1st Commute Today...
05-10-07, 07:09 AM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 37
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
1st Commute Today...
I finally got a chance to commute to work today. 9 miles and I thought I was going to die a few times. You wouldn't think it but Atlanta has some big-a$$ hills. The ride back should be better. I don't know how you full-time commuters do it. You must have legs of steel.
Is there some mapping service on the internet that can tell you your total elevation change?
Is there some mapping service on the internet that can tell you your total elevation change?
05-10-07, 07:41 AM
#2
SERENITY NOW!!!
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: In the 212
Posts: 8,738
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Welcome to the Happy Healthy Commuting MuthaF*ckers (HHCMF) club! We have legs of steel, butts of steel and in some cases, heads of steel! Women lust after us, men want to be us and vice versa. Grab an extra donut, tell your co-workers it's to top of your tank and enjoy their envious stares.
And check gmap for elevation changes on your route: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/
And check gmap for elevation changes on your route: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/
__________________
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
05-10-07, 07:43 AM
#3
Crankenstein
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Spokane
Posts: 4,037
Bikes: Novara Randonee (TankerBelle)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Gmap is one... I don't like their interface at all.
I prefer routeslip.com myself, or bikely.com if routeslip is acting up.
I prefer routeslip.com myself, or bikely.com if routeslip is acting up.
__________________
"There is no greater wonder than the way the face and character of a woman fit so perfectly in a man's mind, and stay there, and he could never tell you why. It just seems it was the thing he most wanted." Robert Louis Stevenson
"There is no greater wonder than the way the face and character of a woman fit so perfectly in a man's mind, and stay there, and he could never tell you why. It just seems it was the thing he most wanted." Robert Louis Stevenson
05-10-07, 07:51 AM
#4
45 miles/week
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 2,020
Bikes: Jamis Aurora
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Do it every day for a month, and you'll have legs of steel too 
. It really gets easier after about week two or so.
. It really gets easier after about week two or so.
__________________
Treasurer, HHCMF Club
Now living in the land of the cheesesteak.
But working at a job where I can't surf BikeForums all day any more...
Treasurer, HHCMF Club
Now living in the land of the cheesesteak.
But working at a job where I can't surf BikeForums all day any more...
05-10-07, 08:02 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Southeastern, MI
Posts: 89
Bikes: Trek 930, Trek 1500
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Today was my first commute of the year. 15.6 miles, 59 minutes, real flat and a pretty easy ride. Feeling great and looking forward to 5pm to get pumping again.
05-10-07, 08:55 AM
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 37
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Bikely.com said my route had 905 ft total ascent and 820 ft total descent. I'm not sure if that's a lot but it sure felt like it.
What are your routes like in terms of elevation change?
What are your routes like in terms of elevation change?
05-10-07, 08:56 AM
#7
SERENITY NOW!!!
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: In the 212
Posts: 8,738
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Welcome the HHCMF to you too srp! Grab a donut and enjoy the stares of amazement from your co-workers that think 16 miles is too far to travel by anything but a car.
__________________
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
05-10-07, 09:07 AM
#8
45 miles/week
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 2,020
Bikes: Jamis Aurora
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That's a lot by my standards. My commute home is 664 ft up and 353 down (I guess that's why it's easier coming to work than going home 
).
).
__________________
Treasurer, HHCMF Club
Now living in the land of the cheesesteak.
But working at a job where I can't surf BikeForums all day any more...
Treasurer, HHCMF Club
Now living in the land of the cheesesteak.
But working at a job where I can't surf BikeForums all day any more...
05-10-07, 09:10 AM
#9
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
One learns fantastic route planning skills that manage to avoid as many big-arsed hills as possible...at least for the ride in. 
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
05-10-07, 09:15 AM
#10
Life is good
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Posts: 18,209
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 522 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
10 Posts
Congrats on the commute. 
What's your route? Many of the locals here may ride the same route and can tell you just how easy or hard it is.
After a few weeks you'll think the commute is a piece of cake.
Originally Posted by Chapman
You wouldn't think it but Atlanta has some big-a$$ hills.
After a few weeks you'll think the commute is a piece of cake.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
05-10-07, 09:25 AM
#11
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 37
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I live in Peachtree Hills. I take Habersham at Peachtree Battle to West Paces Ferry then meander through some less known streets to Chastain Park. I stay on Powers Ferry Rd at Chastain Park until I get to my office. (I believe Powers Ferry changes names once...Dupree Rd).
Are you familiar with any of this area?
Are you familiar with any of this area?
05-10-07, 09:40 AM
#12
Raving looney
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada
Posts: 2,482
Bikes: 70s Leader Precision w/Shimano 600 (road), IRO Rob Roy (Fixed)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Welcome Chapman, srp - good for you guys. As others have said, Chapman, it gets easier after a week or two, and even more so as time goes by - your body gets conditioned, then starts toning/strengthening.
My current commute is incredibly simple to work and back, barely any change and it's an 8/9mi. RT. I switch it up almost everyday with a ride out to see my daughter, makes it a 20mi day, and despite the sharp inclines from beach level to the mid-town arterial the elevation change I think is only in the order of about 150ft if memory serves. Nice ride, keep it up and eat/rest well - start slow, you'll get faster.
My current commute is incredibly simple to work and back, barely any change and it's an 8/9mi. RT. I switch it up almost everyday with a ride out to see my daughter, makes it a 20mi day, and despite the sharp inclines from beach level to the mid-town arterial the elevation change I think is only in the order of about 150ft if memory serves. Nice ride, keep it up and eat/rest well - start slow, you'll get faster.
05-10-07, 10:17 AM
#13
Non-Custom Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 1,613
Bikes: 1975-1980 SR road bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Congrats on commuting. What seems difficult or impossible now will soon seem easy.
I checked out your commute on gmaps. The total elevation difference between your high and low points is about 250 ft. That, in and of itself, is not bad at all, and will only take a few weeks to totally get used to. Even a wimp like me can handle a 400ft hill, now that I've gotten used to it.
However, your route is rolling hills, which means you are climbing that same hill over again, and that's adding up to about 700-750 ft of climbing on your route in. If your a newbie, that can be a challenge.
You have quite a few options, depending on what you want to get out of your commute. Do you have a shower at work? Is your bike appropriate for hills (good gearing, not too heavy)? Do you change clothes at work?
You could play with gmaps.pedometer or one of the other tools, to see if you can find a flatter route in to the office.
Or you could view it as a challenge that will give you legs of steel, and in a short time, make you very fast on the flats.
If I had a shower at work, and a good bike, I would be tempted to at least try the rolling hills. Otherwise, I might try to find a flatter route in, and do the hilly route on the way back. Keep in mind that your flatter route might tack on more miles.
I checked out your commute on gmaps. The total elevation difference between your high and low points is about 250 ft. That, in and of itself, is not bad at all, and will only take a few weeks to totally get used to. Even a wimp like me can handle a 400ft hill, now that I've gotten used to it.
However, your route is rolling hills, which means you are climbing that same hill over again, and that's adding up to about 700-750 ft of climbing on your route in. If your a newbie, that can be a challenge.
You have quite a few options, depending on what you want to get out of your commute. Do you have a shower at work? Is your bike appropriate for hills (good gearing, not too heavy)? Do you change clothes at work?
You could play with gmaps.pedometer or one of the other tools, to see if you can find a flatter route in to the office.
Or you could view it as a challenge that will give you legs of steel, and in a short time, make you very fast on the flats.
If I had a shower at work, and a good bike, I would be tempted to at least try the rolling hills. Otherwise, I might try to find a flatter route in, and do the hilly route on the way back. Keep in mind that your flatter route might tack on more miles.
05-11-07, 08:59 AM
#14
Life is good
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Posts: 18,209
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 522 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
10 Posts
Originally Posted by Chapman
I live in Peachtree Hills. I take Habersham at Peachtree Battle to West Paces Ferry then meander through some less known streets to Chastain Park. I stay on Powers Ferry Rd at Chastain Park until I get to my office. (I believe Powers Ferry changes names once...Dupree Rd).
Have you registered with the Clean Air Campaign and BATMA for commuter rewards? $$$$
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
05-11-07, 08:22 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: St George, UT
Posts: 71
Bikes: Trek 7.5 FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Way to go, Chapman and srp!!!!
This is so true, there is a monster hill, ok maybe only 100' elevation change , at the end of my ride in that I have yet to conquer. But I did find a nice ride around, adds about 1 mile to the trip and less traffic. That is a price I am willing to take. I will conquer that hill someday!!
Originally Posted by chipcom
One learns fantastic route planning skills that manage to avoid as many big-arsed hills as possible...at least for the ride in.
, at the end of my ride in that I have yet to conquer. But I did find a nice ride around, adds about 1 mile to the trip and less traffic. That is a price I am willing to take. I will conquer that hill someday!!
