Commuting by bike.. 9 miles, massive hill...am I silly

[SweetHoneyBeeeeee]

to think I can do this? There is one huge hill and it is a mixture of road, cycle paths and canal/tow paths. I am thinking hybrid bike, maybe cycle one way and bus back, then vice versa next day. Anyone do this? I reckon it'll take about 45 mins and I could use it to replace my daily cardio. Also thinking of getting some cycle coaching / road safety guidance of some sort.

Advice welcome...what bike? Is my timing accurate? anything else?

[SweetHoneyBeeeeee]

Thanks for all the messages and advice everyone, I will look into all of your suggestions. Am away now for 2.5 weeks so might be a while til I report back

[Supergluerules]

For cycling advice try //www.sustrans.org.uk , //www.ctc.org.uk or //www.lovetoride.net
Your local council may also be able to provide contacts for cycle training or even have a funded project in place.
But most of all go for it & let us know how you get on!

[VinegarDrinker]

Totally do-able. If the hill is that steep you can always get off and push til you build up your stamina.

My commute is 6 miles each way and certainly doesn't feel like a big deal or exhaust me or anything. I did it up until I stopped for maternity leave at 36 weeks.

[fubbsy]

Yes absolutely doable. That's the length of my commute, I do it most days. You will get used to the traffic and the hill.

Cycle training can be really helpful to give you a few useful tips and boost your confidence. The DfT website has a training search facility.

[Lavenderloves]

Aldi do lots of high vis cycling stuff...you need as much visability as poss.

Also you can plot your route on cyclemeter, good for timings and your loved ones can see where you are.

[BlueChampagne]

Totally do-able. I used to do 8 each way with 2 kids in a trailer (admittedly only 2 days a week as they got bigger). If there's any cycle training organisation in your area, you could book a training ride to familiarise yourself with traffic and help with route planning.

Agree hybrid is probably the way to go, and you could treat yourself to decent panniers.

Now DCs won't really fit in trailer, I've converted to running. You'll find you use some different muscles.

[MiconiumHappens]

Noooo if there is a shower at work its totally doable! I know someone who cycles 19 miles in on a bike!

I think sometimes doing things like this can make people feel bad that they aren't doing it so you get the naysayers

[RandomMess]

I only live nearly 2 miles from work and I wish it were further to get some more cycling miles in!!

[SweetHoneyBeeeeee]

Yes I can shower at work, otherwise I wouldn't even consider it! I am relatively fit (run c.25 miles a week) and used to mountain bike, my main worry is traffic but I guess I will get used to it and could maybe try doing it at a quieter time the first few days. Glad you lot don't think it's ridiculous...everyone in rl is very sceptical

[MiconiumHappens]

Go for it! Do a practise run on a Sunday, see how long it takes roughly and how sweaty you get

[alarkaspree]

I agree a hybrid bike is your best bet for this commute. Can you shower at work?

Someone on here recently suggested taking a week's worth of clothes in on a Monday morning, which sounded like a good plan if you have somewhere you can keep them at work.

[alarkaspree]

Yes, you can and should! I think you'll find it takes longer than 45 minutes though. An average speed of 12 mph seems doable in theory but once you factor in traffic lights on the roads, pedestrians on the tow paths and a steep hill it sounds ambitious.

You will find you quickly get to know the usual traffic patterns for your commute and that will make it easier to choose when to change lanes and things. The hill will be hard at first but after a week or two you will get used to it. In no time you'll be doing it both ways.

Good luck!

[RandomMess]

Go for it, you can do it. Possibly take you more like an hour though.