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Original poster

Cycling Thread - pleasure peddlers to serious cyclists sign in here!

994 replies

Thistledew · 13/08/2011 16:41

Hi All

I thought I would start a cycling thread. It would be great if we could make it all inclusive, so whether you currently just enjoy bike rides but are interested in taking it further, or already train seriously, please post what you are up to and what your aims are. By sharing knowledge and experiences, hopefully we can spur each other on.

If you want to, please post a quick biog of how long you have been cycling, how much you currently cycle, and what your goals are.

And for those who wish to engage in a bit of bike porn, please feel free to post what sort of bike you ride!

Happy peddling!

OP posts:

Chopstheduck · 02/07/2013 16:04

Puncture kit is a good idea, I had forgotten that. I don't really carry a puncture repair kit, but I do carry a spare inner tube, a pump, a couple of spanners and a cycle muli-tool thing. A good multi tool will include a chain breaker in case your chain snaps.

Chopstheduck · 02/07/2013 16:04

if he has proper gym gear - running tops or anything like that he would be fine, just not cotton!

Notgoingto · 04/07/2013 19:07

Just found this thread and loving reading through it as I've just started cycling to work myself. It's 12 miles each way, mostly off road with one bit on fairly busy roads. Because of that bit I like to leave early in the morning to beat the rush and then leave work a bit early to avoid heavy traffic in the afternoon as well.

For those of you who cycle commute, how do you organise your mornings? I've started by having a shower at home, then having breakfast, then putting on makeup and then cycling in to work, then having a mini shower at work without washing my hair. Then I touch up my makeup. But maybe that's crazy! Is it better to get out of bed, put on my cycling clothes and cycle in, then have a full shower at work, get dressed put on makeup and do my hair, then have breakfast at my desk. Only problems with that are I might keel over from hunger and also the locker room at work is quite blokeish and although the shower cubicles at work are locked I'm afraid of hanging around the locker area for fear of running into a male colleague with his bits out! All the other cyclists where I work are men. What to do?

mirai · 04/07/2013 23:06

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mirai · 04/07/2013 23:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Chopstheduck · 05/07/2013 07:21

Mirai, could he try it out? Mine is described as lightweight aluminium but still weighs in at 15.3kgs, and more by the time you consider paniers, etc. I also frequently load it up with shopping and still have no problems getting up the hills.

notgoingto, I'd rather shower afterwards. Surely if the lockers are unisex, men should be keeping their bits packed away?!

AmericasTorturedBrow · 05/07/2013 15:50

NotGoingTo I never had option of shower at work so I would shower and wash hair at home, take a different tshirt and knickers to change into (my days before Lycra entered my life and I work in a very casual environment) but wouldn't do make up til at work

AmericasTorturedBrow · 05/07/2013 15:51

Also I now keep spare shoes at work so I don't have to lug the in with me I. I'm using my clips

Original poster

Thistledew · 06/07/2013 12:28

Mirai - is there a market for second hand bikes in Japan? If he has a friend who is knowledgeable about bikes, or a friendly bike mechanic in a local shop, it is always worth looking at second hand bikes. If you have a tight budget but know what to look out for (or have a friend who does) I would always rather go for a better spec second hand bike than a cheaper new one.

Notgoingto - I have two commutes - one of 12 miles with some hard riding which fortunately has showers at the end and one of 9 miles which has no showers but is flat all the way.

For my 12 mile ride I just get up, wash my face, have breakfast and then shower and do my hair and makeup when I get into work (I don't wash my hair though- I have it in a plait under my helmet and then either put it up or have it loose at work). I used to have an extra bite to eat at work when I started cycling my commute but don't bother now I am fitter.

For my 9 mile ride I have breakfast and a shower at home, cycle to work, have a wipe down with baby wipes and then put on my suit and do my hair and makeup.

I don't like cycling in makeup as if I get sweaty it runs into my eyes and makes them sting. I would have to redo it anyway. For my longer commute I leave a wash kit, suit and shoes at work and just bring in a fresh shirt. For the shorter one I have to take everything with me in my panniers.

I would definitely shower at work even for my shorter commute if I had the facilities to do so.

OP posts:

Original poster

Thistledew · 06/07/2013 12:31

I would add that if you use the locker room regularly, the men who use it will see it as less of a 'mans' space, and I'm sure they are equally reluctant to show off their Crown Jewels. You could always ask facilities to put up a notice reminding people that it is a mixed gender space where nudity is not appropriate.

OP posts:

Notgoingto · 06/07/2013 16:36

Thanks Thistle, Chops and Americas! There is a sign on the door already, I think it's just ignored as there aren't any women who use the facilities at the moment but yes I'm sure if I start using them regularly word will travel fast that they need to keep their bits to themselves!

Ok I think I'll try showering and doing my hair at home, then having a mini shower and doi g makeup at work. The idea of keeping spare shoes at work is genius, and a kit bag there too. I'll just have to pack a jersey dress and tights then and will be good to go. Oh and can't forget bra and knickers! Breakfast at home then maybe a small midmorning snack at work. Thanks again, all!

VivaLeBeaver · 06/07/2013 16:58

I do makeup (I only wear foundation) and have breakfast before leaving.

No showers at work so I have a strip wash and reapply antiperspirant. To be honest I don't get that sweaty....it's 8 miles on the flat and I pootle quite steadily.

Put my hair in a ponytail and I'm good to go.

madinmay · 14/07/2013 20:15

This is great - getting back into cycling after going everywhere on my bike in my early twenties. Marking my place to read up later then barrage you all with questions before i buy my new bike!

AmericasTorturedBrow · 16/07/2013 10:20

Yay, welcome!

disorganisedmummy · 16/07/2013 19:39

Hi there,is anyone doing the London to Southend bike ride on sunday?Lets hope it's not too hot!!

LadyMud · 31/07/2013 13:38

Gosh, it's quiet around here! Mind you, I've only been on my bike once this month - far too hot for my taste

AmericasTorturedBrow · 31/07/2013 15:42

Off on my first training ride for next years AIDS/LifeCycle on Saturday, it's the route I've done a million times but I haven't done a full on ride since June so it'll probably be hard work!

Just got the bike back from being serviced and cleaned and it is GLEAMING! can't wait to get out again

poachedeggs · 09/08/2013 07:31

Just clocking in - this thread fell off my Threads I'm On but I've found it again :)

I've been very lucky to get a new MTB a couple of months ago, and it's really added to my enjoyment of riding. There is a newly formed women's biking club here, and through that I've had some free or very cheap skills training and met a lovely group of people. My fitness is slowly improving and I'm going to do a race next month, so it's all good!

VivaLeBeaver · 14/08/2013 20:38

I've been biking quite a bit over the summer. Am finding though that at 25 miles I'm sore. Even on my daily 15 mile commute by hands are sore, shoulders ache, etc. thought I'd have toughened up by now but it doesn't seem to be happening. The distance of my weekend rides is restricted by niggles and aches rather than fitness.

So I'm going to test ride a recumbent trike at the weekend. 2k plus of recumbent trike. I haven't told dh yet! I might not tell him and see how long before he notices it in the shed.

VivaLeBeaver · 14/08/2013 20:40

Meant to say I'm slightly panicked at the thought of spending that much money. But then I thought bollocks, we don't have expensive holidays, we have savings, no debts and secure jobs.

Dh spent more on a paraglider.

It's cheaper than a gym membership and will benefit my health!

Do I sound convincing?

gindrinker · 16/08/2013 08:31

Viva - does your work do the cycle to work scheme? Could you get it through that?

VivaLeBeaver · 16/08/2013 16:42

They do do it, appparantly. I got bored with chasing the woman about it last year and bought a Tricross without it been on the scheme.

Plus this bike I'm probably getting is second hand, even though its 2k!

Pan · 16/08/2013 16:53

Viva - I'd google something like 'correct riding position/posture'. I did this a couple of years ago and found it pretty informative - one of the links demonstrated with pics aches from riding too far fwd causing hand and elbow ache (pressure) and riding too far back leading to lower back and shoulder ache.

VivaLeBeaver · 16/08/2013 17:11

Yes, yes but you're missing the point.

I need want this

It will be amazing and comfy and effortless cycling. Ok, maybe not effortless but the power ratio thingy is meant to be better on a recumbent enabling you to go further and faster. I'm going to get banana bags for it and tour holland and maybe Germany, possibly France! And my legs will never ache as its so perfect!

Pan · 16/08/2013 17:27

Hmm..I seeeeeee. okaaaayyyy....if you say so....etc

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