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Bike Commuting

dougianndougiann
in General Training Discussions

Like most everyone - I HATE sitting in traffic  - So, I'm thinking of commuting on my road bike to work (about 12 miles each way)....what's everyone's thoughts on this? I only work 4 days a week (good for me) so I don't think it'll be too much additional mileage...I just don't wanna do too much. My schedule includes IMLP and IMCoz (late season). Thanks for your thoughts.

Comments

  • dboyledboyle

    Totally do it if you can. I used to bike to work when I lived in San Diego and I loved it. Great way to disconnect from the day on the way home. I wouldn't worry about the training impact, if anything you can try to get some intervals in while dodging traffic image

     

    -Dave

  • Nemo BrauchNemo Brauch
    What kinda terrain/ roads will that 12 miles be? I think you can make it work, you just need to be strategic about it and consider how to approach those rides. If it's a hilly (like uphill all the way in one direction) kinda route on safe roads- you'd want to make the commute your workout. But if it's a multipurpose trail with runners, baby strollers, kids, etc, you'll need to just spin.
  • Steven FordSteven Ford

    I sometimes use it to replace my workout, 15 miles each way and sometime I use it as Dave said just to disconnect. Just pay attention to how you feel and do not forget you are burning more calories.

    Be careful.

  • ht001ht001
    I usually find that I have to drop my bike commuting during my heavy training periods for longer races. My ride is 10 miles each way with some good hills. I commute on a steel CX bike with panniers in which I'm usually carrying my laptop. Makes for pretty tough work, and I simply get too wiped out trying to do that and train big. When I'm training for shorter races i find the commuting to be a good supplement or replacement for some of the bike workouts. I'd say, try it, see how you feel. There's a logistical component to riding to work that adds some complexity depending on weather conditions, where/how you will lock your bike, extra food, clothes etc. but those might be a non issue for you....I think this is an area where you boys have an advantage over us gals.

    Have fun and be safe!! Rush hour drivers are not always aware that they need to watch for bike commuters...ride courteously but defensively!
  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

    I've been bike commuting since 1996, and doing IMs since 2000. At first, the commute (9-11 miles each way) was a primary element of my training, and I would get all sweaty, work hard, etc. Now, I use it for RECOVERY days. In power terms, I went from an IF of about .85 to 0.625 (my IF for this morning, for example). The past few years, I have been commuting 2 days a week, mostly because that's all my work schedule allows. Here are a few random thoughts on bike commuting:

    - Traffic lights suck; I found routes which might be a little longer, but don't require me to wait at lights.

    - Main roads suck; I found routes which run parallel to the main roads, and it's like being on my own private bike path instead of fighting cars for space.

    - There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing! (Believe me, I ride in the Pacific Northwest - Puget Sound area)

    - Showers are optional. I've never taken one at work, only before I start out in the morning. The smell, if any, stays in the bikes clothes, not on me. On a ride of more than about 3 miles, there is a great advantage in wearing standard biking shorts, shirt, gloves, etc in terms of comfort.

    - I'm lucky, having an enclosed office, in which I can leave clothes, so I only bring underwear with me.

    - I commute on a standard road bike, with size 700-23 tires. Only difference, is it's more like a cyclo-cross set up, with fenders and old mountain bike brakes.

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