Don't ever get discouraged. That is the only important advice.

Biking is awesome, and it's probably going to hurt at first. It did for me (my back and legs were SO sore), and I'm also close to your situation. 29 years old, just started a few months ago, 4 mile commute.

Before I started commuting, I was on my bike every day for shorter trips. Grocery store trips and riding for fun, mostly. It helped build strength and confidence, which is important becasue you don't want to get to work all sweaty, sore, and out of breath. Just KEEP BIKING. No matter what. You will improve.

Just ride steady and don't worry about speed. Get a comfortable saddle and make sure the bike fits. You can do it.

That sounds a lot like how I started out. I was 37, 5'9" and 235 pounds and completely sedentary. I did about a mile on my first ride with the new bike and my legs were like Jello at the end of it (a couple of minor hills and my complete lack of proper shifting contributed somewhat -- Sheldon Brown helped a lot). Within a week I managed a 4 mile round trip to the light rail station and back on a Saturday. Within a month I made the 10 mile ride home. I did a metric century at 11 months and a full century at 18 months. I also lost about 40 pounds in that time. Now I'm riding about 4000 miles a year.



In my first year of commuting (once I worked up the fitness to ride the full 10 miles), I averaged around 12 mph on a good day. Four years later, if I really push myself I can average over 18 mph and that's still going up. At first glance it may not seem like much to go from 12 mph to 18 mph in four years, but that involved cutting nearly 20 minutes off of what was initially a 50 minute trip.

Interesting replies, all. I agree that you (Navek) should have no trouble with the physical part of it. You can probably do the first day easily, but may be sore the next, That's okay, it will get easier fast.

What hasn't been discussed is the psychological effort it may take. Depending on the roads and elevation changes and traffic conditions, it may be more stressful than you are used to. After all, cars are deceptive in that they seem safe and controlled. They provide a controlled environment inside, dry, and warm or cool as required, with radio for distraction, etc. A bike offers a very different experience.

Every day you will have to answer the question "Drive or ride the bike?" Eventually you will look forward to the bike, but perhaps not at first. After you have been doing it for a while the novelty may wear off and you will be thinking the bike ride is boring. Then the same temptation will arise - to take the easy way out. If you are all-in, you'll keep riding!

My commute was 22 miles RT and I didn't flinch at the chance to try it out. Was it tough? Yes! I was 40, hadn't been on a bike in over 20 years, was an asthmatic pack-a-day smoker with high blood pressure and got very little exercise.

If my corroded old body can do it...

Just about anyone should be able to handle 6mi with 8hrs to recover for another 6mi. You might not set any speed records, but you'll definitely get there.

I think you will be fine, and in a short time, you will be wanting a longer commute, and will look for alternate ways to get to work that are further

z

That sounds doable. Buy the bike and think of it as motivation to improve your endurance. You might get a little sore at first, no different than how you get sore when you back go the gym again, but it won't last long. My first commute was 6 miles to school. I was usually able to make it back and forth but when I couldn't, public transportation was able to take me more than halfway home.

Just buy a nice bike and start riding it, more and more. Trust me. The difference in a quality bike will inspire you to ride it more. It's just more enjoyable.

That sounds doable. Buy the bike and think of it as motivation to improve your endurance. You might get a little sore at first, no different than how you get sore when you back go the gym again, but it won't last long. My first commute was 6 miles to school. I was usually able to make it back and forth but when I couldn't, public transportation was able to take me more than halfway home.

Just buy a nice bike and start riding it, more and more. Trust me. The difference in a quality bike will inspire you to ride it more. It's just more enjoyable.