I want to ride my bicycle!

Lackadaisical

As it turns out, this thread is more than a poor reference to a song by Queen. I'm moving to Davis, Ca quite soon and I'll be employing a bicycle as a basic form of transportation while attending school. My house, more of an apartment, is 1.8 miles from the edge of campus, so on average I'll be biking 5+ miles per day. My problem stems from the fact that I've done very little cardio exercise or bike riding in the past six years, how can I get in shape for this much bicycling in the next month? School starts on Sept. 20ish.

MrOletta

Start biking now? If not, then you can start running. I know running has helped my cycling performance. Regardless, 5+ miles a day to start off with is nothing if there aren't many hills around. Even if you didn't do anything until you started, you'd be handling it no problem in a week or two at most.

Raneados

if the ground is flat and you have legs, 5 miles on a bike is nothing as long as you take it easy

take some practice runs around

you have a month

if you bike leisurely around for that month you will get exactly 0 problems

HOWEVER, watch traffic as cars on school campuses do not give two tugs of a dog's cock for bicyclists. That ALSO means that you look around you at all times. Should I happen to hear you get hit by a bus I will be very angry

at you

MrDelish

Really, I have almost no cardio power when jogging/running, but I easily make my 12+ mile/day ride for work.

Of course you'll be sore in the beginning, but that's normal. As everyone else has said, just start doing something now so it won't be so bad when you actually do start.

Jake!

1.8 miles is essentially nothing, so I wouldn't worry about it. Three miles on relatively flat ground shouldn't take more than 20 minutes, even at a leisurely pace, and you'll have no problem doing it again a few hours later, or even straight away.

Raslin

If I remember right, I think davis has some strange hills/etc.

Thats about all I got on this subject >.>

SanderJK

You can always try the way the dutch tend to bike: Slow and relaxed. My work is about 3-4 miles away, and I take 20 minutes for it, take the scenic route and listen to an audiobook on the way to work. It's a lot more relaxing then taking 10-15mins and racing. (I doubt i'm above 15mph most of the time.)

Desert_Eagle25

Get a comfortable seat. A very comfortable one. The good ones are usually pretty pricey, but look for a comfy one that's built for easy removal/attachment. Thus, when you get off, you can take it with you, and quell and would-be thief's desire to take it, as well as protect an investment in a good seat incase your bike does get stolen.

This becomes a better option if you get a cheap, simple beach cruiser.

Szechuanosaurus

SanderJK wrote: »

You can always try the way the dutch tend to bike: Slow and relaxed. My work is about 3-4 miles away, and I take 20 minutes for it, take the scenic route and listen to an audiobook on the way to work. It's a lot more relaxing then taking 10-15mins and racing. (I doubt i'm above 15mph most of the time.)

Ah, I was wondering what the average speed of a bike in the city was. I'm planning on buying a bike too and was wondering if it'd kill me to cycle to work. My work is about 7 miles away, so if I take your Dutch pace I'd take about 40 minutes. Which is pretty good considering that's about how long it takes by car. If I put my foot down occasionally it might even be quicker. Although, Edinburgh is a lot more hilly than Holland.

FyreWulff

Also, always remember.

If you do not make eye contact with a motorist, assume they do not see you.

So many people will pull out of side streets only looking opposite the direction they are turning.

codetrap

Geez.. and I thought I had a hard time getting ready to start commuting to work on my mtn bike. I guess it's only 22km. (13m for you americano's) It takes me anywhere between 45 and 70 minutes depending on how I'm feeling, ambient temperature, wind etc.

I took a few practice rides around the neighborhood until I felt I was ready to jump in, then I started doing the leapfrog.. ride to work one day, and bus home, then bus to work and ride home. Now, I'm both ways for 2 weeks, then work from home for a week at a stretch. The first day back is always tough, unless I'm taking the dog out for runs too..

Some advice for you though. Real bikes shorts, the kind with the padding? NO UNDERWEAR! Otherwise you'll get some nasty chafing and rubbing. I'd really recommend the baggy kind that have the shorts built into them.. they're about perfect and you don't have to be a lycra god to wear them. Also, bike helmet, gloves, and hydration is always a good idea too.

Doc

5 miles a day is really, really easy on a bike. You will do fine.

Also note that "gel" seats suck. Get a firm seat and learn how to sit properly and you will be much more comfortable. Though due to the small distances you are riding, you likely won't notice all that much.