Please motivate me to cycle to work!

[Rosarosae]

I really want to do this, the problem is, I don't even have a bike. There is this fab scheme at work whereby you can borrow a bike and gear for one month and I have signed up for it. I get my bike in early October (yay!), but

I started cycling to work across SW London in February. I am 43 now. The journey is flat but 7.5 miles each way.

My journey takes 35 mins door to door, quicker and more predictable than the train. I feel more alive. It impresses colleagues (the ones that don't think I am totally mad). I haven't lost weight, but am in better shape and more toned.

Advice - do buy a pannier, my neck is problematic. A colleague who cycles says the same. I usually cycle in sports kit and then change. I don't always shower....depends on whether I need to. Get some good lights, reflective clothing and a helmet. And enjoy!

I cycle to work, 14 miles each way, in heavy traffic. Agree with everything being said here..it's a very liberating way of traveling. And there's almost something 'noble' about getting from A to B under your own steam.

Riding in the rain even isn't so bad. You can only get wet once.

here's a v short and encouraging video,

Love that video. Its fab.

yes, often when it's raining, or I just don't feel like riding as it's such a long way, I think back to Afghan women and give myself a slap.

Often when it's raining or I just don't feel like riding I have to do it anyway, because I've no other mode of transport and have the bike with me which I need to get back home with me.

Invariably once my feet have gone round exactly twice on the pedals I completely change my mind and remember how nice is the sensation of gliding along the street at a rate of knots, almost silently and suddenly no longer tired. This may sound daft I swear it is true, and has included nights when I've had to cycle 16 miles home through central London at 3am.

BTW OP I meant to ask you what transport you will be replacing? Up to now have you been walking, or driving or getting a bus?

If you've been walking you'll enjoy the speed and the amount of stuff you can easily carry in panniers. If you've been getting the bus you'll not miss waiting around for ages for them in the cold, and will enjoy keeping pace or overtaking your usual bus very often if you cycle the same route.

If you've been driving then the cost saving is probably the biggest factor, but you may also like being able to slide up the side of traffic jams and you may be surprised by some journeys actually being quicker by bike in built up areas.

Oh also free parking in the city centre :)

I started 8 weeks ago, with no other changes at all I've gone from a heavy 12 ok a 14 that could squeeze ish to a proper 12. I feel fitter, healthier, happier. I don't have a car now so I cycle everywhere and it's no longer than driving because I avoid the traffic jams. My dc cycle everywhere happily. The cost saving means I am now looking for a cleaner because I can finally afford it!

At first I was shattered but that's passed quite quickly. The work run took 25 minutes at first, now I can do it in 15 when I'm running late My top piece of kit was an anatomical saddle cover! It really helps with the sore bum stage! Definitely get your bike set up by someone who knows how. The saddle height and handle bar position makes a huge difference and pump your tyres regularly to max pressure. Cycling on tyres even a few psi low takes an awful lot more effort.

Enjoy!

I find panniers less sweaty than a rucksack, which would be useful if you're not going to change.

Can you leave "proper" shoes at work and cycle in wearing trainers? That will lighten the load.

I started cycling 8 miles each way about six years ago. I love it! Wear highly visible clothing, not black. Have two sets of front and back lights so if one battery starts to run down you can still be seen.