Back to work - reluctant cyclist

[OhHolyJesus]

So for my new job I will be cycling to work - on pathways/pavements and quiet-ish roads.

Where the hell do I start? Is buying second hand a bad idea?

I will need all weather gear too so once it starts getting wet and cold I can stay dry and change at work.

Help! I'm totally clueless - looking for tips and links to the best stuff out there from people who have done this before! TIA x

2nd hand a good idea.

Helmet (not crucial but for me obvs), lights, rucksac or panniers IF the bike has the holes to support the panniers, lots of reflectives for you, your bag and your bike. A plazzy bag inside your bag to keep your clothes dry whilst riding. The right attitude to ride when you don't feel like it.

and a

Congratulations! I wasn’t that keen but it’s got me fitter and saved me money and time. Plus I find it good down time in the day.

Have you got showers at work? That makes a difference if it’s a long enough journey to get sweaty. Can you get a bike loan through work? Otherwise I’d recommend buying from a reputable shop (whether new or secondhand) as they can offer advice. I was (okay am) quite clueless and found a shop I trust which is on my way to work so I can swing by if having a problem.

Yes they have showers at work and I'm going to have to figure out what to wear or maybe take a full outfit with me.

Plastic bag to keep everything dry is a good idea.

Think I'll hire a bike for the first month then buy through the cycle to work scheme.

Excited but terrified - think I can do it though - the job and the cycling!

Any recommendations for cycling clothes that can be worn under something or any other things I should think of?

Helmet. I've got lights on mine.
Cycle clips to stop flapping trousers
Waterproofs
Clean knicks!
Decent lock
Rucksack
Small lightweight towel plus small deo n shower gel.
Lights
I've been cycling to work for 3 months. 4 miles a day, not lost weight but I'm fitter.
How far are you biking?

Ive

As a cyclist myself, I have to ask: why are you planning to cycle on the pavement? You should be on the road.

If you're not a very confident cyclist see if your local council has any cycle training for adults - ours does and it seems to be pretty good for building confidence for people who aren't used to cycling on the roads.

@LizB62A

So there is a pathway where you have to dismount and then walk through church grounds (all fine everyone does it as it's a public highway. Then onto the roads, so not really pavement. Sorry I wasn't clear.

Good idea to contact the council - I did cycle before but had a near miss with a 4x4 and it shook me enough to give up. I got rid of everything I had at the time and it was a borrowed bike so will be taking it more seriously this time and need all the help I can get to boost my confidence.

Thanks for all the advice and kit lists - appreciate it! X

Sorry to hear you had an incident with a car before - how scary. I’d keep things as simple as you can (minimise panniers etc) and consider getting off and pushing on any scary sections (bad junctions etc) for a while til your confidence builds.

If you want to build some confidence try a bikeability course, there are loads of levels and lots of providers so you should be able to find something near you.
bikeability.org.uk/

I agree with Ellboo, there's no shame in getting off and pushing if you are uncomfortable at any point. You will gradually build confidence with experience.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy it

how far is your commute? How hilly?

Hi @alardi - I've mostly figured out what I need now. Got all my kit ready for a trial run before my start date and I've found a flat, easy route to go that should avoid cars for most of the way.

Now I'm looking at simple work outfits that will work for both the office and cycling so I don't have to basically pack an overnight bag each day!

I just wear ordinary clothes, but my office isn't too formal or customer facing. Glad you're sorted.

Mudguards!

Funny you mention that @Childrenofthestones as they have broken and I have to get them fixed! It was a random freak thing but I wasn't hurt, just annoyed!

I'm looking to get a gel seat, buff and other things for winter now.

Any other ideas? Let me know x

How is it going? Did you make it through the darker months?
Hope you are enjoying it now 😀

Thanks for checking in! I didn't bother with winter tyres so have just started back on the bike last week since it has been warmer and my DH has needed the car. It's ok-ish. Not so bad in the evenings since it's so much lighter and I am more confident since I started, just need to work on the fitness so I don't feel so exhausted once I get home!

Glad you are feeling more confident now. I think the fitness just comes with time. How long is your commute?

I'm definitely out of practice! Some days it takes me 20, others more like 30 mins. I'm running/walking 3 miles once a week and doing gym for half an hour in my lunch break once a week so I'm hoping by the summer it won't feel like such a battle as I do dread the ride home and is like to be more positive about it.

Hi, you might not want to hear this, but I think hills are really good for getting your stamina up. Is there a route with some ups and downs? I enjoy cycling to one workplace which is at the top of a long hill much more than the flat one. Plus I whizz home at 30 mph!

Oh god I hate hills! The return is slightly uphill but only very slightly.

I could try it - do you have any mental tips for cycling? Listening to judicial would help but you can't have any distractions obviously.

Yeah, uphill on the way home is not so fun!
I find keeping a rhythm going with my breathing/ pedalling is the only way to keep going. I hated hills to start with too, but in terms of developing fitness that particular commute has done me loads of good

I have recently started cycling to work, it's 4.5 miles one way and I find I feel much more energetic during the day. Definitely blows the cobwebs off in the morning and de-stresses after work! Once you get into it you'll enjoy it, I'm sure.

I don't think it's made any difference to my weight to be honest. At least it's good for the heart and general health.

Miraculous I agree, it’s had no impact on my weight either, despite being a significant lifestyle change over a period of months. I also felt energised by it, but that was particularly the uphill cycle. The flat route does very little for me .

My route is downhill on the way to work and uphill on the way home. I was hoping it would make a difference to the way I look but alas... oh well, someone's got to be chubby, right? 😁

Waterproof trousers with elastic cuffs: lifesaver! Gloves: open finger for nicer weather and closed finger for not so nice.

I think cycling benefits ones legs more than ones midriff in general though.

Water proof trousers are essential.
What do you do about footwear?