you. If you are out of shape, eat a little in the morning before you go and stay better hydrated during the ride.

You might also sift through this thread - http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=90213

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